Screed/Render System
Cement-based levelling and finishing systems applied to floors (screed) and walls (render) to provide smooth, durable, and weather-resistant surfaces. Floor screeds are sand-cement mixes (typically 1:3 to 1:5 by volume) applied at 15-75 mm thickness over concrete substrates to level floors before final finishes such as tiles, vinyl, or timber flooring. Wall renders are cement-sand-lime mixes (typically 1:1:6 to 1:0.5:4.5) applied in 2-3 coats at 10-20 mm total thickness to masonry or concrete substrates to provide a weatherproof, aesthetically finished exterior or interior surface. Products range from traditional site-mixed sand-cement screeds to factory-premixed polymer-modified renders, self-levelling compounds, and insulated render systems (EPS/XPS backed). Compliant with AS 3958.1 (ceramic tiling substrates), AS 2311 (painting of buildings), and NCC requirements for external wall finishes. Cement render is exempt from NCC fire hazard property requirements under NCC Specification C1.10 alongside plaster, concrete, and ceramic tile.
- External wall rendering
- Floor screeding
- Internal wall finishing
- Insulated render systems (EIFS)
- Self-levelling floor compounds
Cement-based renders have been used for millennia, with Roman opus caementicium representing early hydraulic cement plasters. Modern Portland cement render became standard practice in the 19th century following the patenting of Portland cement in 1824. In Australia, sand-cement render has been the predominant external wall finish for brick and block masonry since the early 20th century. The development of polymer-modified renders in the 1970s-1980s introduced improved flexibility, adhesion, and water resistance. Acrylic render systems became popular from the 1990s onward, particularly over lightweight substrates such as polystyrene (EPS) and fibre cement sheet. Self-levelling floor screeds were introduced in the 2000s, significantly improving floor levelling speed and accuracy. Contemporary developments include insulated render systems (EIFS/ETICS) for energy-efficient building envelopes, coloured through-body renders, and high-performance polymer-modified screeds optimised for underfloor heating compatibility.
DISCLAIMER: This specification document is generated from the CLAD Materials Atlas Database. Information is for general guidance only and does not constitute professional engineering advice. Values are typical and may vary by batch, manufacturer, and production run. Verify suitability for specific project applications independently.