Silicone Render: Properties, Benefits, and Popular Brands in the UK

Silicone render is a modern, high-performance exterior wall finish that has become increasingly popular across the UK. Known for its flexibility, durability, and weather resistance, silicone render is now a preferred choice for both new builds and renovation projects. In this article, we'll explore what silicone render is, its key properties, and the most popular and reliable brands available on the UK market.

What is Silicone Render?

Silicone render is a type of exterior wall coating, combining silicone with other mineral and acrylic binders. It is typically used as the final coat in a multi-layer external wall insulation system or applied directly onto brick or blockwork. Unlike traditional cement-based renders, silicone render has a smoother, more flexible consistency, and offers various aesthetic and functional advantages, especially in the UK's often harsh and unpredictable weather conditions.

Key Properties of Silicone Render

1. Water-Repellent: One of the standout features of silicone render is its water-repellent nature. The silicone content ensures that the render naturally resists water absorption, with rainwater beading off the surface. This helps prevent moisture ingress and reduces the likelihood of damp issues within the property.

2. Breathability: Despite being water-repellent, silicone render remains highly breathable. It allows moisture within the walls to escape, preventing condensation and mould from developing. This makes it an ideal choice for older buildings where breathability is essential.

3. Flexibility: Silicone render is far more flexible than traditional cement renders. This flexibility allows it to accommodate minor structural movements and temperature fluctuations without cracking, ensuring it retains its appearance over time even in areas prone to expansion and contraction due to weather conditions.

4. Self-Cleaning: Many silicone renders are described as having "self-cleaning" properties. Their hydrophobic surface repels dirt and grime, which are washed away by rainwater, keeping the building’s exterior looking fresh and clean with minimal maintenance.

5. Durability: Silicone renders are known for their long-lasting durability. They resist UV rays, weathering, and environmental pollutants, making them more resilient than other rendering options. Their colours and textures also remain intact for many years, reducing the need for frequent repainting or repairs.

6. Aesthetic Versatility: Silicone render is available in a wide range of colours and textures, allowing for a variety of finishes to suit different architectural styles. It can be applied in thin layers for a sleek, modern look, or in thicker coats for a more traditional appearance.

Popular and Reliable Silicone Render Brands in the UK

Several brands dominate the UK silicone render market, known for their quality and reliability. Below are some of the most trusted names:

1. EWI Pro

   • Overview: EWI Pro is a leading UK supplier of external wall insulation (EWI) systems and silicone-based renders. The company is known for providing high-quality, long-lasting, and energy-efficient solutions for both residential and commercial properties.
   • Features: EWI Pro’s silicone renders are highly breathable, water-repellent, and flexible, designed to endure harsh weather conditions while maintaining a clean, attractive finish. They offer self-cleaning properties, helping reduce the need for ongoing maintenance, and are available in a wide range of colours and textures.
   • Popular Products: EWI-075 Silicone Render, EWI-040 Silicone Silicate Render, EWI Pro Thin Coat Silicone Render.

2. K Rend

   • Overview: K Rend is a leading name in the UK, renowned for its extensive range of coloured silicone renders that provide superior water resistance and flexibility.
   • Features: K Rend silicone renders are breathable, UV-resistant, and weatherproof. They are also easy to apply and come in a variety of textures and finishes to suit different styles.
   • Popular Products: K1 Silicone Render, Silicone Thin Coat.

3. Weber

   • Overview: Weber is a globally recognised brand that produces a wide range of building materials, including high-quality silicone renders. They are widely used in the UK due to their durability and ease of application.
   • Features: Weber’s silicone renders are highly flexible, breathable, and resistant to water and cracking. They are designed to maintain their aesthetic appeal for many years, even under the UK's often challenging weather conditions.
   • Popular Products: Weberpral M, weberend MT, weberend One-Coat Renders.

4. Parex

   • Overview: Parex is a well-established brand in the UK, offering innovative solutions for rendering and façade systems. Their silicone renders are designed for high performance and longevity.
   • Features: Parex silicone renders offer excellent water-repellency, breathability, and colour retention. They are also known for their ease of application and wide range of finishes.
   • Popular Products: Parex Monorex GM, Parex DPR Optimum, Parex Siloxane Masonry Paint.

5. Ecorend

   • Overview: Ecorend is a relatively new name in the UK market but has quickly gained a reputation for high-quality, environmentally friendly products. Their silicone renders are designed for outstanding performance while being conscious of their environmental impact.
   • Features: Ecorend silicone renders are breathable, flexible, and durable. The company prides itself on sustainable production processes and low-VOC products, making them a popular choice for eco-conscious projects.
   • Popular Products: Ecorend Silicone Render S10, Ecorend Mineral Render Topcoat.

6. Wetherby

   • Overview: Wetherby is a well-known UK brand specialising in external wall insulation systems and renders. Their silicone renders are widely used for both domestic and commercial projects.
   • Features: Wetherby’s silicone renders are highly water-repellent, offer long-lasting colour stability, and are resistant to algae growth. Their flexibility helps prevent cracking, ensuring a durable finish.
   • Popular Products: Silicone Silicate Render, Thin Coat Renders.

Silicone render offers a modern, high-performance solution for exterior wall finishes, providing excellent flexibility, breathability, and weather resistance. Its durability, combined with low maintenance requirements, makes it a top choice for homeowners, builders, and architects in the UK.

Leading brands like EWI Pro, K Rend, Weber, Parex, Ecorend, and Wetherby offer a wide range of silicone render products, catering to diverse needs from environmentally friendly options to high-performance solutions for extreme weather conditions. Each of these brands is renowned for its quality, making them some of the most trusted names in the UK rendering market.