What Is Render?

Render is a fantastic choice for the exterior finish of both domestic and commercial buildings. Render gives the property a waterproof finish, whilst providing a smooth and sleek aesthetic. Easy and quick to apply and relatively affordable, render is a smart choice for the exterior of your home or business.

Like all external property coatings, render is susceptible to the effects of the environment, this can lead to algae growth, fungi, and other stainings. Maintaining the render is essential to keep it looking great and performing at its best.

Different Types Of Render

Before you embark on cleaning render it is important to know what type of render you actually have.

Below are some common types of render:

Cement Render

This is the most common type of render and is made from a mixture of cement, sand, and water. It is applied in a thin layer over masonry to protect decorative finishes.

Acrylic Render

This type of render is made from acrylic resin, pigments, and fillers. It is a popular choice for commercial and industrial buildings as it is highly durable and low maintenance.

Polymer Render

This type of render is made from a mixture of synthetic polymers, fillers, binders, and pigments. It provides a tough and flexible finish that is resistant to cracking.

Lime Render

Lime render is made from a mixture of lime, sand, and water. It is a popular choice for traditional buildings as it allows the building to ‘breathe’.

Silicone Render

This type of render is made from silicone, pigments, and fillers. It provides a weatherproof finish that is mostly resistant to fading and staining.

Different Cleaning Options For Render

As you can see there are different types of render, each with its own unique set of properties. The reason it’s important to find out what type you have is the approach to clean render will differ hugely depending on the surface to be cleaned.

If you are unsure about what type of render you have, you can check with the manufacturer or ask a cleaning company and they will be able to advise you.

Jet Washing Render

Most render manufacturers recommend the use of a jet wash to clean render. A jet wash is a high-pressure hose that emits a stream of water. It can be used to remove algae, fungi, dirt, and other unwanted material from the surface of the render.

This is a great choice if staining isn’t too deep and clean with a Jet wash if well done will restore the render to its original look.

The only issue with jet washing is it will not be suitable for all types of render as some need a more gentle approach.

If you are unsure then always consult a professional cleaning company who will be able to advise you on the best course of action.

Washing Small Areas By Hand

If the area that needs cleaning is relatively small then it can be cleaned by hand. Simply mix a detergent (see below) with water and apply it to the render using a brush or sponge. Leave the detergent to soak in for a few minutes before rinsing off with clean warm water.

Be careful when washing areas near windows and doors as the detergent can cause streaks.

Chemical And Detergent Cleaning Of Render

If you want to clean your render with or without a jet wash then you will need to opt for a chemical or detergent cleaning agent. This approach is best used on more delicate types of render that could be damaged by the high-pressure stream of water from a jet wash.

Detergent works by lifting dirt and grime from the surface of the render, once applied you will then need to rinse it off with clean water.

Chemical cleaning agents work by breaking down the dirt and grime on the surface of the render. This is a great choice if you have stubborn staining like rust marks, that detergent alone won’t shift.

Fungicide’s

The most common cause of staining on render is fungi growth. This is usually down to the build-up of moisture on the surface of the render.

To prevent this you can treat the render with a fungicide, this will create an invisible barrier that will stop algae and fungi from taking hold.

To apply a fungicide you will need to mix it with water and apply it after your initial cleaning.

Biocide

If your render is particularly susceptible to algae growth, applying a biocide can provide long-term protection. Ideally, you should apply a biocide once a year which will prevent the growth of algae.

Tip: Biocides work by killing algae and fungi, they are usually applied as a preventative measure rather than a treatment for existing growth.

So there you have it, a guide to cleaning render. If you are unsure about what type of render you have or the best way to clean render, then always consult a professional cleaning company who will be able to advise you.