Silicone render is a type of render that is becoming increasingly popular for residential and commercial buildings in the UK. Achieving an attractive final finish for a property is vital and silicone render provides just that. Silicone rendering not only has a striking appearance it also has many other benefits some of which alternative rendering materials simply cannot match.
GreenCork Ltd regularly installs silicone rendering for homes and businesses in our local area and can provide first hand experience of the benefits of silicone rendering and how the installation process works.
In this article we explain in detail what silicone rendering is, how it can benefit your property, how long it can last and much more.
What is Silicone Rendering?
Silicone render is a type of render made from silicone based resins. The render also contains aggregates (such as sand or crushed rocks) colour pigments, water and other additives that offer UV protection.
It offers greater flexibility and protection against the elements than more traditional cement based renders. It is a high performance material that can be applied to numerous surfaces including brick, concrete and even previously rendered walls.
Silicone render is commonly used in both residential and commercial construction projects in the UK. It serves as a durable and breathable finish for external walls and offers excellent protection against wind, rain, frost and sunlight.
How Does Silicone Render Work?
Silicone render works by providing the property with a thin, smooth and durable finish. The render is applied using a trowel or specialist spraying machines and then smoothed into a uniform finish. The unique composition of silicone render allows it to repel water while still allowing the wall to breathe, preventing issues like damp or mould buildup.
The resin used for silicone rendering is hydrophobic, meaning it repels water rather than absorbing it. This means it is extremely effective at preventing water from entering a property and keeping the inside dry. This is especially useful in climates such as Great Britain’s where heavy rainfall is common. Silicone render also contains additives that protect against harmful UV rays meaning the colour of the render is retained for much longer.
Benefits of Silicone Render
Silicone render offers several benefits which is why it is such a popular choice for properties. Here are some of the key advantages in greater detail:
Water Repellent
As we mentioned silicone rendering is hydrophobic and will repel all water from the wall surface. The water resistant properties of silicone help prevent water from penetrating the walls therefore protecting your property from water damage and the growth of mould and mildew.
Breathable
Unlike other rendering materials silicone render is a breathable product. This allows any moisture trapped inside the building to escape. This will prevent condensation and help to prevent any dampness issues. This is essential for comfort as well as the property’s longevity.
Durable
A silicone render is much more flexible than a cement based render. This flexibility means silicone rendering is much less likely to suffer from cracks caused by the expansion and contraction of a property due to fluctuations in temperature.
UV Resistant
Silicone render offers excellent protection against UV rays helping to preserve the colour of the render over time. Unlike other materials that can fade due to exposure to the sun silicone render retains its colour for longer. This reduces the need to repaint your home so frequently.
Low Maintenance
The incredibly low maintenance required is one of silicone rendering’s greatest appeals. The smooth and water repellent surface prevents dirt, algae and various grime from sticking to the surface. As a result silicone rendered surfaces are easier to clean and maintain compared to traditional renders.
Aesthetic Flexibility
There is a huge selection of colour, texture and finish choices available for silicone render. Whether you prefer a smooth modern look or a more traditional textured finish silicone rendering finishes can be customised to suit your style.
Environmentally Friendly
Silicone render is designed to be much more eco-friendly than other rendering materials. Some products have low VOCs (volatile organic compounds), contributing to better indoor air quality. Additionally because silicone is durable and requires fewer repairs fewer resources are used over the lifetime of the render.
Silicone Rendering vs Traditional Rendering Materials
Many different materials produce rendering products. Below we have created a table that demonstrates how silicone compares to the other render materials commonly used in the UK.
| Feature | Silicone Render | Acrylic Render | Cement-Based Render |
|---|---|---|---|
| Water Resistance | Excellent (Hydrophobic, repels water) | Moderate (Can absorb water, leading to damp) | Low (Absorbs moisture, prone to damp) |
| Breathability | High (Allows moisture to escape) | Low (Can trap moisture inside) | Low (Does not allow moisture to escape) |
| Durability | Very High (Crack-resistant, flexible) | Moderate (Can crack under stress) | Low to Moderate (Prone to cracking) |
| UV Resistance | Excellent (Prevents colour fading) | Moderate (Colour fades over time) | Low (Prone to fading) |
| Maintenance | Low (Easy to clean, self-cleaning) | Moderate (Requires more cleaning) | High (Frequent re-painting required) |
| Finish Options | High (Wide range of colours/textures) | High (Customisable finishes available) | Low (Limited finish options) |
| Cost | High (Initial cost, but low maintenance) | Moderate (Less expensive, but higher maintenance) | Low (Cheapest, but higher long-term costs) |
| Environmental Impact | Low (Eco-friendly options available) | Moderate (Less eco-friendly) | High (Cement production is energy-intensive) |
As you can see silicone offers many benefits and can be compared favourably to other rendering materials. For an even more detailed breakdown of rendering in the UK please read our extensive Rendering Cost Guide which explores this in great detail.
How Much Does Silicone Render Cost?
The size of the property, where you are located and how easy it is to access the property can all have a major bearing on the price of silicone rendering. On average you can expect to pay the following:
| Cost Breakdown | Price per m² (Approx.) | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Material Cost | £10 – £15 | Price for silicone render materials per square meter (includes finish) |
| Labour Cost | £20 – £30 | Average cost of labour per square meter (dependant on location and job size) |
| Total Cost (Materials + Labour) | £30 – £45 | Total estimated cost per m² for silicone rendering |
Example Cost for a Semi-Detached Home
Based on the pricing above we have worked out how much to expect to pay for a semi-detached house in the UK. A typical semi-detached home in the UK has an exterior surface area of around 100 meters.
- Material Cost: £10 – £15 per m² = £1,000 – £1,500
- Labour Cost: £20 – £30 per m² = £2,000 – £3,000
- Total: £3,000 – £4,500
Note: Prices may vary depending on the region, contractor rates and any specific requirements for the job (e.g., scaffolding or access issues). Check out suppliers such as K Rend for the latest material costs.
How to Apply Silicone Render
Applying silicone render to a property is a task that requires lots of skill and experience and should always be carried out by a professional installation team. Here is a general idea of how to apply silicone render:
Surface Preparation: The surface must be clean and free from dirt, dust and loose debris. If the wall has been previously rendered any cracks or imperfections should be repaired before applying the render.
Priming: In some cases a primer may be applied to help adhesion. The primer ensures that the silicone bonds well to the surface.
Rendering: The render is applied using a trowel or a spraying machine. The material is spread evenly and smoothed over the surface.
Finishing: Once the render is applied a finishing technique is used to achieve the desired texture or appearance. This could involve sponging, brushing or creating a smooth finish.
Curing: The render must be allowed to cure for between 24 to 48 hours depending on the weather conditions.
How Long Does Silicone Render Last?
When applied by an experienced rendering company silicone render is one of the most durable materials used for rendering and can last more than 30 years if properly maintained.
If the silicone render has been installed over damaged walls or is not looked after a system can fail after just a few years. We have installed systems however that have been in place for over 40 years so it is all dependent on how well the render is applied as well as external factors such as the climate and whether the property is close to a busy road.
Silicone render is more likely to last longer than other materials such as concrete render.
Contact Us Today!
Silicone render offers numerous advantages for UK homeowners and businesses including water repellency, breathability, durability, UV resistance and aesthetic appeal. The long-term benefits and low maintenance requirements make it an attractive option for many property owners looking to improve their homes.
If you are based in Leeds or West Yorkshire and the surrounding areas and are interested in finding out how silicone render can benefit your property please contact our experienced team today.
