Rendering can improve the waterproofing and fire rating of a building, but the primary reason for doing it is aesthetic. In fact, in Mediterranean countries and elsewhere in Europe, a brick structure is not considered complete until it is rendered. Scratch beneath the rendered surface of many of those gleaming white homes on the hillsides of the Greek islands, for example, and you'll see they were constructed of brick. In some regions of France, local councils even dictate the colour of a rendered surface and not rendering is unheard of. The aesthetic beauty of rendering is now being rediscovered and practiced in Australia especially in Melbourne and qualified plasterers are in increased demand.