NPQS

A1-80-1 External Render

National Productivity and Quality Specifications (NPQS)

A1-80-1 External Render

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CONTENTS Page

1. GENERAL 3
1.1 Scope 3
1.2 Related Sections 3
1.3 Standards 3
1.4 Trade Preambles 4
1.5 Definitions and Abbreviations 5

2. PERFORMANCE REQUIREMENTS 6
2.1 Contractors Brief 6

3. MATERIALS AND COMPONENTS 7

3.1 Types of Render 7
3.2 Cement 7
3.3 Sand 8
3.4 Water 8
3.5 Beads 8
3.6 Lathing 8
3.7 Render Mixes 8
3.8 Materials for Plastering and Skimming Works 9

4. WORKMANSHIP 10
4.1 General Workmanship Requirement 10
4.2 Preparation for Rendering 10
4.3 Rendering Applications 10
4.4 Drips and Groove 12
4.5 Beads 12
4.6 Making Good 12
4.7 Repair 12
4.8 Cleaning 12
4.9 Protection 12

5. VERIFICATION AND SUBMISSION 13

5.1 Submissions 13
5.2 Samples and Mock-Ups 13
5.3 Inspection 14
5.4 Tests 14

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1. GENERAL
Read with the General Requirements section, and all other contract documents.

1.1 Scope
This section covers the requirements for the application of external render onto
reinforced concrete and masonry walls.
This document is supplementary to Section A1-80-1 of the NPQS and sets out
Project Specific Data in the same clause headings as in the NPQS. All modifications
and additions noted in this document take precedence over clauses noted in the
NPQS.

1.2 Related Sections

Read this work section in conjunction with the relevant requirements of the other work
sections including the following:
A4-10 Internal Plaster and Render

1.3 Standards
Unless otherwise agreed by the SO, ensure all of the Works comply with the relevant
requirements of the Standards and Codes listed below or referenced in the body of
the Specification. Alternative Standards and Codes may be submitted to the SO,
provided it can be demonstrated that the alternative Standards and Codes comply
with the requirements of the standards specified. All Standards and Codes quoted
are the current version, unless specific year references are noted.

Singapore Standards
SS CP 56 Internal plastering
SS CP 68 Ceramic Wall and Floor Tiling
SS 26 Specification for Portland cement
SS 477 Portland blastfurnace cement
SS 483 Ceramic Floor and Wall Tiles
Other Standards
BS EN ISO 12944 Paints and varnishes
BS EN ISO 14713 Protection against corrosion of iron and steel in structures
zinc and aluminium coatings guidelines
BS En 197-1 Specification for Portland cement
BS EN 459-1 Building lime: Definitions, specifications and conformity criteria
BS EN 10088-1 Stainless steel lists of stainless steels
BS EN 13139 Aggregates for mortar
BS 146 Specification for Portland-blast furnace cement
BS 1369: Part 1 Specification for expanded metal and ribbed lathing
BS 4551 Methods of testing mortars, screeds and plasters

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BS 4721 Specification for ready mixed building mortars

BS 5262 Code of Practice for external plastering
BS 6452 Beads for internal plastering and dry lining
BS 8000: Part 10 Code of Practice for plastering and rendering
Technical Reference
PD 6472 Guide to specifying the quality of building mortars

1.4 Trade Preambles

1.4.1 Contractors Submissions

The intended types of plaster and render for the project are set out in clause 3.1 and Deleted: 3.1
locations are indicated in the drawings. Base on the information, submit the following
items to the SO:
1.4.1.1 Submit manufacturer(s) and products of pre-packed renders where
specified.
1.4.1.2 Submit suitable mix and application methods taking into account of the
Deleted: 2.1
performance requirements as set out in clause 2.1.

1.4.2 Co-ordination with Other Works

Co-ordinate the works particularly the interfacing with the following trades:
a. External masonry walls, windows and doors.
b. External RC walls, columns and slabs construction.
c. Other finishes such as tiles, textured coatings etc.
d. Ceiling at external areas such as corridors, car porches etc.

