Audrey
The quality of your home’s façade is one of the first things people notice as they walk past your property. The exterior walls accentuate the house’s best architectural features, so picking the right finish is crucial.
The two best options for furnishing and protecting your home exterior are colored render and paint. Colored render is a mixture of cement, sand, and pigment, creating a unique texture. On the other hand, painting provides a wide range of shades in matte, satin, eggshell, and gloss finishes. While rendering and painting are both excellent options, one may be more suitable for your home than the other.
To know which is best for your home exterior, here are some comparisons between colored render and paint based on five crucial factors.
1. Aesthetic Appeal
The type of finish you need for your home exterior depends on its architectural style. One way to achieve a cohesive design is to consult a trusted company specializing in home paints and surfaces, like Rockcote. Experts will also help you choose the best color palette and texture to bring your visions to life.
A colored render is perfect for architectural styles such as Mediterranean, Spanish-colonial, mid-century modern, and contemporary homes. The textured finish creates an organic appeal, perfect for structures that blend in with nature. You can also render specific exterior walls to add depth and emphasis.
On the other hand, paint is suitable for classic and modern farmhouses, cape-cod, and different traditional architectural styles. The right paint type and color can bring the best out of home exteriors with vinyl or timber cladding since it maintains the original texture of the surface.
2. Durability
The durability of an exterior wall’s surface is crucial to your home’s safety. Your chosen exterior finish should protect your house from extreme weather conditions. It should also keep water and moisture out to prevent mold formation and water damage.
A colored render is perfect for brick and block walls. Rendering protects these porous materials from moisture, preventing mold in your home. It’s also suitable for hurricane-prone areas and regions with harsh winters. However, the durability of a colored render depends on its type. An acrylic render is the most durable since it’s completely water and weatherproof.
Conversely, paint can protect timber, vinyl, fiber cement, and composite. These materials are flexible for repainting in the future to maintain look and function. However, its durability still depends on the quality of your paint and paint job. Therefore, hiring professionals is the best option.
3. Longevity
The longevity of material helps maximize your budget and returns. Even if your chosen exterior finish is low-cost, it will only be worth it if you can enjoy its beauty and function. The key to a long-lasting house façade is prioritizing quality.
Acrylic and polymer-based renders typically last between 20 to 40 years with little to no maintenance. These types of colored render may show fading after several years due to sun exposure, but they can maintain their protective capabilities for longer. The most crucial factor in making your rendering last is a professional installation.
Like rendering, painting also requires experts to last. A professional exterior paint job typically lasts between seven to ten years, which is excellent longevity for its cost. However, you can repaint the walls to refresh your home’s look anytime.
4. Project Timeline
Time is always a concern in any home construction or improvement project. While some can wait weeks to finish their exterior walls, others are on a tight schedule. Here’s where you need to weigh which option fits your timeline.
A traditional colored render usually takes up to a month to cure properly, while rendering with acrylic may only take a few days. The project timeline may extend depending on your home size and weather conditions. It’s best to render during summer or spring to avoid delays.
On the other hand, painting your home exterior typically takes around four days, including prep work. Like rendering, the timeline depends on home size and unexpected weather changes.
5. Costs
The cost is one of the deciding factors before choosing the perfect exterior surfacing for your home. Choose the type of finish that provides excellent quality for the best price.
A colored render typically costs between AUD$30 to AUD$80 per square meter. These prices depend on your location and the type of finish. A smooth render requires detailed work, which may cost more than a rough texture.
Despite requiring a high upfront cost, colored rendering helps you save in the long run due to its low to zero maintenance expenses. You can pressure wash it yearly to remove dirt and stains.
Painting your home exterior is less expensive than rendering, costing only between AUD$12 to AUD$60 per square meter. These prices may change depending on the exterior wall material and condition. You may also prepare for additional expenses on repairs.
In terms of maintenance, painting may cost more than rendering over the years. You may need to repaint your home exterior every five to ten years to maintain its vibrance.
Conclusion
Colored rendering and painting offer distinct benefits for your home. Determining the best for your exterior boils down to your specific needs and preferences.
