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The Ultimate Guide to Achieving Flawless Render Finishes with ProBead Rendering Beads

Building Products Index Ltd Render, Render Beads Leave a Comment

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In the realm of construction and architectural design, achieving a flawless and lasting finish on exterior walls is an art that blends practicality with aesthetics. One key element is the seamless integration of rendering beads, which not only provide clean lines and sharp edges but also contribute to the overall resilience of the structure. Among the innovative solutions available in the market, ProBead rendering beads stand out as a versatile and effective option for enhancing the durability and visual appeal of rendered facades.

In this guide, SAS Render Systems shed light on the step-by-step process of using render beads. Whether you’re a seasoned professional or an enthusiastic DIY homeowner, this comprehensive guide will navigate you through how to use render beads to their full potential. From understanding the essential materials required to achieving a professional-grade finish, we’ll explore the right way to use render beads.

Step 1: Preparation

  • Ensure you have all the necessary tools and materials: ProBead render beads, render, plastering tools, and safety equipment.

 Step 2: Surface Preparation

  • Make sure the surface where you’ll apply the render and render bead is clean, dry, and debris-free.
  • Use suitable cutting tools, such as tin snips, to measure and cut the ProBead render bead to the desired length.

 Step 3: Applying the Render Basecoat:

  • Start by applying a thin layer of render (basecoat) or blobs of render to the wall where you want to apply the beading using a trowel. This base coat provides a smooth and even surface for the rendering beads to adhere to.
  • Use a hawk and trowel to spread the render, ensuring an even thickness.

 Step 4: Attaching Render Beads:

  • Press the ProBead Rendering Beads into the wet render at the desired locations.
    • Ease them into reveals surrounding windows, doors, and other openings; for corner beads, apply gentle pressure to external corners and lightly tap to ensure a level alignment. A spirit level can help you maintain a level surface.
  • Ensure beads are securely embedded in the render and are aligned properly.

Step 4: Applying Render

  • Once the render beads are in place, you can proceed with applying the render to the surrounding areas.
  • Apply the render evenly and firmly into the beading’s edges, ensuring it covers the edge of the render bead and extends beyond it. This helps to create a smooth and consistent finish and eliminates any potential air pockets.

 Step 5: Smoothing and Finishing

  • Use plastering tools to smooth and shape the render, ensuring it adheres well to the render bead and the surrounding surface.
  • Pay extra attention to creating crisp edges and clean lines using the render bead as a guide.

 Step 6: Cleaning

  • While the render is still workable, remove any excess material from the surface of the render bead to ensure a clean edge. The render should align flush with the exposed edges of the beads for a clean and tidy finish.
  • Clean any smudges or excess render from the render bead’s surface.

Step 7: Drying and Curing

  • Allow the render to dry and cure according to specification recommendations. This usually takes some time, so be patient.

 Step 8: Inspection

  • Inspect the finished work to ensure the render beads are securely in place and the render has dried evenly. Make any final adjustments if needed.

 Step 9: Finishing Touches

Once the render is fully cured, you can proceed with any additional finishes, such as a ProRend Colourtex finish.

ProBead render beads, designed to streamline the creation of sharp corners, neat edges, and consistent reveals, are more than just accessories – they are the cornerstone of precision in rendering.

Feel free to chat with the SAS Technical Team at 01647 24620 about recommendations for specific render beads you should be using, as different products may have slight variations in application methods and requirements.

Market-leading ProBead PVC beads are available in 18 standard colours and 34 colours perfectly coordinating with GoRend and ProRend renders and systems. Durable and high quality with a 25-year guarantee, ProBead will always give you the perfect edge.

Eager to witness the quality first-hand?

Get your hands on coloured bead samples free of charge here.

 

SAS Render Systems Achieve A2s1d0 Fire Classification

Building Products Index Ltd Cladding, Insulation, Rainscreen Cladding, Render Leave a Comment

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ProWall Rendered Rainscreen System and ProRend EIFS Mineral Wool External Wall Insulation systems have both recently achieved a fire classification of A2s1d0, making them one of the safest and most effective options for external wall insulation on the market.

A fire classification of A2s1d0 means that the material has been tested and found to be limited combustibility (A2 – Limited Combustion), has low smoke emission (S1 – emissions very little or absent), and does not contribute to the spread of fire (D0 – no burning droplets). This is one of the highest fire classifications that can be achieved for building materials, it demonstrates the safety and reliability of both our rendered rainscreen and mineral EWI system.