1.4.3 Spare Materials

No item.

1.4.4 Laser Survey

Provide a laser survey of the RC frame to determine the plumb and alignment of the
external columns, walls and corners of the building.

1.4.5 Warranty
Refer to PSD for warranty requirements, if any.
Provide the following warranty in accordance with contract conditions:
Item of Works to be Warranted Period of Warranty Required
NA NA
Formatted: Hidden

1.4.6 Maintenance Manual

No item.

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1.4.7 Quality Control Plan

No item.

1.5 Definitions and Abbreviations

a. Render: Cement-based products applied on walls.
b. Spatterdash coat: A keying mix of 1 part cement to 1 parts clean
sharp coarse sand and additive mixed to a slurry
paste and applied to the wall surface.
c. Bonding agent: A liquid applied to a masonry surface to increase
the adhesion of the undercoat to the surface or a
liquid added to a sand/cement render mix to
increase adhesion.
d. SBR: Styrene butadiene, a liquid added to cement
render mixes to provide additional adhesion of the
render to the surface.
e. Ground Coat The first coat applied to the surface of the wall.
(occasionally termed Normally left scratched to provide a key for the
undercoat): final coat.
f. Final Coat Normally a render coat applied over the undercoat
(occasionally termed and finished with a wood float, steel trowelled or
finishing coat): decorative finish. If the surface is to be painted the
final coat can receive a steel trowelled finish,
which provides a smooth dense surface.
g. Skimming Coat: A thin coat (maximum thickness 8 mm) of polymer
additive premixed or prepacked mortar applied to
RC surfaces.

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2. PERFORMANCE REQUIREMENTS

2.1 Contractors Brief

When carrying out the proposals as set out in clauses 1.4.1, take account of the Deleted: 1.4.1
following requirements:

2.1.1 Structural Movement and Movement Between Works by Others

Take into account, that performance, appearance and proper functioning of the
rendering Works are not affected by any movements, settlement, deflection,
expansion or contraction which can be expected to occur in the building or the
construction process.
Junction between the rendering Works and adjacent work by others to be formed to
take into account, possible structural deflections or movement in that adjacent
element without distortion to the Works, or disintegration of joints between works.

2.1.2 Environmental
Take into account the environment for which the Works are to be applied, paying
particular attention to the daily and seasonal variations in rainfall, humidity and
temperature in the tropics.

2.1.3 Appearance
Include any measures necessary to ensure that the surface finishes are uniform in
colour and texture and appearance throughout.
Achieve surface level tolerance as set out in SS CP 56.
If plane and level surface is not possible within the tolerance allowed by the thickness
of the rendered surface, submit to the SO, remedial measures to account for the
inaccuracies of background (walls and structures) with thicker render if necessary to
achieve a plane and level surface.

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3. MATERIALS AND COMPONENTS

3.1 Types of Render

Refer to the PSD for specific requirements of the plaster and rendering works for the
project.
External render systems for this project shall consists of the following types:
Render Type: ER1
Item Requirements NPQS A1-80-1
Clause Ref.
Background Stretch bond brick wall with 3.8.3
RC stiffener
Preparation Wet background before 4.1
application.
Undercoat Contractor proposed
Proprietary reference Contractor proposed
Mix 1.4 3.8.3
Thickness Not more than 25mm
Final coat Contractor proposed
Proprietary reference Contractor proposed
Mix Gypsum plaster 3.8.3
Thickness 3mm 3
Finish Smooth
RC Skim coat Contractor proposed
Proprietary reference
Accessories Full accessory including, 4.2
casing beads, corner beads,
joints etc.
Beads Corner plastic bead required.
Additives Proprietary
Tests Moisture content test 21 days 5.4,
after completion but before
final finishes on render, tap
test, adhesion test,
Laser level survey Not required, visual inspection
only
Formatted: Hidden

3.2 Cement
Portland Cement: Grey or white to SS 26. Coloured cement for integral coloured
plaster may have colouring additive not exceeding 5% of the cement by weight
incorporated. Colours to be as advised by the SO.

