Acrylic vs Cement Rendering

If you've noticed your exterior walls crumbling, it's probably time to apply a fresh coat rendering. The question is—what material should you use? For homes in Australia, the most popular choices are acrylic and cement rendering, and there's a lot of debate for which one is more effective. There's no easy answer to this question, so we'll compare the two and let you decide on your own. Here's a quick rundown of both materials and their pros and cons.

What are the pros of acrylic rendering?

In the last decade, acrylic has become an increasingly popular choice for rendering. Part of the reason is the fact that it's easy to mix. When mixing, you can't really make a mistake or ruin the batch. The only thing you have to focus on is the consistency of the acrylic render mix. As long as you can apply it properly and avoid impurities, the batch is ready for your wall.

Once applied, it doesn't take long to dry. Once it hardens, you will have a durable and water-resistant surface. Acrylic rendering comes in a wide variety of colors and textures, so you don't have to worry about a lack of aesthetic options.

What are the cons of acrylic rendering?

If you're working on a budget, acrylic might not be the ideal choice for you. It's much more expensive than its cement counterpart. If you hire a house rendering service, they'll take longer and charge more to apply acrylic, as it requires more care.

After drying, the material is less breathable than other types of rendering, which may affect the durability in the long run. Added plastic materials can improve the results, however.

What are the pros of cement rendering?

What makes cement rendering so ubiquitous is its versatility. You can use it for multiple parts of your rendering. If you want to set a base and then add another layer, cement can serve as one or the other. If you want pure cement as the render, it does its job well.

Cement rendering is durable and long-lasting once applied, which is why so many Australian homes have this material on their walls. When applied with expert hands, it's one of the best options for rendering out there. It's no surprise then that there's a lot of demand for professional house rendering in Sydney, as there are plenty of new houses that require external protection. Cement tends to be the first choice for most homeowners in Australia.

What are the cons of cement rendering?

Despite its ubiquity, cement rendering isn't without its flaws. For example, there aren't many substrates you can use with a cement render. You're pretty much limited to either brick or block. While it is easy to mix, you have to do it on site before covering the wall.

Cement rendering is made up of loose material, which has its pros and cons. The bad news is that there's a small risk of contamination if the render wasn't applied properly. This is another reason to consider professional help when adding a layer of render. If major mistakes are made, the render may crack eventually, exposing the wall to the elements. Though, this is more common in old homes where the render isn't maintained.

Acrylic vs cement

There's no consensus on which of these materials is better suited for rendering. There are plenty of factors to consider, including your desired price range and the ease of the task. Both acrylic and cement rendering do a good job of protecting your home's exterior wall from different types of weather.

What it really comes down to is price, preference, and free time. There are slight differences in how easy it is to apply a certain render, but this isn't a factor if you choose to get professional help. As long as the job is done properly, you can count on your render to last you a long while.

Conclusion

Acrylic and cement are both good choices for your wall's rendering. With the help of professional rendering services, you can complete the project quickly and make sure it lasts a long while before needing a replacement. Review the above comparison and see which option best suits your house renovation project. Once you've made a decision, you can either do the job yourself or let the experts handle it. It's up to you.

Author Bio

Allan Wickerson is a passionate blog writer who is extremely keen on writing about health, lifestyle, home improvement, and technology. His exclusive hobby is surfing the net to find amazing articles that can inspire him with some fresh ideas for article writing. He loathes being a common person who wastes his time. Follow him on Twitter.