Perth Rendering Contractor

You need a Perth rendering contractor if you want your concrete to have character. The thing with rendering is that some contractors do it wrong. So, why does this happen?

Sometimes, it is not the material that is the problem but rather the skills and processes applied. Today, we at Australian Construction will show you how rendering is done. In the end, we are hoping you will have an idea of how complex the rendering process is, and that you will consider us to do this service for you.

What is rendering?

Just so we are on the same page, rendering is a process used to smoothen or improve the exterior quality and finish of a concrete or plaster wall. Most of the time, people only do this for aesthetic purposes. However, the Australian building code has it that the render must also have protection and fireproofing qualities.

You may hear terms like cement render and concrete render. Both of these are the same. The difference between renders is plaster because it uses plaster instead of cement.

Concrete rendering is popular because it is versatile. You can use it on any kind of masonry, even for bricks. In many cases, render is necessary if the concrete wall is made of concrete hollow blocks.

Once the render is dry, you can now finally apply the finish, which is usually painting. We’ll take this opportunity to let you know that we at Australian Construction do not only render, but we also do industrial painting jobs.

The Basics of Rendering

The most common kind of render used is cement because it is great for both internal and external applications. They not only make the wall beautiful, but they also protect the wall from water and fire. The cement render is not made of regular cement, but it is mixed with other things that will make it waterproof and fireproof.

There are coloured renders. Some people do not want to paint their walls. If this is the client’s preference, then the cement is mixed not only with sand and lime but also with pigment.

Depending on the target finish, several coats may be applied. The correct thickness must also be achieved to make the wall render flow harmoniously with the building’s overall design.

Surface Preparation

Like all projects that require a finish, surface preparation is one of the most critical processes in rendering. This includes cleaning the wall and applying chemicals to make sure it is clean.

We at Australian Construction make sure that the following are taken off:

• Oil
• Dirt
• Soil
• Grease
• Dust
• Paint
• Friable material

As you can see, this is a lot of work, and you need someone skilled to get this job done. Cleaning the surface is not as easy as getting an angle grinder and removing the paint. It takes experience to know what kind of chemicals to use in the right situation.

Apart from removing the dirt, we may also apply a dash coat, especially for areas where the concrete has a smooth and dense surface. The same process is applied in areas where there is a low absorption rate.

A dash coat is also made of cement. It is mixed with water and splashed or flicked to the surface. What this does once it hardens is that it creates small and raised areas where the coat of render will adhere. The dash coat is dried for 24 hours before we move on to the next step.

Mixing the Render Solution

Although Render is basically made out of cement, there is a lot of science that goes behind the scenes, especially of the render has to comply with the building codes of Australia.  

There are standard ratios for mixing render, and there are different standards according to the surface. The render mix is different if the surface or wall is made of bricks. It is also different from the surface is concrete, or if it is made of lime.

We can mix renders by hand, but since we do large-scale projects only, we use mixers. All the ingredients for each batch are carefully measured to ensure consistency and compliance with standards.

Also, we only mix what we could use in 30 to 40 minutes. Otherwise, the render will not perform well. On some occasions, we may use oxides and other chemicals to prolong the shelf life of the mix without impacting its effectiveness.

Application of the Render

The last step is to apply the mix. We do this by hand, but we use special tools to get it done right. Most renders are flat and smooth, so we use putty knives to apply them, or a plastering trowel.

Since rendering is also an art, there are so many varieties of devices that our expert rendering contractors use. Here are some examples:

• Plaster scoop
• Render floats
• Taping knife
• Hawks and small tools
• Speedskim
• Mixing drills
• Mixing paddles
• Brushware

The tools they use all depend on the final finish or outcome you are looking for. We have served many clients who want a smooth finish, and many others who like designs like waves once the concrete render has dried. Whatever it is that you are looking for, we at Australian Construction have experts to get it done.

Summary: Perth Rendering Contractor

If you need a Perth rendering contractor, give us a call at Australian Construction. We have been in the construction business for so many years, and we have done so many projects in the past that has allowed us to become experts in this area. We are a licensed company, and we are a name you can trust.

Speaking of expertise, we not only do rendering services, but we offer a multitude of construction jobs. We do painting, excavation, digging, foundations, electrical works, plumbing, and so much more.

If you give us a call, our licensed engineers will speak with you and discuss your project. We will visit your project site, give you a quote, and then we can move on from there.