Silicone Rendering

Our homes are at the mercy of the weather in all seasons and it takes its toll over the years, making them look tired and drab, and causing damage to the fabric and structure.

One simple way to combat this is by applying render to the outside of your home. This not only transforms the appearance and makes it bright and clean, but it also protects the surface from further damage and increases the thermal efficiency of the walls.

Out of all the types of render available, silicone render is often considered the best. We'll take a moment to explain what it is and why it might be the best choice for your property.

Silicone is a useful material, found in everything from adhesives to medicines, electrical insulation to cooking utensils. It is a rubbery, heat resistant polymer whose secret lies in its molecular structure. The molecules bond together well, providing long-lasting strength and flexibility with low thermal conductivity, which makes it ideal for including in house rendering.

This versatile, modern render also has the benefit of being resistant to ultraviolet rays as well as being water repellent. This helps to combat the worst effects of the elements over the years and doesn't need much maintenance, unlike some traditional cement renders.

They provide a smooth surface that is easy to clean and doesn't need painting as the colour is already mixed in during the manufacturing process. These days, they are available in a wide range of colours to suit all tastes.

You'll often hear them referred to as thin coat renders, as they are usually applied in a thin layer over a thick base coat reinforced with a fibreglass mesh layer. This makes it exceptionally resistant to cracks and adds another level of waterproofing to that of acrylic renders.

Silicone renders are regarded as 'self-cleaning', which is to say that they are hydrophobic, which stops the accumulation of dirt and algae, avoiding the need for regular maintenance or painting.

One of their main advantages is that they are breathable, or vapour-permeable, which means that they allow moisture to evaporate from the substrate beneath rather than accumulate and cause damp problems.

It is ideal for new builds or refurbishment projects, whether residential or commercial and is particularly suited to blockwork substrate.

Rendering the external walls of your home will provide many benefits, and a silicone silicate render might just be the best option for you. Take a look at some of the plus points:

• Improved thermal efficiency – up to 30% of the heat from your home can be lost through the walls. A silicone render can improve thermal performance drastically, providing extra savings on energy bills. It can also work in conjunction with any external wall insulation systems without compromising on interior space that internal insulation systems would use.
• Protection from the elements – as mentioned above, silicone renders will protect your walls from the sun, wind, rain, ice, and snow! All of these things can seriously damage your walls, opening cracks through which moisture can enter. Excess moisture can lead to damp problems that will damage your home further.
• Reduced need for maintenance – they are through-coloured, which means that they don't require a coat of paint and won't need painting, even if they get scratched as the vibrant colour will still show through. Whereas paint peels and fades, coloured renders retain their vibrancy for years and years. Weather damage on exposed surfaces can mean that you need to repoint the mortar in brick and masonry walls. House rendering with this type of render will protect the surface from damage for many years.
• Long-lasting appeal – whether you're selling up or just want the exterior of your home to look amazing for years to come, you can add kerb appeal with a silicone render. Estimates as to how long they last run from between 15 to 25 years!
• Add value to your home – house rendering is one of the simplest and best ways to add value without the inconvenience and intrusion of construction work. After a fairly simple process that will take no more than a few days, your property will look fantastic and will be worth more as a result.

Much like plastering, which looks simple, the skill lies in applying it at the right speed while achieving the best finish. It is always wise to leave jobs like these to the professionals as you risk getting a poor result which will cost you more to put right in the long run.

Remember, it isn't just about applying the render, there's all the preparation beforehand, including any potential repairs. Then the base coat needs to be applied, along with an alkali-resistant fabric mesh while it's still damp, followed by a primer. Modern silicone silicate renders can provide a smooth or textured finish, and this is a job that must be done properly to get the best results.

As with all renders, the application should ideally be avoided during colder weather as it can affect the drying time and finish.

Silicone renders are considered top of the range, with obvious benefits over other types. They are a modern solution, offering a beautiful, weather-resistant exterior finish.

They provide protection from the elements while staying vapour-permeable, allowing your walls to breathe, and are self-cleaning due to the hydrophobic qualities that allow rainwater to wash away any dirt that accumulates on the surface.

They are more flexible and durable than traditional cement or lime renders, meaning that your property is protected from damage and will continue to look clean and bright for a long time to come.

They provide extra insulation for your property and work in conjunction with external insulation methods to increase the energy efficiency of your property.

They are the easiest to apply and are available in a wide range of colours and finishes.

Whatever your project, silicone render offers a modern option to your rendering needs.