Put simply, it cracks. 

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Sand and cement, with or without lime, is put on 10 – 15mm thick and then painted.  Sand and cement is not at all flexible, it will not allow for any movement.

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It may sound strange, but all buildings move over time and seasons - it is these slight movements, or shrinkage, that start the cracking process. 

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Once sand and cement starts to crack, water will ingress and the coating will start to “blow” – to separate from the wall, often coming away in large sections. 

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Sand and cement has not always been a bad choice, in the past this was often the only option and became a historically traditional method. 

 

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Over the last ten years or so, the range of renders available has improved dramatically – there are many affordable alternatives.  We would always recommend choosing a product that is guaranteed to last, not one that is guaranteed to crack.

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