Thin coat silicone renders are highly flexible, dirt-resistant, and vapor-permeable. They are counted among the latest generation of rendering systems. However, it is worth remembering that such type of render is slightly more expensive compared to other exterior materials. How much does silicone render cost? Where will it work well?
What are the silicone render benefits?
We can use different types of thin coat render for finishing facades: acrylic render, mineral, silicate, and silicone render. The binder of silicone render – as the name suggests – is silicones, specifically silicone resin. Renders of this type are ideal both as a material for decorative exterior and interior rendering process.
One of the parameters of silicone render is high flexibility, hydrophobicity, and self-cleaning render. What does this mean in practice?
Silicone render is hydrophobic, which means that instead of penetrating the surface of the render, water flows right off it;
This type of coloured render is non-absorbent and “self-cleaning” (e.g., when it rains, any dirt flows down the surface of the existing render);
A silicone render guarantees a durable color (without discoloration and local bleaching, which in the case of inferior renders can form on the facade as a result of intense sunlight or chimney smoke);
The use of resins in the composition of silicone render also makes this type of rendering much more resistant to mechanical damage and the risk of cracking (for example, as a result of the “settling” of a new house).
It’s worth knowing: an oft-repeated myth about silicone render finish is that it is not vapor permeable. It is not true – although water does not penetrate the surface of silicone render, the phenomenon of “breathing” of the wall is preserved. So silicone thin coat renders can be used in the external wall insulation systems (using, for example, mineral wool as a building insulation material).
Where is it best to use silicone rendering?
- near bodies of water and in areas of high humidity,
- near forests,
- in areas with high air pollution,
- on walls particularly exposed to dirt.
What colours does silicone render come in?
One of the advantages of silicone renders is that they can be colored as desired – access to a wide range of colors makes it possible to finish the facade in any way you want.
Manufacturers of silicone renders most often have sample books divided into color groups (the colors of silicone exterior plasters can be intense). Colorfastness guarantees the use of special reflective additives and modern pigments (dosed by a computer).
What is the price of silicone top coat?
Its price depends on the render color, the manufacturer, and the additives used (e.g. biocides that guarantee resistance to biological corrosion). The average total cost per square meter is around £10.80 per m2 for materials. If we include the labor cost, we’re looking at a price in the region of £45 to £65 per m2. It means that silicone silicate render is not cheap render.
Summary
We can say that silicone render guarantees a comprehensive finish related to the facade. It is a convenient solution that ensures that the appearance of the building will always remain in impeccable condition. Its excellent hydrophobic properties, and high resistance to damage and atmospheric factors allow you to enjoy a durable and robust facade. As for other solutions, the versatility of the coating makes it applicable among many types of substrates. The ease of application and simple preparation for application to the building wall makes silicone types of render adhere to the substrate in a short time allowing rapid coverage.