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3.3 Sand
A naturally occurring material conforming to BS EN 13139.

3.4 Water
Potable, clean and fresh and free from mineral and organic substances.

3.5 Beads
Formatted: Hidden

3.5.1 Corner Beads

Galvanised steel (450g) to BS 1369 or stainless steel Grade1.4401 to BS EN 10088-
1. Nominal sizes to be 5mm bead with 62mm minimum expanded metal wings,
subject to manufacturers recommendations.

3.5.2 Casing Beads

Galvanised steel (450g) to BS 1369 or Stainless steel Grade 1.4401 to BS EN 10088-
1. Nominal sizes to be 5mm return square-edged bead with 75mm wide expanded
metal wing depth to suit plaster thickness. Materials, gauges and sizes subject to
manufacturers recommendations.

3.5.3 Control Beads

For plaster to plaster surfaces, use two casing beads back-to-back of the same type
and manufacturer as specified for casing beads. For joints between plaster and
dissimilar material use a single casing bead.

3.5.4 Expansion Joint Beads

Rust proof, galvanized steel, with adjustable opening, subject to manufacturers
recommendations. Metal gauge and size to manufacturers recommendations.

3.6 Lathing
Rust proofed, galvanised self-furring diamond mesh, standard diamond mesh, flat rib,
Deleted: 3.1
or 10mm rib. Refer to clause 3.1 for type required for the project.
Rib lath to be integrally ribbed rust proofed galvanized steel expanded with 10mm
deep ribs.

3.7 Render Mixes

Render mixes to be premixed, machine mixed and measured in accordance with
manufacturers recommendations.
Shovel measurements and hand mixing not to be permitted.
Add minimum quantity of water to produce sufficient workability.
Clean mixer and remove all set or hardened materials prior to loading mixer with each
new batch of materials. Mix each batch separately.
Do not retemper or use partially set materials.
Do not use caked or lumpy material.

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3.8 Materials for Plastering and Skimming Works

3.8.1 Mortar Mix for Plastering Works

Use approved pre-mixed mortar system or approved pre-packed mortar mix for all
render applied to masonry walls, solid block walls and RC surfaces. The pre-mixed
mortar system to be a fully automated system that stores, conveys and mixes mortar
for instant application. The pre-packed mortar mix to be in bag form and to be mixed
mechanically according to the manufacturer's recommendation.

3.8.2 Skimming Materials

Use approved skimming materials for all skimming Works. Mechanically mix pre-
packed skimming materials according to the manufacturers recommendations.

3.8.3 Portland Cement Plaster

3.8.3.1 Scratch Coat (on Metal Lath).
Premixed render coat with additive suitable for the metal lath background.
3.8.3.2 Undercoat (on Brickwork or Concrete).
Premixed render coat with additive suitable for the scratch coat background.-
3.8.3.3 Finish Coat
One part Portland cement, four parts damp, loose sand, by volume or 2-4mm gypsum
Deleted: 3.1
plaster. Refer to clause 3.1 for final coat.

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4. WORKMANSHIP

4.1 General Workmanship Requirement

At Window and door junctions fill void with waterproof render.
Terminate render work at end of each day at casing bead, corner, opening, or other
acceptable intersection of surfaces.
All render finished surfaces to be plumb, level, and true, accurately finished to planes
or profiles indicated, without trowel marks or defects.
Angles, intersections, and corners to be clean, sharp and accurately formed.
Flat surfaces to be level and true within 4mm in 3 metres (measured in any direction),
checked with a metal straight edge. Curved, radial, splayed and irregular plaster
surfaces to be true to profile and to be formed and verified by means of accurate
metal forms and templates.
Do not use or remix partially or wholly set render.