The ProWall rainscreen cladding system is a carrier board system, typically used in timber frame construction. It provides an attractive and durable finish to an exterior of a building. This system is made up of a 12.5mm cement-based carrier board fixed to either timber batons or rails that are made of either aluminium or steel. A 6mm layer of a flexible basecoat called Lite-Q is then applied and a glass fibre reinforcement mesh is fully embedded.  This reduces the chance of cracking, as timber and steel frame structures tend to move within the first two years of construction.

                                              (ProWall System used on                              (ProWall System structure)

                                         Travelodge Camborne Redruth)

The façade finish is a silicone render called ProRend Colourtex Uniform, available in over 65,000 colours. The Colourtex can be either applied by trowel application or sprayed via a simple hopper and compressor set-up. In being applied this way it speeds up the application as well as reduces overall building costs. The ProWall system is accompanied by a plethora of additional sundries that help with contraction, and expansion in addition to ventilation. The Technical team at SAS can provide full technical support.

The ProRend EIFS system uses mineral wool insulation, which is made from natural rocks, such as basalt and dolomite. These are melted and spun into fibres. It is a highly effective insulator, with excellent thermal and acoustic properties. The mineral wool is non-combustible and has low smoke emissions, contributing to our high fire classification of the system. This particular system is commonly used on projects over 18m in height, and commercial buildings such as offices and warehousing, and larger residential buildings with multiple occupancies which require excellent insulation along with a higher level of fire safety compliance.

                                          (ProRend EIFS System used                      (ProRend EIFS System structure)

                                       on Cornerstone Housing, Exeter)

ProRend EIFS can be affixed to numerous different substrates with a simple change in fixing type and embedment depth. From sheathing boards on steel structures to masonry builds inclusive of brick and block. Exactly like the ProWall system, the basecoat, glass fibre mesh and Colourtex Uniform are all applied to create the final rendered finish.

Together, the ProWall and ProRend EIFS systems are both effective in protecting buildings whilst being safe in the event of a fire. As stated before, they are suitable for use on a variety of different buildings, such as residential, commercial, and industrial properties.

The technical team at SAS Render Systems are happy to discuss your project requirements and provide full technical support at all stages.

The solution to rendering timber frame: ProWall

Building Products Index Ltd Render Leave a Comment

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So, you have made the decision to build a timber frame house with current construction methods?

This is certainly a very attractive proposition, capable of achieving fantastic thermal performance exceeding current building regulations while maximising the design opportunities.

One of the reasons you likely chose this method of construction was the speed of construction.

You want to achieve an attractive rendered finish to complement your house, but how exactly do you do this?

You could build an external blockwork skin, but with off-site manufacturing, the timber frame can often be erected in a matter of days; so you don’t want to have to wait months for an external block skin to be built to achieve your desired finish.

Then there is always the traditional option of sand and cement on EML fixed to stud work with building paper.

Whilst the materials are fairly cost-effective, this method can be problematic if your timber frame experiences any movement, as this can crack the render.

The accepted “modern” method is to batten off the breather membrane and fix a render carrier board to create a ventilated cavity and apply a thin-coat render system.

At SAS, we have developed ProWall, a fully ventilated, fully rendered rainscreen, combining high-quality materials to create a comprehensive and fully warranted system.

The advantages of using ProWall are as follows:

  • System durability up to 60 years – BBA certificate 13/4983
  • Horizontal ventilated cavity barrier seals tested to 99 mins integrity
  • Available in 30 standard colours plus RAL and NCS matching to 65000+ colours
  • 10-year system warranty
  • Reduced preliminary costs due to quick installation
  • Clear cavity – Creating a breathable render system
  • Highly water-repellent silicone resin finish
  • Low maintenance costs
  • Suitable for curved facades will bend to 1.5m radius
  • Suitable for use in very severe exposure zones
  • Category 1 hard-impact tested – suitable for areas of high foot traffic

ProWall can be used to create a modern, crisp finish, providing sharp lines alongside glass, wood, or alternative forms of cladding.

System Breakdown

Typically, the timber frame is lined with OSB and covered with a breather membrane.

Battens are secured in line with the frame then the ProBoard render carrier board is set on top, alongside specialised ventilation beads and slip joints to allow for any potential movement.

Also, intumescent strips are installed, providing additional fire protection between floors.

Once the board work is complete, a highly polymer-modified basecoat is applied and fully embedded with a fibreglass reinforcement mesh to tie everything together.

