What Are the Most Durable Rendering Options for Homes

The exterior of your home is just as important as the inside. You may focus only on decorating and maintaining the interior, completely ignoring the outside. However, your exterior walls also need protection, especially in the UK, where harsh weather conditions can damage them.

Rendering is one of the best ways to protect and improve the appearance of your home. It creates a barrier on the outside wall that safeguards it from moisture, cracking, and other forms of damage. It also gives your property a fresh and modern look.

There are various types of render available, making it hard for you to choose the right one. Understanding the most popular and durable types can help you make the right choice. In this post, we’ll explore the most durable rendering options for UK homes.

6 Popular and Durable Rendering Options for UK Homes

1. Silicone Render

It is one of the most popular choices for modern homes. It’s particularly beneficial in urban areas like London, where air pollution and dirt are common. Silicon rendering in London will protect your home from these external elements. Moreover, it has self-cleaning properties.  Rain helps wash off dirt and keeps the surface looking fresh.

Moreover, it removes moisture from inside the walls. It prevents dampness and mould growth, which are common problems in London due to frequent rains and high humidity. Another advantage is its flexibility, which means it doesn’t crack easily.

Silicone render is available in many colours and finishes. You can choose a style that matches your home and preferences. It’s a bit more expensive than traditional options. However, it lasts longer and needs very little maintenance.

2. Cement Render

It is one of the most traditional and widely used types in the UK. It is made by mixing cement, sand, and water. After that, it is applied in one or multiple coats to the outside walls. This type of render is tough and long-lasting. It forms a hard outer layer that protects your home from wind, rain, and snow.

However, cement rendering is not very flexible. This means that cracks can form on the surface over time. To avoid this, mesh or other reinforcement is often used underneath. Despite this drawback, many people still choose cement render because it’s affordable and offers solid protection.

3. Acrylic Render

It is another popular option, especially for those who want a smooth and colourful finish. This render is made by adding acrylic plastic to the mixture, which helps it stick better to the walls. It also increases its flexibility. As a result, you get a smooth and crack-resistant surface that can protect your property from external elements.

Acrylic render comes in a wide range of colours, so you don’t need to paint over it. It’s also good at handling wet weather and dries quickly. One thing to keep in mind is that it might trap moisture in older buildings. It works perfectly for new and modern buildings, giving them a long-lasting and attractive finish.

4. Monocouche Render

It is a one-coat render type that is gaining popularity across the UK. “Monocouche” is a French word, which means “single layer.” This render offers a single, thick coat that provides long-term protection. This makes the application process quicker and less expensive.

It is made with white cement and comes pre-coloured. It means there is no need to paint it after applying. Monocouche render provides a smooth appearance and is resistant to extreme weather conditions. It is highly durable as well, primarily because of its cement content.

5. Lime Render

It is especially useful for older buildings. It is made from lime, sand, and water. Unlike modern options, lime render is more flexible and breathable. This means that moisture can escape from the walls instead of being trapped inside, which is a common issue in traditional buildings.

It is a great option for areas that see a mix of wet and dry conditions. It adjusts naturally to temperature and humidity changes without cracking. It’s not as durable as silicone or cement render. However, you can still opt for it, as it can be patched and repaired easily.

It is a popular choice in areas like Epsom, where most buildings are traditional and face diverse weather. Rendering Epsom homes with lime ensures they maintain their original charm. This natural material blends well with older architecture and can last for many years.

6. Insulated Render

It is also known as an external wall insulation (EWI) system. If you want to improve both the look and energy efficiency of your home, it’s your go-to option. This type of rendering involves adding a layer of insulation to the outside wall, which is then covered with a protective render coat.

You can opt for any of the aforementioned rendering types based on your specific requirements. You can also consult with professionals to make the right choice.