4.2 Preparation for Rendering

Clean masonry, concrete, metal lath, and other backing surfaces of dust, dirt, debris,
oil and any other detrimental materials. Correct irregular brick and concrete surfaces,
which cannot be covered by render undercoat prior to undercoat application.
Paint all rust producing surfaces with rust-inhibitive paint where plaster is in direct
contact.
Examine work to ensure that all casing beads, corner beads, joints, and other metal
accessories are properly secured and accurately located.
Moisten masonry surfaces prior to undercoat application to obtain uniform suction.
Unless otherwise agreed, apply spatterdash coat including SBR bonding agent to
concrete and brick surfaces prior to undercoat application in accordance with
manufacturers instructions.

4.3 Rendering Applications

4.3.1 Rendering to RC Surface

Clean, using high-pressure water jet, to free the surface of dust, residue of any form
oil and organic growth prior to the application of render.
Apply spatterdash coat of 3-5mm coat thrown onto concrete surface and kept damp
with water-spray. Allow to dry out slowly and harden before applying second coat.
First coat of the render to be of a thickness between 5 to 8mm and be pressed hard
onto the surface. Lightly scratch to provide key for the second coat and allowed to
cure for at least 12 hours before the application of the second coat.
Thickness of rendering on RC surface to be a minimum of 5mm and not exceed
18mm. Should the structural Works be constructed with good alignment and surface
condition, application of a thinner coat of render or skimming may be acceptable. The
finished surface to be smooth and true to plane and shape. 18mm on vertical
surfaces, 13mm on horizontal surfaces

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4.3.2 Skim Coat on RC Surfaces

Fill surfaces and irregularities of concrete surface.
Apply bonding agent Applied to manufacturers instruction.
Remove all protrusions, fins, imperfections and blemishes from concrete surface.
Apply skim coat 3-5mm thick. Finish coat to be smooth, level, plumb, true finish, and
free of waves, trowel or brush marks, telegraphing, and other defects.
Water cure skim coats commencing 12 hours after completion by fog spraying very
lightly and then continue fog spraying for 36 hours. Protect against rapid drying until
the whole surface is thoroughly cured.
Skim coat render (on concrete surfaces) to be provided only where shown on the
drawings or noted in the finish schedules.

4.3.3 Render Coat onto Masonry Surfaces

Clean the background to remove all laitance, dust, oil or other substances that affect
the bonding of rendering. Wash the background using water jet. Dampen surface to
prevent excessive absorption of water.
Apply premixed render to the background to a finished thickness not exceeding
10mm to achieve a flat and even surface.
First coat of the render to be of a thickness between 8-10 mm and be pressed hard
onto the surface. Lightly scratch to provide key for the second coat and allowed to
cure for at least 12 hours before the application of the second coat. Second coat to
Deleted: 3.1
be 6-10mm thick finished to surface noted in clause 3.1.

4.3.4 Render onto Metal Lath

4.3.4.1 Under Coat
Apply under coat on metal lath approximately 9mm thick with sufficient forces to form
good key, adhere firmly and form good bond into lath. Scratch surface horizontally.
Keep coat moist with fog spray of water until scratch coat has cured (about 4 to 5
hours), or for 48 hours if finish coat is not to be applied immediately after under coat
has set. Under coat on concrete surfaces to be water cured with fog spray for 48
hours and then allowed to dry for at least 24 hours.
Dampen sunder coat prior to final coat application to obtain uniform suction. Apply
final coat approximately 6mm to 9mm thick, bring out to face of grounds and bring to
a true surface with straight edge, and float to a uniform texture to receive finish coat.
Keep final coat moist with fog spray of water for 48 hours, then allow to dry out for 5
days, minimum.

4.3.5 Render Backing for Ceramic Wall Tiles

Refer to the specific requirements of ceramic tile section, standards and code of
practice.
Clean the background to remove all laitance, dust, oil or other substances that affect
the bonding of rendering. Wash the background using water jet.
Dampen surface to prevent excessive absorption of water.
Apply rendering to the background to a finished thickness not exceeding 10mm to
achieve a flat and even surface.

