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Bagging a Wall - The Alternative to Rendering

Last modified: 28.12.2023
Close-up texture of a finished render surface with a distinctive swirl pattern. Decorative renders from EWI Store, such as Silicone Render (EWI-075), provide long-lasting protection with customisable textures and colours to enhance your façade’s appearance.

Rendering, as a method of façade improvement, has long been favoured in the construction industry. However, there is an alternative called bagging a wall that delivers unmatched rustic charm and relative cost-effectiveness. Certain render finishes can have rustic charm; this can be created with grain sizing and the implementation of brick slips. However, bagging some lime-based render onto a wall is unmatched.

Wall bagging, often simply referred to as "bagging," is a unique and traditional method used in the finishing of external walls of buildings, particularly those constructed from brick or masonry. It's a technique that offers both aesthetic and practical benefits and has been used for many years in various parts of the world, gaining recent popularity for its rustic and natural appearance. It's particularly well-suited to properties that benefit from a more natural, earthy aesthetic. Mixture Composition: The bagging mixture typically consists of cement, lime, and sand. Proportions can vary depending on the desired texture and adherence properties. Sometimes, colourants or other additives are mixed in to achieve different hues or enhance durability. Application Technique: Unlike rendering, where the mixture is applied with a trowel, bagging uses a different method. A hessian bag, sponge, or similar tool is used to 'bag' or pat the mixture onto the wall. This method creates a distinctive texture, which is less uniform and more nuanced than that achieved by rendering. Texture and Finish: The finish of bagged walls is notably rustic and textured. The technique allows some of the original brickwork or masonry to show through. As such, it celebrates rather than conceals the building's materials. The degree of coverage and texture can be adjusted depending on how the mixture is applied. The technique adds visual depth and interest to the walls, with the texture creating shadow and light play that changes throughout the day. Bagging is versatile and can be adapted to suit various architectural styles. While it's particularly complementary to traditional, cottage-style homes, it can also add a unique touch to more modern designs. The key is in the application technique and the choice of colour and texture, which can be tailored to match the overall aesthetic of your property.

In wet bagging, the mixture used resembles traditional mortar in its consistency, being wet and pliable. This allows for easy application to the wall surface, typically using a trowel or by hand. Once applied, the surface is textured using a hessian bag, sponge, or similar tool. The wetness of the mix not only ensures better adherence to the wall but also facilitates shaping and texturing. The resulting finish from wet bagging is generally more uniform and smoother, ideal for those seeking consistency with a hint of texture. However, it's important to note that the drying time for wet bagging is longer due to its higher moisture content. Dry bagging, on the other hand, utilises a drier, more crumbly mixture, akin to damp sand in texture. This mix is either tossed against or gently pressed onto the wall, with the application focusing more on embedding the mixture into the surface rather than smoothing it out. Tools such as brushes or dry bags are often employed in this method. The key characteristic of dry bagging is its rustic, rough, and textured finish, creating an aged or weathered appearance that's perfect for those looking to imbue a sense of antiquity or rugged charm to their walls. Additionally, due to the lower moisture content in the mix, dry bagging typically has a shorter drying time. The desired aesthetic is a primary consideration. Wet bagging offers a smoother, more consistent look, whereas dry bagging provides a textured, rustic finish. The condition and type of the wall surface may also influence the choice. Lastly, the skill level of the individual applying the technique can be a determinant; wet bagging can be more forgiving for beginners due to its manipulability before setting.

The cost and time efficiency of wall bagging, compared to other wall finishing techniques like rendering, is a significant factor in its growing popularity. The combination of lower material and labour costs, along with faster application and drying times, makes wall bagging an efficient choice for both budget-conscious and time-sensitive projects. It's particularly appealing in scenarios where the rustic aesthetic of bagging is desired. It achieves this look without the higher costs and longer timeframes associated with more labour-intensive wall finishes. However, it's important to note that while bagging is cost-effective and quick to apply, the longevity and maintenance requirements should also be considered. Regular maintenance may be needed to keep a bagged wall looking its best, potentially adding to long-term costs.

  1. Lower Material Costs: The materials used in bagging—a mixture of cement, lime, and sand—are relatively inexpensive. Moreover, because the application is thinner and less dense compared to rendering, it requires less material to cover the same surface area.
  2. Reduced Labour Costs: The technique of bagging is generally less labour-intensive than traditional rendering. The application process is simpler and quicker, which can reduce the labour costs associated with the project. This is particularly beneficial for larger projects where labour costs can significantly impact the overall budget.
  3. Minimal Preparation: Bagging often requires less preparatory work on the walls compared to rendering. This can include less intensive cleaning and fewer repairs to the wall surface before application, leading to savings in both time and money.
  1. Faster Application: The process of applying the bagging mixture to the walls is faster than that of rendering. The use of tools like a hessian bag or sponge speeds up the process, allowing for quicker coverage of large areas.
  2. Reduced Drying Time: Due to its thinner application, the drying time for a bagged wall is typically shorter than that of a rendered wall. This faster drying process means that subsequent steps in the construction or renovation project can commence sooner.
  3. Flexibility in Weather Conditions: Bagging can often be performed in a wider range of weather conditions compared to rendering. While extreme conditions are still a hindrance, the thinner application and quicker drying time of bagging can allow for work to continue in less-than-ideal weather.

Bagging uses a thinner layer of material compared to rendering. This reduced volume translates to less consumption of resources like cement, sand, and lime. The lower material requirement not only minimises the environmental impact associated with resource extraction but also reduces the energy expenditure in the production and transportation of these materials. Bagging can incorporate more environmentally friendly materials, such as natural lime or recycled aggregates, further reducing its environmental footprint. These materials often have a lower carbon footprint than traditional cement-based renders.

The production of cement is energy-intensive and a significant source of CO2 emissions. Since bagging requires less cement per square meter than rendering, it contributes to a lower overall carbon footprint for a project. The reduced volume of materials needed for bagging also means less energy is used in transportation and on-site handling. This contributes to lower greenhouse gas emissions associated with these logistics.

Bagging, especially when using lime-based mixtures, allows for better breathability of walls. This can improve the internal air quality and moisture regulation within a building. This leads to a healthier living environment and potentially reduces the need for mechanical ventilation or dehumidification. While the thermal insulation properties of bagging might not be as high as some thicker renders, the technique can still contribute to the overall energy efficiency of a building. Proper application can help in minimising drafts and aiding in the retention of heat. This can reduce the energy needed for heating.

While bagging might require more frequent maintenance than some heavier renders, the process of repairing or refreshing a bagged wall is generally less resource-intensive. This means that over the lifespan of the building, the environmental impact remains relatively low. At the end of a building's life, materials used in bagging can be easier to recycle or repurpose. Comparatively, heavier, more chemically complex renders are harder to reuse and recycle. This aligns with the principles of sustainable construction, which emphasise the importance of lifecycle management of building materials.

In essence, the choice between wall bagging and rendering comes down to the desired aesthetic, budget, and practical considerations like durability and maintenance. Wall bagging is ideal for adding character and a natural look, suitable for those who prefer a rustic charm and are working with a tighter budget or timeline. Rendering, meanwhile, is the go-to for a sleek, uniform appearance, with added durability and protection for the building.

Photo credit: Unitex