Silicone Renders

Silicone renders are flexible, fully breathable, and hydrophobic thin coat finishes for external render and external wall insulation systems. Using advanced silicone technology, these coloured render products deliver long term performance, aesthetic appeal, and enhanced protection on a wide range of substrates, including brick and existing render that is sound.

Our ready mixed, lightweight render range is stocked for fast dispatch. Choose popular Silicone Render EWI-075, premium bio options like EWI-076 Premium Bio Silicone Render, or hybrid Silicone Silicate EWI-040. Order samples from our samples range to compare colours and textures before you purchase.

Silicone renders: flexible, breathable and hydrophobic finish

Silicone thin coat render is specifically designed to create a smooth or fine texture finish that is completely water repellent in service while remaining vapour open. The hydrophobic properties shed rain and surface dirt, while greater flexibility helps resist hairline movement. As part of modern render systems, silicone enhanced formulas provide durable protection and a consistent silicone render finish.

What is silicone render and why choose it?

Silicone render is a polymer modified, ready mixed topcoat used as the final layer in the rendering process. Compared with traditional cement render and other types such as acrylic render, silicone offers crack resistance, water resistance, and breathability for long term performance. It is ideal for external render on homes and commercial properties, and it can be machine applied or spray applied to speed up plastering on large elevations. Explore our core silicone render products: EWI-075, EWI-076, and EWI-040.

Long lasting protection for external walls

Used over a reinforced base coat, silicone creates a protective surface that is lightweight, durable, and suitable for render-only projects or external wall insulation systems. The rendering method, grain size, and substrate preparation will vary depending on the property and materials, but the goal is the same: a breathable, water repellent coat that keeps the facade looking clean for years.

Key benefits of silicone rendering: is silicone render better than normal render?

Compared with sand and cement or other types of coat renders, silicone thin coat render delivers enhanced performance in flexibility, breathability, and water repellence. It is an ideal solution where you want a coloured render that resists staining and remains smooth and consistent over time. For value engineering, acrylic can be a cost effective alternative, but silicone is often the better choice for long term performance on exposed elevations.

Crack resistance and durability

Silicone formulations provide greater flexibility and crack resistance, reducing the risk of a silicone render crack as the building moves. When applied over a reinforced base with mesh, the system offers durable protection and a stable surface layer.

Breathable surface that helps prevent damp

Silicone render is fully breathable, allowing moisture to evaporate through the surface instead of trapping it in the wall. This helps manage damp risk in solid masonry and on properties that need vapour open finishes.

Hydrophobic properties for water protection

The hydrophobic surface is completely water repellent to rainfall, improving water resistance and helping the facade to stay cleaner for longer. This water repellent effect also supports long term performance in polluted or coastal areas.

Resistance to algae and fungi growth

Silicone renders resist algae and fungi growth, especially in damp environments where biological staining is common. The hydrophobic surface limits the moisture that micro-organisms need to colonise, keeping the facade cleaner between maintenance cycles. Premium bio formulations such as EWI-076 offer additional protection on north-facing or shaded elevations where dampness persists.

Through-coloured finish that hides minor damage

Silicone renders are through-coloured to hide minor chips, meaning the pigment runs through the full depth of the coat rather than sitting on the surface. Minor scuffs or surface marks do not expose a contrasting base layer, so the facade maintains a consistent appearance without touch-up paint. This is a practical advantage over painted cement render, where any surface damage immediately reveals the grey substrate beneath.

Available in RAL, NCS or Pantone colours

Our silicone render products are available in an extensive range of colours and textures, from smooth to fine texture finishes. We can tint to RAL, NCS or Pantone so the coloured render matches your design without the need to paint later.

How long does silicone render last?

Silicone render typically lasts between 25 to 30 years when applied correctly over a reinforced base coat system. In well-maintained properties with good detailing, silicone render can last over 50 years. By comparison, traditional sand and cement renders have a shorter service life because they are more prone to cracking and moisture absorption. The combination of flexibility, breathability, and hydrophobic performance gives silicone a significantly longer lifespan than conventional alternatives, making it a sound investment for any external wall project.

