Many properties have roughcast render on their exterior walls – while this was previously a popular finish, there are now alternatives that make use of upgraded technology and create a premium, modern finish. One such alternative is wall refurbishment, which can offer excellent value for money and improve your property dramatically.
ROUGHCAST RENDER AND WALL REFURBISHMENT – WHAT’S THE DIFFERENCE?
Roughcast render is an exterior wall covering that comprises lime, sand, gravel/stone chippings, and sometimes cement. It is often applied to walls by hand, and it might be confused with pebbledash – both have a rough textured finish.
On the other hand, wall refurbishment is a specialist process that works to repair existing external walls and masonry, before a breathable coating is applied. This breathes new life into a property, upgrading its appearance as well as protecting it.
COMPARING ROUGHCAST TO WALL REFURBISHMENT
These are some of the key differences you need to know about when considering your wall coating options:
- Roughcast is an inflexible wall coating, so when temperature changes cause it to expand and contract, this can lead to cracking. Wall refurbishment makes use of flexible materials, meaning the coating won’t crack even in extreme weather conditions.
- Roughcast isn’t as breathable as the coating used during a wall refurbishment. This means that roughcast can cause problems with damp over time, as it will affect moisture circulation and evaporation from inside the property. Wall refurbishment coatings are highly breathable, yet waterproof.
- Roughcast can be high maintenance – to hide the cracks that begin to appear, some people choose to paint it. This might put off replacement for a little while, but it’s a high-maintenance approach. The render will also need to be cleaned on a regular basis.
- On the other hand, walls that have had a refurbishment treatment will be self-cleaning, and both upkeep and maintenance will be simple.
- Roughcast application requires the use of scaffolding. This is expensive and time consuming to set up; other options, such as wall refurbishment coatings, can simply be sprayed on without the need for scaffolding.
- A wall refurbishment coating can last for many years while still retaining its appearance. This can make it better value in the long term than roughcast, which can chip and become damaged quite quickly.
- Cost effectiveness. In the long term, wall refurbishment is better value for money than applying new roughcast render. It lasts a long time, maintains its appearance, and will also improve insulation, helping to cut energy bills.
We can offer you further advice and information on wall refurbishment, and on existing roughcast rendered surfaces. Wall refurbishment can be the perfect option for improving and enhancing the appearance of your property, without a lengthy application process. It is compatible with roughcast rendered surfaces, which will be examined and repaired first, before the coating is applied (a minimum of two coats will be sprayed on using specialist airless spray equipment).
Please get in touch to discuss existing roughcast walls and the option of wall refurbishment. We can offer any advice you need.
Call 0808 501 2689, email info@lti-transformations.co.uk or get a quote here.