Cracks often appear on newly completed buildings or updated stucco layers. That is caused by uneven shrinkage or exposure to groundwater and a number of other factors. To avoid such problems, the progress made must be taken into account. Flexible render is a newcomer to the construction market that helps to maintain an attractive finish and avoid repetitive repairs.
What is a flexible render?
Flexible render is often referred to as rubber. Of course, there are no traditional rubber elements in its composition, but the properties resemble this flexible, plastic material that can bend without damaging the surface. Like rubber, flexible render can elongate when stretched by 15% or more and is not covered with cracks when the base is moved, displaced, vibrated.
What is the most flexible render?
Currently, flexible gypsum is included in the product range of the most well-known manufacturers of building mixes. In relation to façade works, the material competes with traditional mineral renders, which even with slight shrinkage, the building starts to deteriorate. Furthermore, due to their low elasticity and flexibility, mineral mixes cannot withstand harsh working conditions and quickly cease to provide the necessary protection for the structure.
The main ingredient in flexible render is acrylic resin, invented in the mid-20th century. Like other artificial resins, it is characterised by its elasticity after curing, which is why it is now widely used to produce various building materials: plasters, paints, stone. Initially, paints were based on acrylic, water, and pigments, to which a mineral filler was then added (up to 70% of the total weight). The filler can be:
- natural and synthetic fibres;
- stone chippings;
- silica sand.
Advantages and disadvantages of render:
The render is available in a ready-mixed form; it does not require mixing components. When applied and dried, it forms a seamless weatherproof coating. The advantages of the such external wall rendering manchester are as follows:
- available in different shades and white version, can be tinted to any colour, painted after drying;
- easy to apply, does not require special knowledge for rendering, dries quickly;
- can be used as a decorative render, if necessary extruded;
- environmentally friendly, does not emit harmful substances even after heating, does not emit an unpleasant odour;
- has high adhesion to most construction materials (concrete, wood, brick, all porous surfaces), does not lag behind walls;
- can even be applied on an insulation layer, such as foam, as well as other types of render
- versatile, suitable for facade work, decoration of internal walls and partitions, cladding of new buildings, and renovation of old buildings;
- not afraid of exposure to the sun, water, not damaged by ice expansion, can be used in damp rooms;
- permeable to water vapor and gases, does not change the conditions for optimal microclimate in the room;
- maintains temperature differences in the range of -50 … + 60 degrees, do not deteriorate during freezing and thawing;
- it is considered non-flammable, ensures fire safety of the construction;
- the colour does not fade, does not fade with time;
Flexible render has several disadvantages. This material can not be called cheap – its cost is relatively high, and the complete finishing of the building can cost a decent amount. In addition, it is not suitable for rough treatment in a thick layer but is intended only for finishing or decorative finishes. Finally, the flexible render does not like seams joints, so it is advisable to produce the cladding on each surface in one go.
