How To Render A Wall

If your home or garden features a garden wall, then you know just how beneficial it can be. 

Garden walls can enhance the aesthetic of every space, and also offer a functional use as a physical, imposing barrier between your property and the outside world, therefore protecting your privacy and security. 

However, if your garden wall has begun to crumble, you’ve noticed cracks or any other type of damage has started to set in, it can create a serious problem. 

In severe cases, damage can even cause a garden wall to collapse creating a dangerous hazard that at the very least will be costly to repair. 

To avoid this from happening, it’s important to know how to render a wall. Rendering a wall will refresh its appearance, creating a modern, stylish look that also keeps the wall in good condition. 

In this article, we’ll explain how to render a wall. Read on to learn more. 

Signs you need to render a wall

There are several signs that a garden wall needs rendering. 

This includes the following:

Cracks: If you notice cracks forming on the surface of a wall, particularly ones that are widening or deepening over time, it is likely a sign that it needs to be rendered. These cracks can cause a wall to eventually collapse, and allow water to penetrate the structure which will lead to further damage if not addressed. 

Dampness or moisture: Persistent dampness or moisture on a wall’s surface or in the surrounding soil could indicate that the wall’s protective layer has been compromised. Rendering can help to seal the wall, preventing water from seeping through and causing further damp issues that may result in further damage. 

Flaking or peeling paint: If the wall has been painted and you notice that the coating is flaking or starting to peel away, it is likely a sign that the underlying surface has to be rendered. Flaking paint can indicate poor adhesion, which means the wall will be more susceptible to water damage and future deterioration. 

Uneven surface: An uneven or rough surface on the wall can not only detract from the wall’s appearance but may also indicate that the underlying structure needs to be smoothed out and rendered for a more uniform finish.   

Staining or discolouration: Stains or discolouring of the wall’s surface, especially if they are persistent and hard to remove, may indicate that there are underlying issues with the wall such as water damage or mould growth. Rendering this can help cover the imperfections and provide a clean, fresh surface. 

As well as these key signs, a loss of structural integrity or just a general decreased aesthetic appeal can also suggest that rendering is necessary. 

How To Render A Wall

Now we’ve identified the signs that demonstrate that rendering a wall is required, let’s focus on how you can actually do it.

Before you begin, you’ll need to make sure you have the right equipment and tools for the job. This includes:

• A plastering hawk
• A trowel
• Rendering mortar 
• An electric mixer
• A rendering mesh
• A mixing bucket 
• A brush
• A sponge 
• A plank of wood 

Once you’ve gathered this equipment, you can follow the handy steps below to properly render your wall.

Remove the old render 

Before you begin applying your new render solution, you need to first remove the old one. This is because the new render will not perform as successfully if the existing stuff has not been removed first. 

To do this, you simply need to grab a hammer and masonry bolster to break the old render off the wall. Once you’ve done this, clear all of the debris out of the way. 

Prepare the area

Next, you need to thoroughly prepare the wall to ensure it is ready to accept the new render. 

Give the wall a good clean with water and a brush, scrape away any moss that may have formed and ensure that all gaps or cracks have been filled.

If the holes or gaps are particularly big, you may want to consult a professional before proceeding as rendering it alone may not be enough to stabilise the structure.

Mix your render 

Now, it’s time to mix your chosen render. 

Carefully read the instructions on the packaging, and pour the recommended render mortar and water into your mixing bucket.

Then, pour the solution into your electric mixer and mix it until the substance has a clay-like consistency. 

It’s also worth noting that there are a wide range of render mortar options on the market to choose from. Make sure to take some time to properly consider all the available options before settling on the type that is best for you. 

Apply the render to the wall

As soon as you’re happy with the consistency of your render, make sure to apply it to the wall as soon as possible. 

This process is not too dissimilar to plastering, so if you’ve done this before then you should be able to carry out the task fairly easily. 

Using your trowel, scoop some of the rendering mortar onto your plastering hawk. Then, smear it across the wall at a 45-degree angle. The first layer should not be overly thick, perhaps only 5mm. This technique can be challenging as it’s important that you get the pressure and method spot on to achieve the desired results. 

Add the rendering mesh

Once the first layer has been applied, it’s time to install your rendering mesh.

A rendering mesh is designed to stabilise the mortar and prevent it from cracking. With this in mind, when you purchase the mesh make sure it is of a high quality and which is alkaline resistant. 

Place it on top of your layer of wet render and smooth it over. Then give it some time to dry. 

Apply the second layer of render 

Next, apply another coat of render.

Follow the same technique as the first layer, but this time it can be slightly thicker at around 10mm.

Smooth out the render 

Once the step above has been completed, wait for around half an hour. Then, use your plank of wood to smooth the render moving in large strokes going from top to bottom. 

Wet the wall with a sponge

Finally, use a wet sponge to add moisture to the wall. 

This will help create a professional finish, enhancing the wall’s aesthetic while smoothing the render further.