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4.4 Drips and Groove

Form Drips and grooves to give a clean clear and straight surface free from loose
sandy mortar. Use forms to achieve a straight edge. Pay attention to ends of drips to
avoid water ingress due to surface tension or gravity flow.
Form grooves with proprietary channels with warranty for use in the tropics and
provisions for anti staining / anti streaking features. Submit groove-forming channels
to the SO.

4.5 Beads

4.5.1 Corner Beads and Casing Beads

a. Use longest lengths so as to minimise joints between members. Wedge beads as
necessary to provide proper ground for render finish.
b. Secure beads to metal lath with tie wire, at ends and 300mm maximum apart.
c. Install corner beads at all external render corners and install casing beads where
render terminates or abuts dissimilar surfaces.

4.5.2 Movement Joints

Include render expansion joint over all movement joints in the building structure.

4.6 Making Good

Carry out making good of defective plaster in rectangular areas, the edges undercut
to form dovetailed key and finished flush with face of surrounding plaster.

4.7 Repair
a. Repair plaster disturbed or damaged due to installation of work of other trades.
b. Cut out and repair all plaster in which hairline cracks, pits, checks, waves,
blisters, discolouration, or other defects develop.
c. Cut out and replace with new materials all beads or fames which are rusted,
improperly set, out of alignment or otherwise defective.
Repair, point, cut and patch all plasterwork around all work abutting, setting into, or
extending into plastered surfaces after work of other trades is in place.
Repair work to be thoroughly raked out, or cut out, moistened and filled with plaster
finish coat material, surfaces floated or trowelled flush to match adjoining work. Use
bonding agent on existing plaster edges or surfaces to which new plaster will be
applied.

4.8 Cleaning
Clean all finishes and adjoining work immediately upon completion of plasterwork in
each room or space. Remove stains, finger marks and writing.

4.9 Protection
Protect plastered surfaces from dust, dirt, and draught during plastering application
and until completely cured.

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5. VERIFICATION AND SUBMISSION

5.1 Submissions

5.1.1 Submissions
Include in construction program, event for submission of the following information:
a. Details of premixed render where specified, include copies of technical data
relating to each of the plaster types.
b. Name of the additive, bead manufacturer/s and include copies of technical
details.

5.1.2 Work Submissions

Prepare an application strategy, setting out the sequence of work.

5.1.3 Certification of Materials

Provide the SO with certification from the manufacturer of the following materials/
components, certifying that the respective material is of the correct grade, strength,
size, finish, etc, and is in accordance with the relevant codes and standards specified.
a. Premixed render
b. Beads

5.1.4 Maintenance Submissions

No item.

5.1.5 Warranty
Submit the warranty to the SO upon completion of the works, if required under clause
Deleted: 1.4.5
1.4.5.

5.1.6 Quality Control Plan Submission

No item.

5.2 Samples and Mock-Ups

5.2.1 Samples
Submit the following samples:
a. 1m length of all beads.

5.2.2 Mock-Ups
One wall, location to be agreed with the SO to be completed for each of the Render
Deleted: 3.1
finishes set out in clause 3.1.
Refer to the PSD for additional mock-up requirements if any.

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Provide additional mock-ups for the project as follows:

Mock-up Additional Requirements Due Date

NA
Formatted: Hidden

5.3 Inspection
No item.

5.4 Tests

5.4.1 Tap Test

Tap all wall surfaces 10 days after installation of final coat, to identify any hollow
areas.
Thereafter, submit remedial measures for hollowed areas, to SO.

5.4.2 Adhesion Test.

Conduct pull-out tests onto plaster applied to concrete surfaces of each building block
as defined by the SO. The first test is to be conducted at an early stage of plastering
work. The remaining tests to be spread out and carried out progressively.
Each test is to cover five randomly selected spots and conducted within 21-28 days
after plastering. The test spots to be cut to a size of 75mmx75mm for the pull out test.
The average tensile pull out strength of the five spots shall achieve a minimum value
of 0.40 N/mm. No individual test shall fall below 0.30 N/mm.

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