Choosing the right silicone render

Begin with the substrate and project goals. On difficult substrates or existing render that is sound, use the correct primer and reinforced base coat before applying your thin coat render. For render-only, Silicone EWI-075 is a versatile choice. For enhanced resistance to dirt, choose Premium Bio EWI-076. For a budget friendly silicone option, consider Silicone Silicate EWI-040. If you need an alternative finish, acrylic render remains popular on less exposed elevations.

Different types of render systems for different projects

Render systems vary depending on whether you are installing external wall insulation or completing a render-only refurbishment. For EWI, the typical build up is adhesive, insulation, base coat with mesh, primer, then silicone topcoat. For render-only on sound surfaces, apply base coat with mesh, primer, then the silicone top layer. Monocouche one coat renders are another option for thick coat applications; compare choices in our render systems hub.

Why silicone render requires skilled installation

Silicone renders require skilled installation to ensure performance and a uniform finish. Surface preparation, correct primer selection, and consistent application thickness all affect the final result. During application, fibreglass mesh is embedded in the base coat to reinforce the system and distribute stress across the surface. Inadequate mesh bedding or uneven trowelling can lead to visible defects, so working with an experienced renderer or approved installer is recommended for both EWI and render-only projects.

Matching silicone render to your design needs

Select grain size for the required texture, choose machine applied or spray applied method for speed, and specify the colour to match adjacent materials. A silicone TC style grain of one to two millimetres gives a classic thin coat look that suits most homes. If you plan to refresh colour later, breathable silicone paint can be used on compatible systems.

How much does silicone render cost?

Silicone render is generally more expensive than acrylic render and can cost double that of cement render at the material stage. The average silicone render material cost is around £11.80 per m², while labour rates for silicone render typically sit around £280 per day. Including materials, labour, and preparation, silicone render costs around £72.50 per m² as a fully installed price. Applying silicone render to a typical semi-detached property costs about £10,000 depending on the size of the elevations and the complexity of detailing. Ready mixed product saves on-site mixing time, and the spray-applied method can reduce the programme further. Product pages display prices with VAT added as well as ex VAT, so you can compare material costs clearly before requesting a quote.

FAQ

How long does silicone render last on a house?

Silicone render typically lasts between 25 to 30 years on a house when installed correctly with a reinforced base coat system. On well-maintained properties with proper detailing, silicone render can last over 50 years. Factors such as exposure, substrate condition, and quality of installation all influence the final lifespan.

Is silicone render worth the extra cost?

Silicone render is more expensive upfront than cement or acrylic alternatives, but the long term savings on maintenance and repainting often make it cost-effective. The hydrophobic, breathable surface resists staining, algae growth, and cracking, reducing the need for repairs over 25 to 30 years of service.

Can silicone render be applied to existing walls?

Silicone render can be applied to existing walls and substrates that are sound, including brick and older render in good condition. The surface must be prepared with a suitable primer and a reinforced base coat with fibreglass mesh before the thin-coat silicone topcoat is applied.

Does silicone render prevent damp?

Silicone render is fully breathable, allowing trapped moisture to evaporate through the surface while repelling rainwater on the outside. This vapour-open performance helps manage damp risk, particularly on solid masonry walls where moisture movement is a concern.

What is the difference between silicone and acrylic render?

Silicone render offers superior breathability, water resistance, and flexibility compared to acrylic render. Acrylic is a more cost-effective option for sheltered elevations, but silicone is the better choice on exposed walls where long-term performance, crack resistance, and resistance to algae growth are priorities.

Is silicone render expensive compared to other types of render?

Silicone render is more expensive than cement or acrylic render at the point of purchase, and the material cost can be double that of a standard sand and cement mix. The average silicone render material cost sits around £11.80 per m², with a fully installed price of approximately £72.50 per m² including labour. However, the long term savings on maintenance, repainting, and repairs often outweigh the higher upfront spend, making silicone render a cost-effective choice over its 25 to 30 year lifespan.