If you’re interested in having cement render applied to your home or building, you may be wondering what the difference is between plastering and the application of cement render. There are many similarities between the two, so this subject can be quite confusing.
So, in this article, the team at Zaks Render will help you understand the differences between cement render and plaster.
Render refers to a plaster-like material that is applied to the exterior of a building to provide a smooth, even surface. Render can be made from a variety of materials, including cement, lime, and acrylic, and is often reinforced with fibreglass or other materials to increase its strength and durability. The purpose of render is to protect the underlying brick or blockwork from the elements and to improve the aesthetic appearance of the building. Render can be coloured or textured to achieve a variety of finishes, and is a popular choice for both new construction and renovation projects.
This is the key difference. Interiors are usually finished using plaster, while exteriors surfaces use cement render. While the basic composition of both render and plaster are fairly similar – a combination of cement, sand and water – sometimes, the actual products are quite dissimilar.
Finer sand is used to achieve a smoother finish and smoother surfaces in internal plastering, and usually less sand is used overall. When applied to a flat surface, the coat of plaster is giving an extremely smooth finish, so it’s perfect for interior wall surfaces.
Cement rendering involves a much higher proportion of sand for additional strength. The sand is also usually much more coarse, which helps increase the strength of the cement render. The render finish coat is, correspondingly, a bit more rough and “rustic.” It’s ideal for exteriors – but the rougher appearance is not appropriate for most internal walls and ceilings.
Related article: What type of render should I use? Cement or acrylic?
The other major difference between plaster vs cement based render is that most premixed renders come with special compounds and polymers which enhance their strength and water resistance. These additives also usually help the render resist chipping or develop cracks from impacts.
Because plaster is not exposed to exterior conditions, these additives are not present in interior plastering products.
So, should you use cement render to renovate your older buildings? Applying render to your home can have a number of great benefits. If you have a home with stone or brick walls, cement render is a great way to restore its appearance if the underlying structure has become weathered or unsightly.
There are also a huge number of different finishes available. From smoother render that uses fine sand, to render with exposed pebbles and coarse sand, as well as other styles, you can always find a cement render that will make your home look beautiful.
Cement render is also extremely durable and tough and can help protect the underlying building structure from the elements, when properly applied. It’s waterproof and fire resistant, and it provides another layer of insulation – which could help lower your energy bills.
Now that you know the difference between rendering and plastering, are you curious to learn more? Zaks Render is the leading cement rendering company in Sydney. We have experience with rendering projects of all types – and we can perform both exterior rendering and interior plastering. If you’d like to see some of our work, check out our past projects now.
We understand the importance of using only the highest quality rendering materials to ensure that our clients receive the best possible results.
Want to learn more about the benefits of cement render, and get a quote for your home or building? Contact us online now, or give us a call at 0402 283 119. We’re always happy to hear from potential customers!
Cement render provides a durable alternative to paint or wallpaper on exterior walls. It is weather resistant and provides insulation.
The main difference between cement and plaster is that cement is a binding material that is used to hold aggregates together to form concrete, while plaster is a wall covering material that can be applied in a wet form directly to interior or external walls. Cement is not as waterproof or fireproof as plaster.
Render is more suitable for damp exterior environments than plaster. Render forms a waterproof, protective barrier on external walls that will stand up to wind and rain exposure for many years. Plaster is an absorbent material that can degrade faster when exposed to excessive moisture.
For interior walls, plaster generally provides a smoother, flatter surface than concrete. Plaster can cover walls in a thin, even layer, creating a uniform surface ideal for decorating. However, concrete walls are more durable, fireproof and resistant to damage over time. Plaster may crack or chip if knocked into, requiring repairs every 5-10 years. But concrete walls are virtually maintenance-free once installed. Plaster installation also takes less time, sometimes just a week to a month versus the longer curing time needed for concrete.
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