Introduction
In this article, we will explore the different types of rendering services, finishes and guide you through the one that will be best for your home.
Due to changing weather conditions in the UK and regular wear and tear, it is inevitable that your home will naturally degrade over time. Thankfully, there are steps you can take to protect your home from such elements, maintain them properly and raise its property value at the same time.
One of the common ways is to give your house a new rendering finish. It’s a great way to help you make a lasting first impression on visitors, neighbours, and potential buyers whilst protecting your property.
What is rendering?
Home rendering is the process of covering an exterior wall with cement render, acrylic render, silicone render, monocouche render or some other kind of product. They are carried out with the intention of protecting the exposed brick and other construction materials from erosion and cracking; preventing expensive maintenance or repairs down the line.
Rendering is also carried out if you choose to completely transform your house’s aesthetic and thereby maintain your property value.
Depending on your budget and requirements, you could choose between monocouche and silicone rendering which are much more superior to the conventional rendering methods made from cement and sand.
Different Types of Rendering
Cement & Sand Render
Cement and sand render is one of the traditional and standard types of rendering which is popular among homeowners who are looking for a budget friendly solution. They are mixed on site and are usually applied in several coats, and then painted once dry. Continuous maintenance is necessary to keep them looking their best.
This can therefore lead to a higher cost incurred to repair and maintain the render.
At Ralph Plastering, in addition to cement and sand rendering, we also carry out more modern techniques of rendering namely, monocouche and silicone.
Monocouche Rendering
What is monocouche render?
Monocouche is dry powdered render which has a coloured pigment and provides reasonable breathability. It’s generally a very popular rendering system and there are a wide variety of monocouche renders available on the market such as Weber, Parex and K-Rend which is commonly used at Ralph Plastering.
Monocouche render is very often compared to sand and cement render, and although monocouche does contain cement it is actually very different in terms of texture and characteristics. Unlike other renders, monocouche renders tend to offer a more chalky finish than and is usually scraped to create a pitted effect to provide a finished texture.
They’re available in a range of colours (bright or natural), it’s a very popular choice for homeowners who are looking for a crisp, flat finish.
Benefits of using monocouche rendering
Monocouche render comes with numerous benefits making it a good choice for the exterior of your house. Some of them are listed below:
Convenient: It’s easy to get the whole job done all in one go with Monocouche render. There is no need to apply any coats of paint once you have rendered, as the colour will already be looking good.
Long-lasting: Monocouche render lasts for at least 10 years. So that’s 10 years of not worrying about repainting the exterior of your property. The colours very rarely fade over that time, so the colour you originally chose will remain strong.
Weather-proof: These renders act as a strong contender against the UK weather no matter how much rain or wind it throws at your property. They are completely waterproof and weather-proof in its guaranteed life span.
Flexibility: Monocouche render comes in a variety of colours and finish that you prefer; creating the perfect look for your home that suits your style and needs.
Insulation: These renders have a high thermal efficiency which can also act as insulation. This in turn will save you money on heating bills.
How much does monocouche render cost?
The cost of monocouche render can vary depending on the base coat needed. Generally, it varies in the range of £55 – £75 per m2 (including labour and materials). Should you require a more custom quote, do get in touch with us and we will be more than happy to provide you one free of charge. We have our monocouche rendering price list here.
Silicone Rendering
What is silicone render?
Silicone renders are generally termed as ‘thin coat renders’ because they’re applied in a very thin layer on top of a reinforced basecoat and have the advantage of being especially crack-resistant.
These types of rendering option have the same flexibility and colour choice benefits as acrylic, but has an added level of waterproofing.
Silicone rendering is more premium and is comparatively more expensive than monocouche rendering. However, it is widely recognised as being easier to apply than the other alternatives.
Similar to monocouche rendering, Thin Coat Silicone are manufactured by companies such as Weber, Parex and K-Rend which are sourced by our contractors at Ralph Plastering.
Benefits of using silicone render
One of the most distinct advantages of silicone render is the fact that it’s hydrophobic feature – i.e. it’s a self-cleaning render. They are also very flexible and adaptable given its unique properties such as breathability, hydrophobicity and vapour permeability.
Though it takes slightly longer to apply, if done right, they can last for much longer compared to other rendering materials.
Additionally, silicone has the colour mixed into it, which means, with just one coat, the job is complete. Having the render pre-coloured means that it can last longer, and thereby eliminates the requirement for painting, drastically reducing the cost of maintenance.
How much does silicone render cost?
As a rough guide, a silicone render could cost double the price of a conventional cement mix – coming in somewhere in the range of £65 – £80 per m2 including labour and materials. Here’s our silicone rendering price list.
Monocouche vs Silicone: Choosing between the types of rendering
Having explored the different types of rendering, it may seem overwhelming to make a choice between the right one for your house. Though each one of them has its advantages, it largely comes down to a personal choice having considered your budget, timeline and the willingness to continuously maintain them.
Though silicone render is a more expensive option, it has a longer lifespan compared to monocouche render and therefore over its lifetime, it may be a more cost effective option. However, if you are looking for a more budget friendly investment with outstanding quality, monocouche rendering may be a better option.
If you are still unsure on what types of rendering finish is right for your home, do get in touch with one of our professional renderers and we will get back to you with a free quotation for all possible options.
