Rendering and Damp Issues: What UK Homeowners Need to Know | HouseRenderPro

Does Rendering a House Stop Damp? The Truth

Yes – but only if done correctly. Rendering is a powerful damp prevention solution for UK homes, but it’s not a cure-all. Here’s the breakdown:

• ✅ Stops penetrating damp (rain-driven moisture) in 90% of cases

• ❌ Won’t fix rising damp (ground moisture) – needs separate damp-proof course

• ⚠️ Can cause damp if poorly installed or on unsuitable walls

*"We’ve resolved 350+ damp cases with rendering – but always diagnose the damp type first."*
– George Edward, HouseRenderPro

How Rendering Prevents Penetrating Damp

Penetrating damp affects 1 in 4 UK homes (BRE). Quality rendering creates a:

1. Waterproof shield – Silicone render repels rain like an "umbrella" for walls

2. Breathable barrier – Modern renders let moisture escape (unlike old cement types)

3. Crack sealant – Covers porous bricks/mortar joints where water enters

Most effective in:

• West UK (heavy rainfall)

• Coastal areas (salt-spray zones)

• Exposed gable ends

3 Situations Where Rendering CAN Cause Damp

1. Covering Existing Rising Damp

• Renders trap ground moisture → bubbles/blisters form

• Solution: Install damp-proof course first

2. Using Non-Breathable Renders on Old Walls

• Cement renders on solid walls (pre-1919) trap moisture → internal damp

• Fix: Lime-based or silicone renders only

3. Poor Installation

• Gaps at edges → water ingress

• Incorrect thickness → cracking

• Our guarantee: 10-year protection against installation faults

Best Renders for Damp Prevention (UK Climate)

4-Step Damp Diagnosis Before Rendering

Before we render, our surveyors check:

1. Damp type (rising/penetrating/condensation)

2. Wall construction (cavity/solid brick/stone)

3. Existing damage (cracks, spalling, salt stains)

4. Previous treatments (failed damp-proof courses)

Using: Protimeter damp meters, thermal cameras, moisture mapping

Case Study: Fixing Damp in Bristol Victorian Terrace

Problem:

• Recurring damp patches on north-facing wall

• Mould in bedrooms

• Failed cement render (1950s) trapping moisture

Solution:

1. Removed old render

2. Installed chemical DPC

3. Applied breathable lime-silicone render

Result:

• Damp eliminated in 3 months

• Heating bills down 15%

• 5-year mould-free guarantee

How to Render CORRECTLY for Damp Prevention

1. Treat rising damp first

   • Install/replace damp-proof course (£80–£150/m)

2. Choose breathable renders

   • Modern homes: Silicone

   • Period properties: Lime-modified

3. Ensure proper detailing

   • Seal around windows/doors

   • Install drip beads above openings

4. Include insulation

   • Stops "cold bridges" that cause condensation

"After years of damp, their silicone render fixed our coastal cottage. Bone dry for 3 winters now!"
– The Davies Family, Pembrokeshire

3 Rendering Mistakes That Cause Damp

1. Rendering over damp patches → Moisture migrates internally

2. Using sand/cement render on solid walls → Trapped moisture rots timbers

3. Ignoring render cracks → Water seeps behind coating

*"We fix 2-3 botched rendering jobs weekly – always hire specialists."*

Why HouseRenderPro Beats Damp

Our damp-proof rendering includes:

• Free Protimeter damp surveys (£150 value)

• Breathable renders certified by BBA

• Damp-proofing partnerships with local specialists

• 10-year damp-free guarantee

Book Your Damp Survey →