Once cured, a colour primer is applied, followed by a highly water-resistant and flexible silicone thin coat.

The whole system achieves a 60-year BBA certification.

Creative Freedom

The silicone render topcoat is through-coloured, and with 30 standard colours, we likely have something that will suit your requirements.

However, if you are looking for something particular, we can also match most standard colour charts such as NCS, RAL and British Standard.

With over 65,000 possible colours, the possibilities are only limited by your imagination.

As well as the vast array of colour options, the boards used within the system has a bending radius of 1.5m; this allows curved walls to be easily achieved, giving you additional freedom in design.

Not just timber frame

ProWall can be used to clad steel frame structures. If used with helping hands brackets, the system can achieve the same quality finish on large residential or commercial buildings.

Toupret bolsters its Problem Surfaces collection with two anti-damp fillers

Building Products Index Ltd Filler, Render Leave a Comment

Anti-Damp Range copyView the Toupret entry on BPindex

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Toupret has continued to improve its product offering with two versatile anti-damp products from its Problem Surfaces range that can be applied on both interior and exterior walls.

These two products further strengthen the choice of any professional for treating problem surfaces. Both are highly technical fillers that have the Toupret stamp of approval from painters, decorators, builders, and construction workers up and down the country.

 

Anti-Damp Render ApplicationThe class-leading Anti-Damp Render is a filler coating perfect for covering damp, porous and untreated masonry. The filler has been designed to prevent the deterioration of decorative coatings applied over it. It is moisture vapour permeable, so it provides a breathable skimcoat barrier. When used on exterior surfaces it acts as a damp-proof filler, blocking water from penetrating the substrate surface. When applied to interior walls it acts as a water barrier while still allowing water vapour to pass, letting substrates breathe. This makes it ideal for basements and garages where damp might be a problem. Anti-Damp Render is available in powder form in a 6kg bag. It can be applied as a skim-coat, with a trowel or a brush. Plus, it has a 1cm depth limit and a working time of three to four hours, and is ready to paint 24 to 48 hours after application.

Also part of the anti-damp family is Anti-Damp Treatment. Available in a 1kg tin, this solution acts as a moisture barrier that seals the substrate and blocks localised liquid in the wall. It comes as a loose ready-mixed filler and can be applied with either a brush or roller. Covering micro-cracks whilst targeting the damp, this Problem Surfaces product is also ready to paint in 24 hours and is versatile enough to be applied to both exterior and interior walls.

The anti-damp product update is part of a major rebrand and product reorganisation for Toupret. So now, not only can Toupret’s products be relied on to make a great quality filling job simpler and quicker, but it’s also much easier to choose the best product for any given task.

The Problem Surfaces collection is now easy to recognise in green colour-coded packs. And the range is no exception to Toupret’s endeavour to communicate their products’ applications as clearly as possible, adopting new names to achieve just that. However, recognising a loyal customer base, the old product names discreetly remain on the packaging to ensure they are easy to find for everyone – for example ‘Anti-Damp Render’ also bears the historical ‘Humi-Block’ product name.

Both Problem Surfaces anti-damp products are available to purchase from trade distributors nationwide.

 

Render, board, basecoats, bead and mesh – premium products for a rendered façade

Building Products Index Ltd Render Leave a Comment

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SAS Render Systems deliver everything you need for a rendered finish across the UK – including BBA certified systems with bespoke beading; basecoats and renders for a range of substrates and finishes, and high-quality bead and mesh for durable and low maintenance facades.

Everything you need for a rendered finish

SAS Render Systems are based in the southwest of England, and sell render products that we either manufacture or have bespoke produced for us. Our brands include ProRend, ProBead, ProMesh, GoRend and ProBoard, as well as complete systems including ProWall rainscreen and ProRend EIFS rendered external insulation.

How to work with SAS Render Systems

Whether it’s a design and build, renovating a whole housing development or a new retail unit it is beneficial to contact our technical team early in the process. They can advise the best products for the build considering the project as a whole. Make an informed decision by thinking about the construction substrate, thermal properties, timescale and final finish and look of the building.

SAS can even help you find an applicator for their products if needed, with an approved network across the country.

Call our technical team to speak to a real person (no bots here!) on 01647 24620.

You may also be interested in our latest CPD on YouTube ‘Specifying a Render System’ where we consider the pros and cons of different render systems.

