A helibar is a stainless steel bar used to strengthen and stabilise masonry in both new builds and remedial works. Not only is it used to strength and stabilise masonry, it can also be used to create movement joints, to create or repair flat arch lintels and crack stitching. Crack stitching is done by installing...Read More

There are several reasons that render can deteriorate, both naturally and by human activity. As a force of nature, weather is out of the control of all humans and this could be the first problem. The role of render is to protect the main walls of a property from the most extremes of weather; extreme...Read More

Over the years I have noticed that many clients hire someone to render their property based on the fact that they have done a good job in plastering internally one of their rooms or maybe their friend simply recommends a plasterer to them. They do very little research into the render system they want to...Read More

Cement particle boards or render boards are normally fitted on timber frame builds and then the rendering is normally carried out over the board. However there are a number of problems that could arise with cement particle boards if not fitted properly or if the incorrect render system is applied over it. Most render manufactures...Read More

In some older houses, there may be problems associated with insulating the property effectively as these older homes are built in such a way as to have solid walls so there is no possibility of having cavity wall insulation installed which means condensation can build up within the property leading  to damp conditions. Fortunately with recent...Read More

Ensuring that the right drips and overhangs are in place before you commence with the rendering application is very important. Without sufficient drips and overhangs the render will become defective very quickly. Water will get in the render and damage the render in a matter of months if left exposed for too long. Stains and...Read More

The addition of cement to lime mortars is a widespread, almost traditional practice, but few consider why it is done or the consequences. There is also confusion over the substances and chemistry involved. Non hydraulic lime hardens by a slow process of carbonation, reacting with atmospheric carbon dioxide over a period of weeks. Hydraulic limes and...Read More

We get many enquiries to apply lime render to a property, however when asked why they want us to apply lime render to their property? The response is normally “because this is what I have been told”. The reason lime render is normally applied has a lot to do with the brick mortar behind the...Read More

Lime is used to refer to a variety of products made from limestone and chalk (both forms of calcium carbonate). In the context of building conservation, the term is most commonly applied to types of binder used in render and mortar by burning limestone or chalk to make quicklime and then slaking this with water....Read More

In many occasions we have been asked by clients to render over existing render, one of the obvious benefits of doing this would be that the cost of removing the existing render is eliminated. However there are a few things to consider before you choose to follow through with this option as making the wrong...Read More