Exploring Affordable Alternatives: Cement Bagging for External Finishes
When discussing home exteriors, the conversation often gravitates toward the classic choices of brick, render, and cladding. However, a lesser-known technique has been making a notable comeback – the art of bagging bricks. In this article, we’ll delve into the world of bagged brick finishes and explore how this cost-effective alternative can enhance the look of your home.
Rediscovering Bagged Bricks: A Blend of Aesthetics and Imperfections
In the realm of renovating or building brick homes, there’s a middle ground between leaving bricks exposed and completely rendering over them. Bagging brick is that middle ground, offering a solution that covers bricks with a uniform surface while allowing the charm of irregularities and imperfections to shine through. Named after the traditional use of hessian cloth bags to apply the mortar, bagging brick provides an intriguing option for those seeking a unique finish.
Unveiling the Essence of Bagged Brick
Bagging involves applying a mixture that offers a smoothing effect to external or internal brick walls. Unlike rendering, which results in a sleek and even surface, bagging preserves the texture and contours of the bricks and mortar joints. It’s a technique that balances the desire for a consistent appearance with an appreciation for the character of imperfections.
Bagging serves two purposes: it can be left as is, providing an appealing texture, or it can be painted over for a polished look. The result is a surface that maintains the visual interest of the bricks while offering a more refined presentation.
Bagging vs. Rendering: The Affordability Factor
One of the notable advantages of bagging is its cost-effectiveness, making it a budget-friendly alternative to a full rendering project. Moreover, bagging can often be tackled by a skilled homeowner, making it an accessible option for those looking to transform their home’s exterior.
However, it’s essential to recognize that while bagging presents an economical choice, it doesn’t offer the same level of transformation that rendering does. Rendering provides a smoother finish that can drastically change the appearance of a property. This distinction prompts homeowners to consider their priorities: is the cost savings of bagging sufficient, or does the potential increase in property value through rendering justify the investment?
Crafting Bagged Brick: Techniques and Materials
The process of bagging involves using a pre-mixed mortar composed of cement, sand, and a plasticizer like hydrated lime. This mixture creates a workable substance that can deal with heat and moisture upon application. The type of sand used for bagging is coarser compared to the finer sands used for rendering. Additionally, pre-mixed mortars with or without color pigments can be readily purchased.
Water is a key element in adjusting the consistency of the mixture. More water results in a wet bagging with a thinner application, while less water leads to a dry bagging with a thicker layer. For new brick walls, dry bagging can be performed during mortar drying, while wet bagging is recommended once the mortar has set for a distinctive ‘washed’ appearance. Oxides can also be introduced to create a range of colors.
The Art of Bagging: Techniques and Textures
The application of bagging involves coating the surface of brick walls with the mortar mixture. Various methods can be employed, including the traditional approach of using a hessian cloth. Other options include using a soft-bristle brush, a sponge, a broom, a steel trowel, or a wood float. The choice of application tool influences the final texture and appearance of the bagged surface.
Prior to bagging, proper preparation is essential. The brick surface must be thoroughly cleaned, and any patches should be completely dry. Professionals often wet the wall before bagging to prevent the bricks from absorbing moisture from the mortar. The bagging process typically begins from the top of the wall and moves downward.
Different application tools create distinct textures. A hessian cloth yields a rougher effect, while a sponge produces a medium-textured finish. A wood float, on the other hand, results in a smoother surface. The motion used during application, such as circular or linear strokes, further defines the appearance of the bagged wall.
The Choice to Paint: Exploring Bagged Brick’s Versatility
For those seeking more than the natural finish of bagged brick, painting presents an exciting option. Colored pigments can be mixed directly into the mortar for a Mediterranean-inspired look. Alternatively, homeowners can choose to paint over bagged walls using acrylic semi-gloss or low-sheen paint for a traditional yet polished appearance.
Considering the Balance: Bagging vs. Rendering
In the world of exterior finishes, bagging offers an affordable and accessible alternative to traditional rendering. However, it’s important to acknowledge the different outcomes each technique delivers. While bagging maintains the character and texture of the bricks, rendering transforms the appearance entirely, potentially adding significant value to your property.
Ultimately, the decision between bagging and rendering rests on your priorities and goals. Bagging provides an economical means of enhancing your home’s exterior, while rendering can bring about a complete aesthetic transformation. As you weigh the options, remember that both techniques have their place in the realm of home improvement, offering diverse ways to make your house truly stand out.
Here at Brisbane Rendering we offer a range of different finishes and are always available for obligation-free advice or quotations. Please reach out to us on 0409 627 020
