External Render Options...

Morning all.

I have a 1930 3-Bedroom Bungalow, built from Norfolk Reds. The brickwork is extremely scruffy, it has had alterations over the years where non-matched bricks were used and there are various other faults that are simply too much to do anything else with. As much as I hate to say it, there is no going back, it MUST be rendered.

I'm also of the understanding that it'll need to be metal-lathed to give it the best chance of looking it's best.

Consequently, when we built the extension, we built it from Thermalite blocks, due to their superior u-value, despite being told that we'd have to metal-lath that part too.

So, the question is this. Is the best option Sand/Cement render? Or are there better options these days? I'm not looking to do this work myself, so I'll be looking for quotes, but need somewhere to start the thought process. Any other pitfalls to watch out for?

Christian and Beccy, Hi.

There is already a load of information on this board about external rendering plus some of the pitfalls, try the search, even start at the bottom of this page where render questions have already been answered

How about you consider external insulation and then a coat of render? there are several proprietary systems on the market, a Google search will get you started

A base layer of Stainless lath well fixed will assist greatly in the life expectancy of any render added to the wall. As for adding external insulation, well that needs no elaboration, especially if the external walls are solid old 9 Inch [no cavity] construction.

Some bricks at times do not like being rendered, I have absolutely no idea at all as to what the bricks are that your property is constructed from, there may be others on the board that could assist in this aspect?

Given that you are intending to budget for the render on Lath option, then for some more funding you will have a more habitable property, that in the fullness of time [OK as with most insulation Installations it will take a long time to recoup the outgoing in fuel savings] when you come to sell, the external Insulation should induce an increase in £ Value?

Ken.

You don't need metal lath to render on masonry. Although rendering on aerated blocks needs special precautions.

All you really need, is to hire experienced plasterers, and that will give you the best results.

There are modern systems, but I don't see the benefit compared to the costs for a small bungalow job.