When It Comes To Transforming The Appearance And Durability Of A Home, Silicone Render Has Quickly Become One Of The Most Popular Choices For Homeowners, Architects, And Installers. Offering Exceptional Weather Resistance, Long-lasting Colour, And Low Maintenance, It’s No Surprise That Silicone-based Systems Are Now The Go-to Solution For Modern External Rendering.
In this guide, we’ll break down everything you need to know about silicone render what it is, how it works, its benefits, costs, and whether it’s the right choice for your project.
What Is Silicone Render?
Silicone render is a modern, flexible, breathable render that incorporates silicone additives to enhance water resistance and durability. Unlike traditional sand and cement render, silicone render is designed to resist cracking, repel water, and maintain its colour for many years.
It’s commonly used with external wall insulation (EWI) systems but can also be applied directly to brick, blockwork, or existing render (depending on condition).
Why Choose Silicone Render?
1. Highly Water-Resistant
Silicone render is often described as hydrophobic, meaning it repels water. Instead of soaking into your walls, rainwater beads and rolls off—helping prevent damp, algae growth, and staining.
2. Crack-Resistant and Flexible
Traditional render is brittle. Silicone render is flexible, allowing it to move with the building and significantly reduce the risk of cracking over time.
3. Excellent Breathability
Homes require walls that can “breathe.” Silicone render allows moisture vapour to escape while preventing water from entering—ideal for older and newer buildings alike.
4. Long-Lasting Colour
Manufacturers offer silicone render in hundreds of colours. Because pigments are integrated into the render itself, the colour stays vibrant without the need for repainting.
5. Low Maintenance
A simple wash down once a year is usually enough. No peeling paint, no crumbling surfaces—just long-lasting aesthetics.
How Is Silicone Render Applied?
Although systems vary, the typical application process includes:
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Preparing the substrate – Cleaning the walls, repairing cracks, and applying basecoat.
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Embedding mesh – Ensures long-term stability and prevents cracking.
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Applying primer – Helps the final coat bond properly.
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Applying the silicone render – Usually between 1.5mm–3mm thick.
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Finishing texture – A float is used to achieve a consistent decorative finish.
For best results, silicone render should be applied by a trained professional, as poor installation can affect durability.
Silicone Render vs. Traditional Render
If you want a modern, colourful, and durable finish, silicone render outperforms traditional systems in nearly every category.
How Much Does Silicone Render Cost?
Costs vary depending on brand, area size, and whether it’s part of an EWI system. As a general guide:
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Material + labour: £60–£100 per m² (UK average)
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DIY kits: Cheaper but not recommended for large-scale projects
Although silicone render costs more upfront than cement render, the long-term savings on repairs and repainting often make it more cost-effective.
Is Silicone Render Worth It?
If you’re looking for a finish that:
âś” stays clean
âś” resists cracks
âś” holds colour for decades
âś” suits both new builds and renovations
…then yes, silicone render is one of the best external finishes available today.
Its combination of aesthetics, longevity, and low maintenance makes it a smart investment for homeowners who want both beauty and performance.
Silicone render has become the modern standard for exterior finishing and for good reason. With impressive durability, weather resistance, and visual appeal, it stands out as a superior option for anyone looking to upgrade their home’s exterior.
