The Complete Guide to Silicone Render: Benefits, Application, Costs, Maintenance, and More
Updated April 7, 2025
Silicone render has become a popular choice for homeowners and builders in the UK, offering durability, weather resistance, and a sleek modern finish. At MidRender.co.uk, we specialize in silicone render installations, alongside other services like scratch coat, pebble dash, and acrylic rendering. This comprehensive guide answers all your questions about silicone render—from what it is, how to apply it, and its cost per m², to long-term maintenance and comparisons with other renders.
Silicone render is a premium exterior wall coating made from a blend of silicone resins, minerals, and aggregates. Unlike traditional cement-based renders, silicone render is highly flexible, breathable, and resistant to cracking. It’s designed to protect buildings from harsh weather while providing a smooth or textured finish.
Key Features:
Breathability: Allows moisture to escape, preventing dampness (more on this later).
Waterproof: Acts as a protective barrier against rain.
Flexibility: Resists cracking due to temperature changes.
Low Maintenance: Requires minimal upkeep compared to older render types.
Benefits of Silicone Render
Aesthetic Versatility: Available in a wide range of colours (including popular Johnstones silicone render colours and K Rend silicone render shades).
Longevity: Lasts 25+ years with proper care.
Energy Efficiency: Improves insulation when paired with external wall insulation (EWI) systems.
Eco-Friendly: Breathable properties reduce mould growth, promoting healthier indoor air.
How to Apply Silicone Render: Step-by-Step Guide
Tools Needed: Trowel, hawk, base coat, primer, silicone render mix (e.g., Weber silicone render or Atlas silicone render).
Steps:
Surface Preparation: Clean walls, repair cracks, and apply a primer (like silicone render primer).
Base Coat Application: Use a cement-based or insulated base coat for adhesion.
Application: Apply in two thin layers (2–3mm thickness each) using a trowel.
Finishing: Create textures like smooth, scraped, or Tyrolean render-style patterns.
Drying Time: Typically 24–48 hours, depending on weather.
Silicone Render Cost: What to Expect
Per m² Cost: £30–£50 (materials + labour).
Whole House: £5,000–£15,000+ (varies by size and complexity).
Factors Affecting Price:
Wall condition (repairs increase costs).
Choice of brand (e.g., K Rend silicone render vs. Johnstones silicone render).
Additional insulation (EWI systems).
Can You Paint Silicone Render?
Yes! Use silicone render paint for touch-ups or colour changes. Ensure the paint is breathable to maintain the render’s properties. Brands like Johnstones silicone render paint offer compatible options.
How to Clean Silicone Render
Regular Cleaning: Use a soft brush and mild detergent.
Stubborn Stains: Pressure wash on a low setting. Avoid abrasive tools to prevent damaging the finish.
Is Silicone Render Breathable?
Absolutely! Its microporous structure allows moisture vapour to escape, making it ideal for older buildings prone to damp.
Silicone Render vs. Acrylic Render: Key Differences
Feature
Silicone Render
Acrylic Render
Breathability
High
Moderate
Water Resistance
Excellent
Good
Cost
Higher
Lower
Durability
25+ years
15–20 years
Common Silicone Render Problems (and Solutions)
Cracking: Rare, but caused by poor application. Fix with flexible filler.
Algae Growth: Clean with anti-fungal solutions.
Colour Fading: Use UV-stable products like white silicone render or darker shades.
Top Silicone Render Brands in the UK
K Rend Silicone Render: Known for vibrant colours and durability.
Johnstones Silicone Render: Budget-friendly with a wide colour range.
Silicone render is a smart investment for enhancing your home’s aesthetics and protection. At MidRender.co.uk, we provide expert silicone render installations tailored to your needs. Whether you’re exploring silicone render colours or need advice on silicone render near me, our team is here to help.
Ready to transform your home?Contact us for a free quote!
FAQ Section: Everything You Need to Know About Silicone Render
Silicone render is a versatile exterior wall coating designed to protect and enhance buildings. It’s commonly used to:
Weatherproof homes against rain, wind, and frost.
Improve aesthetics with a modern, smooth, or textured finish.
Provide breathability to prevent dampness in older properties.
Boost energy efficiency when paired with EWI silicone render (external wall insulation).
Yes! Use silicone render paint (e.g., Johnstones silicone render paint) to refresh faded colours or change the look. Ensure the paint is breathable to maintain the render’s moisture-wicking properties.
Silicone render is typically applied in two layers, totaling 4–6mm. Each layer is 2–3mm thick, ensuring flexibility and crack resistance.
Silicone render is water-resistant, not fully waterproof. It repels rain effectively but shouldn’t be used in areas exposed to constant water submersion (e.g., pools).
Drying time depends on weather conditions:
Touch-dry: 12–24 hours.
Fully cured: 48–72 hours.
Avoid heavy rain or frost during drying to prevent damage.
With proper application and maintenance, silicone render lasts 25–30 years. Brands like K Rend silicone render and Weber silicone render are known for exceptional durability.
Materials: £15–£25 per m².
Labour: £15–£25 per m².
Total cost: £30–£50 per m². For a 3-bedroom house, expect £5,000–£15,000+ depending on wall complexity.
Routine cleaning: Use a soft brush and mild detergent.
Stubborn stains: Low-pressure wash (under 100 bar).
Avoid harsh chemicals or abrasive tools to protect the finish.
Yes! Its microporous structure allows moisture vapour to escape, making it ideal for older homes or EWI silicone render systems.
Yes, but the pebble dash must be cleaned, repaired, and primed first. A silicone render base coat ensures proper adhesion.
Popular options include Johnstones silicone render colours, K Rend silicone render shades, and white silicone render. Most brands offer 50+ colours, including custom mixes.
Yes! A silicone render primer (e.g., Baumit silicone render primer) ensures adhesion and prevents uneven drying.
Cracking: Rare, but caused by poor application. Fix with flexible filler.
Algae/moss: Clean with anti-fungal treatments.
Colour fading: Opt for UV-stable brands like Atlas silicone render.
It’s possible for DIY enthusiasts, but professional installation (like MidRender’s services) ensures optimal results. Mistakes in mixing or application can lead to cracks or peeling.
Expertise in silicone render finish techniques (smooth, textured, Tyrolean).
Use of premium brands like Weber, K Rend, and Atlas.
Free consultations and competitive pricing.
MidRender.co.uk offers silicone render near me services across the UK. Get a quote today!
Richard Renderman, your trusted rendering expert at MidRender, is passionate about the art of rendering.
With years of experience, he crafts informative and engaging blog posts to share his knowledge with you.
Richard's objective is to make the realm of rendering accessible and exhilarating, contributing one post at a time.
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