Passive House + Magazine issue 5 | SMET Render

Passive House + Eco Build & upgrade magazine – 5th Irish Edition, features SMET in an editorial and full page advertisement focusing on the uniquely versatile material, Render. Render can be used to coat virtually any building; creating new buildings, remodelling existing buildings and creating fine detailing to tight budgets.

Professional Render Solutions from SMET

Render is a uniquely versatile material that can be used to coat virtually any building; creating new buildings, remodelling existing buildings and creating fine detailing to tight budgets. Like any material that must withstand and repel the elements, its correct production and application are vital if it is to have longevity. Essentially all modern renders are a composition of four elements; sand, cement, water and the additives which make the products perform. When combined in the correct quantities, these elements produce excellent rendering results. If the ratios are not combined correctly, the materials will not perform. Too much cement means the render hardens too quickly or develops too densely; too much lime additive means it will cure too slowly or develops with limited strength.

Renders from Smet Building Products Ltd are produced in modern batching plants and state-of-the-art factory environments which ensures that raw materials are quality assured and the formulations are accurate every time. Supplied pre-blended to site, all that is required from the applicator is the addition of the correct quantity of clean water, thus creating a render to exceed expectations in application and performance.

All renders adhere to the substrate by a combination of mechanical key and suction. To determine the suitability of a render to a particular substrate or background, a close examination of the density of the substrate is required. All building systems have varying densities, i.e. engineered brick or block have a high density, Poroton blocks have a low density. Choosing the correct render for the different systems is vitally important. From the substrate out to the surface, densities occur from dense to less dense, or from strong to less strong.

Although traditional renders are usually a build-up of several coats to achieve the correct steps in density, protection levels and aesthetic finish, modern manufacturing techniques now enable the production of single coat renders; achieving the same goals in a fraction of the time with consistent results.

Product can be spray applied by machine, speeding up the process dramatically compared to the traditional hand-applied method. Single coat renders, otherwise known as monocouche or monocapa (depending on their European origin), can be ‘through-coloured’ and are available in a range of colours; or lime-cement based, which need a paint or synthetic decorative textured coating. Each render enables the creation of a truly stunning façade finish.

SMET supplies a wide variety of Professional Render Systems designed for all building systems including, traditional concrete block, brick, Poroton building systems, Insulated Concrete Formwork (ICF), timber frame building systems, retrofit, historic restoration and conservation builds.

The SMET Professional Render Systems are currently utilised on a wide range of projects across the country. The Lidl façade system of application onto Poroton single leaf block, in a vast number of new store builds, extensions and refurbishments, have been rendered using German made SHG Bauprotec 850 M Lightweight Lime Cement Render. Produced to EN 998-1: 2003, renders such as these are machine applied by SMET Supported Partners. The renders used are selected for their special properties, i.e. light weight, low density, low thermal conductivity, high yield and SMET’s superior technical back up in delivering SHG’s high quality products.

Through-coloured, low maintenance, Onexit Universal Render was selected as the façade solution for many new developments, retrofit and refurbishment projects across the nation, such as Delgany Village in Co Wicklow, the Airfield Project in Dundrum, the Aughrim GAA Clubhouse in Wicklow and Our Lady’s Hospital in Crumlin. SMET Supported Partners applied the single coat, high quality, weather resistant render, produced to EN 998-1 2003, by machine application.

Onexit Universal’s Render properties, such as low maintenance, through-coloured, high yield, along with the superior technical support from SMET, were the key drivers in selecting this Universal Render System.

Pre-mixed NHL Plasters and Renders are becoming increasingly commonplace, allowing traditional materials to be applied with modern techniques. Spray applied SHG Bauprocalc KAP was specially selected as the façade solution for numerous renovation projects, such as the Valhalla Project in Dublin, and many old farm houses and town houses across the nation. The product’s unique properties such as, high water vapour permeability (breathability), sustainability, and the special composition which allows constant hygrometric exchange between the substrate and the environment, were key drivers in the selection of this façade Render System. SHG Bauproclac KAP is a factory produced Natural Hydraulic Lime Plaster specially designed for hand and machine application produced to DIN EN 998-1: 2003. The product is extremely versatile, being suitable for use in external rendering and internal plastering.

Smet Building Products Ltd demonstrates, once again, best practice in supporting their selected partners through offering a comprehensive range of Professional Render Systems. The SMET Professional range of quality Render Systems are backed up with the expertise of a technical advisor. At SMET, the company is site focused, providing customers with industry specialists who will provide training and support as well as demonstrate the Professional Render materials. SMET doesn’t believe in ‘sell and forget’ – the company’s policy is to continue to monitor the scheme to ensure a first class finish.