Silicone render is a versatile and very durable product. It’s widely used in construction, but at the same time remains a rather expensive solution. What is silicone rendering, and what properties does it have?
What is silicone render?
Silicone render belongs to the group of decorative thin-coat renders. Depending on the size and amount of aggregate used, it allows us to achieve the most popular surface textures. The silicone binder makes the applied material perfectly protected against absorption. A coating has also formed a layer protecting an existing render from the rain.
The self-cleaning properties very much determine the using modern render. This property also means that silicone renders can be used for a durable finishing layer but also preparation in a slightly wet form of external wall insulation.
Properties of silicone rendering materials
Silicone coating is hydrophobic and non-absorbent. Such rendering is also more resistant to dirt, damage, mold, and mildew than the traditional cement renders. It is mainly due to the addition of active biological substances that can be helpful in the prevention of their growth. In this way, we can effectively prevent the appearance of permanent dirt on external walls.
The advantage of such house rendering is also high flexibility, unlike traditional cement render. Using silicone resins increases the render’s resistance to cracks and scratches, which are often the result of execution errors or the consequence of temperature differences during building settlement. In addition, a thin coat silicone render is resistant to damage and provides a wide range of coloring possibilities.
Application of self cleaning render finish
Its unique formula makes silicone render useful for areas highly exposed to pollution. It is also ideal for use in areas with poor air quality – for example, next to a heavily trafficked street. When using silicone render, you can avoid the need for regular building facade cleaning from sediment, dust, and dirt.
Silicone renders are also worth in buildings near parks, forests, and bodies of water. They provide high protection against fungi and algae and protect walls from the formation of an unsightly green tarnish. Such rendering is also recommended when renovating older-style houses. The walls of buildings have a high vapor permeability – it is, therefore, necessary to use a vapor-permeable render compatible with the insulation.
What of the other renders?
If you decide that silicone is not for you, there are still other types of render to choose from:
- mineral render – is highly vapor-permeable, but not resistant to mechanical damage. It boasts a high water absorption capacity and requires painting with facade paint.
- acrylic render – is resistant to mechanical damage, and hydrophobic, but has limited vapor permeability, so it is suitable only for thermal insulation with polystyrene foam;
- silicate render – combines the vapor permeability of mineral renders and the strength of acrylic renders, is non-flammable, and resistant to fungal growth. However, it requires great care in application, and changes in temperature and humidity during rendering may cause discoloration of its color.