Choosing render products

Once you have chosen the render system and accessories for your project, our team can help you put together an order in the most economical way. They will talk you through the amount of product you need including beads, basecoats boards or paint, and check the best delivery method and timings.

Order and delivery

SAS Render Systems hold many products as stock items that can be delivered as soon as the next day. If you are interested in the custom-colour options where we can supply render, beads or masonry paint to match a specific colour requirement, do get in touch early to arrange samples or to view our sample library, so you have time to make a choice and discuss lead times.

Some recent projects from SAS Render Systems

new homesNew Persimmon homes in Devon rendered with GoRend HBS from SAS Render Systems looking fantastic. GoRend HBS through-coloured render has been specifically designed for new housing, and can be applied with one coat.

apartmentsNear completion – luxury coastal apartments by Darnley Developments finished with ProRend Colourtex. Colourtex is a pre-mixed thin coat render containing silicone for a highly water-resistant finish.

houses4-bed houses in Cornwall by Peter Prouse Ltd. A masonry build with a slate roof, wood cladding and finished with ProRend Colour render. ProRend Colour is a premium through-colour render containing mica, for a subtle shimmer in the finish.

universityIn progress, a university technology building with the ProWall rendered system installed by Mudge Drylining Ltd. The ProWall system is BBA certified and creates a ventilated facade suitable for timber or steel frame.

Find all the SAS Render Systems products, projects and news at sas-europe.com

External insulation for warmer, more efficient housing

Building Products Index Ltd Render Leave a Comment

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eifs before after
Retrofit of ProRend EIFS external insulation

With the UK due to commit to a dramatic reduction of CO2 emissions, one area of focus is how we heat and insulate our homes more efficiently. External insulation is a solution for housing that achieves thermal efficiency, whileproviding an attractive façade for a property and protecting it against the elements.

ProRend EIFS (External Insulation Finishing System) is a complete solution for renovating properties, both residential and community buildings. ProRend EIFS, from UK company SAS Render Systems, adds a new, breathable outer envelope to the building, comprising of modern external insulation under a durable and decorative render finish.

Improving energy efficiency

If a building has solid walls, is poorly insulated, costs too much to heat or suffers from damp, then retrofitting external insulation can solve the problem. The Energy Saving Trust reports that external wall insulation can reduce annual heating bills by an average of £225 for a gas-heated semi-detached home.

ProRend EIFS gives compliance with Building Regulations Part L- Conservation of Fuel and Power, achieving the current thermal conductivity requirements for walls. There is also choice for the homeowner of colours and finishes.

External insulation retrofit project

Capture
Recent ProRend EIFS retrofit project

This renovation project shows retrofit external wall insulation to an existing cottage.

Retrofitted ProRend EIFS rendered wall insulation improved the appearance and thermal efficiency of this home, ensuring low energy running costs for the future.

The render finish is ProRend Colourtex render, that comes in a wide range of standard colours, or can be custom-coloured to match existing buildings.

Some of the many benefits of ProRend EIFS external insulation:

  • EIFS can be applied retrospectively with homeowners in place
  • Does not reduce the floor area of the property
  • Reduces heating bills
  • Reduces internal condensation
  • Gives a new finish to outer walls
  • Solid block insulation will not break up and release fibres
  • Seals draughts and cracks in brickwork
  • Prevents water coming in
  • Adds soundproofing
  • Render gives a durable protective finish
  • Contains biocides to prevent algae to the surface, so is easy to maintain
  • 10-year manufacturer’s guarantee
IMG_0066
A housing association retrofit of ProRend EIFS this year

The ProRend External Insulation Finishing System (ProRend EIFS) has a long-lasting, highly water-resistant rendered facade. Unlike internal insulation, it can be applied without disruption and does not reduce the floor area of the house. It renews the appearance of outer walls, filling draughty cracks in brickwork, adds soundproofing, and protects the walls from further exposure damage. The insulation system will reduce condensation on internal walls and prevent water ingress from the outside.

SAS Render Systems can provide a quote to retrofit external insulation to your home, or support and supply long term projects to retrofit external insulation for housing associations. We provide the complete insulation system, including render and coordinating beads, delivered across the UK. SAS also have a network of applicators we can recommend to install the insulation, contact us for further information.

ProRend EIFS can be applied to timberframe buildings as well as solid wall, and there are several options for the insulating material, including A-rated options.

Contact us for more information about the ProRend EIFS system, whether you have one house to update or are looking for insulation solutions for a social housing portfolio.

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