When it comes to giving a building a long-lasting, attractive and durable exterior finish, thin coat rendering, or silicone rendering as it’s also referred to, is the top choice for homeowners.
The solution is also adopted by architects and contractors who look to thin coat rendering for commercial purposes as well as for residential. Considered to be an innovative, modern system that offers superior performance, flexibility and aesthetics, silicone rendering services far outperform that of traditional sand and cement renders.
Whether you’re building a new home or refreshing an older wall covering, thin coat rendering is the solution for you. In this article, we’ll be going through what thin coat rendering is and what the benefits are of using it.
What is thin coat rendering?
Thin coat rendering is a high-performance external wall finish that’s applied in extremely thin layers, usually at 1.5-3mm thick, over a reinforced base coat. Silicone rendering systems are designed to move with the building, unlike more conventional rendering options. This offers long-term flexibility and durability, as well as maintaining a continuous aesthetic for decades to come. These renders are often part of external wall insulation (EWI), but they can also be used directly over a suitable substrate, assuming it’s flat and undamaged.
TIP: Read also about timber cladding.
What are the benefits of thin coat rendering?
There are multiple benefits to thin coat rendering, some of which we have already touched upon. But what are the advantages of thin coat rendering and why should you consider it as an external building material for your own home or commercial property? Let’s take a closer look at the benefits of thin coat rendering.
1. It’s crack-resistant & flexible
One of the biggest advantages of thin coat render is its crack-resistant flexibility. Traditional sand and cement renders are rigid. This often means that cracks and fallouts can occur over time. Silicone render, on the other hand, is flexible and moves with the building. This means that cracks are far less likely to occur.
They’re made from advanced materials like silicone, acrylic or mineral-based compounds that are specifically designed to expand and contract with the substrate, including those as a result of temperature changes. The flexibility dramatically reduces the risk of cracks, ensuring a seamless aesthetic finish for years to come.
2. It enables long-lasting protection
Thin coat rendering isn’t just about how it can make a building look. It’s also designed to provide a long-lasting, durable and robust shield against the elements. Its formulation creates a strong barrier that resists moisture penetration, all while allowing the wall the breathe.
Its breathable properties are what help to prevent trapped damp and mould growth, which can, over time, mitigate building and structural damage. Silicone-based thin coats are highly water-repellent, but they’re still vapour-permeable. This is what keeps the walls dry, healthy and in good condition.
3. It’s low maintenance
Thin coat rendering is considered to be self-cleaning. Silicone render solutions use hydrophobic technology that repels water and dirt. This means that rain will naturally wash away grime and dirt as and when it builds up. Therefore, you’ll never have to worry about going up a ladder to scrub your rendering clean. You also won’t have to think about having it repainted or rerendered for many years to come. Thin coat rendering lasts for decades and remains looking immaculate indefinitely. All you’ll have to do is enjoy the new look of either your domestic or commercial property.
4. There’s a wide selection of colours & textures available
Silicone rendering is available in a wide range of colours and textures. From a smooth finish to a rustic look, and everything in between, silicone render is the perfect solution for those looking to elevate the look of their property, whether commercial or residential.
This means that you’ll be able to choose a colour and texture that seamlessly suits your style and taste, while exceeding your expectations. In addition, you’ll never have to worry about the colour fading or peeling off. This is because the colour pigment runs through the material itself rather than sitting on the surface, much like how paint would.
5. It’s lightweight & easy to apply
Although the thin coat rendering itself is lightweight and easy to work with, its strength, once cured, should never be underestimated. It’s suitable for new builds and renovations alike, both on commercial and domestic buildings. Its thin layer and weightlessness mean less strain on the building’s structure, which also means faster drying times when compared to traditional renders.
Applied over a reinforced mesh base coat, it works to enhance structural integrity while ensuring a smooth and even finish that also prevents cracks and fallouts. In addition, its easy application means that work can be completed in a timely manner. This means you won’t be waiting much time at all for your project to come together. This is just another reason why people choose thin coat rendering as a long-lasting, aesthetically pleasing exterior solution.
6. It has insulating properties
Thin coat rendering is the preferred finish for external wall insulation (EWI). This is because it bonds perfectly with insulation boards, as well as enhances thermal performance by sealing the system against moisture ingress. When the two things are combined (EWI and thin coat render), homeowners and business owners alike will benefit from reduced heat loss and improved energy efficiency as a result. This all goes hand-in-hand with excellent visual results, improving kerb appeal in the process. Either way, you’ll be the envy of the street if you choose silicone rendering solutions for your property.
7. Enhanced weather & UV-resistant
Thin coat render is specifically and expertly designed to withstand the elements. This means that silicone render can protect your home and its structure from rain, snow, frost, wind and hail. No matter how bad the weather gets, silicone render can withstand it all. The same also goes for the hot weather. Silicone render will never lose its colour. It will never fade, even when exposed to many hours of intense sunshine. This is just another thing that sets it apart from conventional counterparts, like concrete rendering.
8. It’s sustainable & energy efficient
Thin coat rendering works to insulate the commercial or domestic property, therefore reducing the need for frequent maintenance, repairs or repainting. Many formulations are water-based and low in volatile organic compounds (VOCs), further minimising environmental impact. This is just another reason as to why people will choose silicone rendering over other, more conventional methods of rendering.
