MegaDum Construct Ltd 

Render is a plastered finish for external walls that gives a smooth finish and protects brickwork against the elements. Traditionally, it’s built up in two or three coats, which makes it less likely that surface cracks will develop.

Today’s finishes are a world away from the grey pebble dash of post-war housing. There are now lots of specialist products to choose from, including through-coloured silicone renders and one-coat renders.

Aside from protecting the brickwork against wind and rain, rendering your walls can make the building more efficient. Around 30 per cent of the energy used to heat a home is lost through its external walls. Using a product such as an acrylic-insulated render is a clever way of upgrading energy efficiency without compromising your interior living space.

You don’t usually need to apply for planning permission for repairs and maintenance to render. But if you live in a sensitive location such as a conservation area, you will need permission before completely changing the cladding of your home. If you want to re-render external walls, building regulations may also apply, depending on the extent of the work.

If your property is listed and part of a group of properties, it may be the case that your render will need to be a specific RAL or British Standard (BS) colour. Check your deeds and paperwork carefully before you start. 

External insulation

External wall insulation involves fixing a layer of insulation material to the wall, then covering it with a special type of render (plasterwork) or cladding. The finish can be smooth, textured, painted, tiled, panelled, pebble-dashed, or finished with brick slips.

It can be applied without disruption to the household does not reduce the floor area of your home

It will renew the appearance of outer walls.

It will improve weatherproofing and sound resistance.

It fills cracks and gaps in the brickwork, which will reduce draughts.

Increases the lifespan of your walls by protecting the brickwork.

Reduces condensation on internal walls and can help prevent damp (but will not solve rising or penetration damp).

It is best installed at the same time as external refurbishment work to reduce the cost.

It may need planning permission - check with your local council.

It requires good access to the outer walls.

It is not recommended if the outer walls are structurally unsound and cannot be repaired.

Solid wall insulation sometimes needs planning permission

According to the planning portal, planning permission is not normally required for installing solid wall insulation, provided the external appearance of the property doesn’t change. If your property is brick and unpainted, changing its colour with render will require planning permission. Also, if the building is listed or is in a conservation area you should consult your local planning authority.

From our experience of installing solid wall insulation across London, it seems there is no standard approach to how the councils judge what is acceptable and what isn’t, so if in doubt, it is probably worth asking the question!

Our business is important to us , as we are self employed the integrity of our business is paramount . Our services are offered at high quality , sourcing materials at best price for you . We have a wide range of experience and have completed projects nationwide . We have a reputation for quality ,timely , great value for money services . Some of the services we offer : * Simply render only using an acrylic or mineral top coat . * External wall insulation,with a number of different finishings .