Boost Property Values with Rendering Options

2 January 2024
By Simon Austin

The property market of 2023 was hotter than expected, and as the Sydney Morning Herald reported today, mortgage growth is expected over 2024 as well. What this means is that as we enter 2024, property owners and developers in NSW will need to find ways to enhance their properties and look for timeless and attractive looks for their existing building structures if they wish to secure top dollar for their next sale. It is simple in theory, but harder in practice.  If you have taken a look around lately, you will see naked brickwork is making a comeback. However, owners of older buildings that used less decorative and aesthetic brick options may want to consider alternatives to a brick facade and consider different rendering options.

Some body corporates and owners’ corporations will opt for compliant cladding options, while others may look to render over the bricks, modernising and changing the entire look of the building. Those owners who opt for rendering then have two options: tinted render or painted render.

Both these options have their advantages and disadvantages, and it can be difficult to decide which is the best option for your particular building.

Over my career, I have had several roles where I have consulted on painting options and seen the decisions made as to whether to paint or to tint. So, as we start the new year, I thought I would take a closer look at the differences between tinted render and painted render, and what factors you should consider when making your decision.

Tinted Render

Tinted render is a timeless and beautiful finish that adds a classic look to brick walls. It is made from a combination of acrylic, cement, sand, and pigment, and is durable, flexible, and water-resistant. It also provides long-term exterior protection for the wall and is less vulnerable to cracking than painted render. However, tinted render is more expensive than painted render, and is not as easy to strip and repaint if you want to change the colour.
We have also seen many instances where a few years after application an area needs to be repaired. Although the products is designed to be UV stable, the truth is, over time, there are slight colour changes. We have seen several examples where repairs have been made and the render reapplied to original colour specifications. Despite the best attempts, it is often evident where the repair work has been done and there is little that can be done about it.

Painted Render

Painted render is a cheaper alternative to tinted render and is a great way to transform the look of your brick wall. It is a time-saving option and is easier to strip and repaint should you wish to change the colour or need to repair an area. That said, it is more likely to crack and flake over time, and it does not provide the same level of protection as tinted render. This can be an issue in areas where the wall is exposed to extreme weather conditions, or the ocean, as cracking and flaking paint can seriously damage the overall appearance of the wall.

The Australian Building Code

When choosing between tinted render and painted render, it is important to consider the National Construction Code. The code states that all buildings must be constructed in a manner that is durable, safe, and aesthetically pleasing. This means that the chosen rendering option should be able to withstand the harsh Australian climate and provide a good level of protection from the elements.
If you are repairing an apartment complex on the Northern Beaches, the requirements for your concrete (and other elements such as balustrades) will be very different to areas such as Hurstville where the environmental conditions are very different and there is less of a salty environment.

Property Prices in NSW

When deciding between tinted render and painted render, it is also important to consider the current property prices in NSW Australia. Tinted render offers a timeless and beautiful finish that will add value to a property. Painted render, on the other hand, may be cheaper in the short-term, but could potentially reduce the overall value of the property in the long run if it begins to crack and flake due to weather conditions.

Final Thoughts

Tinted render and painted render are two popular decorative options for brick walls. Both are sound options and both can be considered as fit for purpose. Tinted render offers a timeless and beautiful quality that painted surfaces simply cannot achieve, and has been proven to be highly durable and water-resistant. However, it is more expensive than painted render and not as easy to strip and repair. On the other hand, painted render is a generally cheaper and time-saving option, but is more likely to see hairline crack develop within the paint which can really damage its overall appearance.
When making your decision, it is important to consider the Australian Building Code, and also the current property prices in NSW Australia.
For any further thoughts, or for a quote on your specifications, please contact our offices today!