Renderplas PVCu render beading and state-of-the-art Parex render refresh and modernise bungalow extension in Northampton

Experienced render and cladding specialist Christian French specified and installed Renderplas PVCu render beading for a Northampton bungalow extension project. Christian chose a state-of-the-art monocouche render to deliver a high-quality, durable and weather-resistant exterior facade that would minimise maintenance issues for the customer. The use of PVCu render beads provided a crisp, modern finish, while the movement joints were installed to extend the life of the render to keep it free from cracking or crazing, which can occur due to thermal expansion and contraction.

The bungalow’s owner decided to extend the property to create a more spacious home with a clean, contemporary look inside and out. The major works that followed centred around adding a bedroom in the roof space and more room at the rear of the property. Surrounded by neighbouring properties from the 1960s that looked dated and tired, the idea was to apply a modern render finish to both the new and existing walls to create a property that would stand out.

The Parex through-colour ‘monocouche’, or one-coat render was chosen to be a low maintenance solution for the exterior facades as its coloured pigment means it does not have to be painted. It is best complemented by coloured PVCu render beading which does not have to be painted, unlike steel beads. Installing just a few metres of Renderplas’ BBA-certified movement joints to act as a thermal expansion joint can prevent cracking and substantially extend the life of the render. Angle beads, stop beads and bellcast beads gave the edges of the render a crisp and modern look at a fraction of the cost of stainless steel beads.

Renderplas PVCu render beading for residential properties

With 14 years of experience in rendering applications, Christian was chosen as the rendering contractor. He worked with his team in close consultation with building contractor Lee Hewlett Building Services. From March 2021, they all rejuvenated the dormer-style bungalow’s interior and exterior, ultimately delivering an improved and expanded family home.

Christian used a combination of Renderplas PVCu render stop beads and angle beads, as well as bellcast and movement joint beads, from Renderplas’ extensive range of products on this bungalow extension project.

PVCu beads are easier to handle and more versatile than steel alternatives. As a long-standing Renderplas customer, Christian is aware of the difference that beading specification can make. “My customers often comment on how sharp and clean the finish of my work is,” he says, explaining that he chooses Renderplas PVCu beading because it makes delivering this finer detailing easier.

Christian knows Renderplas products are readily available and values their quality above the competition. “Although it seems to play a small part in the overall project, specifying the right beading product can have a big impact on the result the customer enjoys,” he adds. Customers often judge his work by closely inspecting render ends and corners; he needs them to be as straight as a die and fault-free.

Given that PVCu doesn’t rust, or degrade, Christian also works safely in the knowledge that Renderplas PVCu render beading won’t ever stain or lose its high-quality finish, which cannot be said for galvanised steel beads. This will help keep the bungalow in excellent condition for years to come, free from unsightly rust-staining and the costly, damaging water ingress that comes with bead failure.

Commercial and environmental benefit of PVCu render beading

The render was applied efficiently in one coat, combining traditional skills with pump and spray techniques where appropriate. This kept labour time and site costs affordable. The specification of Renderplas PVCu render beading also played a crucial role in keeping the rendering on track. In particular, perfect parallel lines were achieved far faster when forming an expansion joint using a one-piece Renderplas movement joint bead, compared to back-to-back stop beads and sealant. The extremes in temperature of the UK climate create thermal expansion and contraction which can crack the render, especially on extensions, and expansion joints provide an affordable solution.

Christian concludes that homeowners, as with this Northampton bungalow, come with ambitious ideas and high expectations. This is why he uses Renderplas PVCu render beading on every job. Whatever the project, the finer details always matter to him and, more importantly, the growing number of customers demanding high-quality rendering for their properties.

Renderplas Managing Director, Daniel Leedham-Green, reflects on what such projects mean to him: “I take great pleasure in making high-performing sustainable products that help people achieve their vision, whatever the size of the project. The angle beads, stop beads and bellcast beads in this project were all made from 100% recycled plastic without any compromise to the overall finish.”

If you have any questions about this case study or any aspect of PVCu render beading, you can contact Renderplas’ dedicated team of knowledgeable staff on hand to help with advice and customer support. You can check out our full range for product information, images and technical data on our website here.