Why PVC beads are the superior choice for coastal conditions

Render is often used on coastal houses to protect the substrate from the elements but staining from rusty steel beading, which is used to reinforce the edges and create attractive straight finishes, can spoil the look. Thankfully, there is a solution that stands up to the harsh coastal environment: PVC render beads. These beads offer long-lasting protection and performance, outperforming their steel counterparts for a finish that endures.

Why do coastal conditions cause such severe corrosion?

The main culprits behind the rapid corrosion of steel near the coast are moisture and salt. When these substances combine with metal, they speed up the rusting process significantly. Steel exposed to salty air corrodes up to ten times faster than it would in typical inland conditions with normal humidity(1). This makes the choice of materials for coastal construction projects crucial, as the wrong choice can lead to rapid deterioration and costly repairs.

The effects of corrosion aren’t just a cosmetic issue. While rust from steel beads can cause unattractive stains on facades, the damage goes deeper. Corrosion weakens the structural integrity of the facade, and what starts as a minor issue can evolve into a major problem, requiring significant investment to fix or replace affected materials.

What counts as coastal conditions?

Determining what qualifies as a coastal environment can be tricky. The impact of saltwater and salt air depends on a range of factors, including local geography, weather patterns, and wave heights. The more exposed an area is, the more likely it is to face harsh coastal conditions.

As a rule of thumb, any location within about 5 km of the sea is considered to be exposed to coastal conditions. Buildings within 500 metres are at even greater risk.

For a nation like the UK, which is surrounded by water, this means a significant portion of land — including many large cities — can experience these effects. Builders working in these areas need to be aware of the heightened risks and choose materials accordingly.

The best materials for coastal construction

Standards such as BS EN 13914-1:2016 advise using corrosion-resistant materials for rendering in marine environments. While marine-grade stainless steel is one option, it is often prohibitively expensive. A more cost-effective and durable choice is PVC beads.

Renderplas PVC render beads, for example, are designed specifically for harsh environments and come with a guarantee of at least 25 years of performance, or the complete lifetime of a render.

Unlike steel, PVC does not rust, making it an ideal material for use in coastal areas. It offers the same strength and reliability without the risk of corrosion, ensuring that buildings maintain their appearance and structural integrity over time. Additionally, PVC beads are easy to install and require little maintenance, saving time and money on projects, and can be manufactured from up to 100% recycled PVC to reduce a project’s carbon footprint.

A superior choice

Building in coastal areas presents unique challenges, but choosing the right materials can make all the difference. While stainless steel may seem like a solid choice, the rapid corrosion it faces in salty conditions makes it less ideal. PVC render beads, such as those offered by Renderplas, provide a robust, cost-effective alternative that ensures durability and longevity. For builders looking to protect their projects from the ravages of saltwater and salty air, PVC render beads are the superior choice.

Source:
(1)    www.schiedel.com Coastal and marine Conditions

Renderplas was formed in 1990 to offer the plastering industry a new concept in beading. The first manufacturer of PVCu beads in the UK, Renderplas is the leading exponent in the field.

The business sets out to address the shortcomings of traditional profiles by designing a range of beads in PVCu to suit the British and Continental market. The key benefit of PVCu beads is that they use the most cost-effective, non-corrosive material to produce robust plasterer friendly beads. Renderplas PVCu beads conform to BS EN 13914-1:2016 – External Rendering.

Renderplas products are designed to be unobtrusive with an extremely narrow arris, making it ideal for scratched or scraped finishes. Very popular with major house builders, its beads are available in white or ivory as standard to blend with most coloured renders. However, in order to give architects and contractors even more freedom to use through-coloured renders in more vibrant colours, a range of beads in 7 further colours are also available for popular render depths.

Used internally, whether, in conjunction with wet plastering or dry lining, they will not stain during lengthy drying out periods and offer superior protection against impact in heavy traffic areas.

By specifying a Renderplas PVCu bead, the problems associated with traditional beads and the aggravation of costly callbacks are avoided. Two different CAD file formats are available for Renderplas profiles from the Downloads page of its web site. Alternatively, register with FastrackCAD to use all of their architectural database services.