If you’ve got rendered steps or walls leading up to your property, heavy rain can sometimes expose weaknesses in the finish. Over time, water will find its way down through the patio or landing area and settle against the rendered face.
• Why Render Fails on Outdoor Steps>
Blown render is usually a sign that water has penetrated behind the surface. Even if you’ve used a breathable masonry paint, trapped moisture between the blockwork and render can’t always evaporate quickly enough. That trapped water then expands and contracts with temperature changes, loosening the bond between render and blockwork.
• The Correct Remedial Process>
- Remove Damaged Rende
- Prepare the Blockwork
- Apply a Two-Coat Render System;
— First Coat (Base)
— Second Coat (Finish) - Repaint with Breathable Masonry Paint
• Can Water Behind Render Evaporate>
Yes, If the paint and render are breathable, some moisture will evaporate out. But if water continually seeps behind the surface, evaporation won’t keep up, and failure is inevitable. That’s why proper preparation and a solid render system matter more than just repainting.
Here’s a takeaway>
When outdoor steps start showing signs of blown render, the temptation might be to skim over and paint again. But the long-term solution is stripping back, prepping the blockwork correctly, and applying a durable two-coat render system. Done properly, it’ll protect against future rain penetration and keep your property’s entrance looking solid for years.
