Render Repair/Rectification Experience

The majority of my work in the Solid Plastering industry has been rectification. I’ve seen the same old mistakes repeated over and over by plasterers who are too busy rushing to get the job done in record time without putting in the prep work to ensure a product that will stand the test of time.

The most common mistake is around joint placement and the depth of the joint itself. It’s a battle between creating a straight joint or following the junction that may not be straight. One question to ask the builder before the render goes on is ‘Can you make the crooked junction straight?’ The builder may reply ‘Just make the joint (ontop of the crooked junction) straight!’ and if that’s the case, get it in writing or it’ll come back to bite you! Especially from July 1 2015 when Sub-Contractors and not Principle Contractors become responsible for their defects.

Without an understanding of substrate movement and an conscientious approach to managing the issue, plastering companies are forced to spend time and money post completion of jobs to rectify the problems that have occured as a result (and worry about the problems that are imminent).

With the correct knowledge and a focus on proper preparation and the time it requires (which some see as a waste of time) these issues would become almost non-existant. Make this a priorty in your company and reap the rewards!!