How Much Does Silicone Rendering Cost

If you’re thinking of upgrading your property's external walls, a silicone render finish might be one of the best choices you could make. In fact, it has earned a reputation for being the ultimate rendering option!

At MisterRender, we understand the desire to elevate your home's kerb appeal and value. Silicone rendering is a popular choice for a reason – it offers a stunning finish, incredible durability, and low maintenance. But naturally, the question arises: how much does silicone render cost? 

In this blog, MisterRender will break down the factors affecting silicone rendering costs, provide you with estimated prices per square metre, and ensure you have all the information to make an informed decision for your property's makeover! 

What Is Silicone Render?

This innovative wall coating, crafted from silicone-based materials, goes beyond aesthetics to offer a protective shield for your building. 

As a composite material, it has several ingredients: 

• Silicone Resin Binder. This acts as the glue that holds everything together. It's what gives silicone render its flexibility and water-resistant properties. 
• Mineral Aggregate. This is typically sand or another fine-grained material that provides structure and strength to the render. The size and type of aggregate will influence the final texture of the render. 
• Fillers. These can be various inert materials like calcium carbonate (limestone) that help bulk out the render and improve its workability. 
• Pigments (Optional). If the render is pre-coloured, pigments are added to achieve the desired colour throughout the material. 

In some cases, additional additives might be included to enhance specific properties, like biocides to resist mould growth or water repellents to further improve water resistance.  

Unlike cement render, silicone-based products boast impressive flexibility. They can withstand temperature shifts and unpredictable weather conditions without succumbing to cracks. Living in an area with ever-changing seasons? Silicone render takes all this in its stride! 

But it's not just about resilience. Silicone render boasts a smooth, almost glossy finish that instantly elevates your property's kerb appeal. Think sleek lines and a modern aesthetic that sets your building apart. 

Added Insulation

There's even a hidden benefit: energy efficiency. Silicone renders act as a thermal insulator, reducing heat loss and potentially lowering your energy bills. Say goodbye to drafty walls and hello to a more sustainable home!

In a nutshell, silicone render offers a winning combination – it's durable, low-maintenance, adds a touch of modern flair, and keeps the elements at bay. It's the perfect choice for homeowners seeking a long-lasting, attractive upgrade for their building's exterior. 

Check out: Is Rendering A House A Good Idea

What Are Thin Coat Silicone Renders?

Without getting too technical, there are several types of silicone render to choose from, with thin coat render being the most popular, applied to a thickness of between 1mm and 3mm.

Other silicone-based renders are available, such as:

• Silicone Silicate Render - This is a hybrid option, combining silicone with other materials like cement and lime. It's a relatively cheap render but may not be as flexible or breathable.
• Premium Bio Silicone Render - This is a high-end option known for its enhanced properties. It boasts superior weather resistance, UV resistance, and even increased resistance to plant growth on the rendered surface.

Is Silicone Render Expensive?

Taking both materials and labour into account, you can expect to pay anywhere from £65 to £185 per square metre for silicone rendering. This suggests a total project cost ranging from £9,000 to £16,500 for an average-sized detached house (at roughly 200-300 square metres). 

Remember, these are just estimates, and several factors can affect average silicone render prices, such as:

Property Size  

Unsurprisingly, the size of your property directly impacts the total cost of silicone rendering, and this is why... 

More Surface Area

Larger houses naturally have more exterior wall surface area that needs rendering. This equates to a greater quantity of materials required, including basecoat, fibreglass mesh, top coat primer, and beading. As material costs are typically quoted per square metre, a larger surface area means a higher overall material cost. 

Increased Labour Time

The rendering process for a larger property takes more time for skilled workers to complete, which directly affects the total labour cost. Remember, these costs are often quoted as a daily rate. 

Location 

The location of your property can significantly impact the labour costs associated with silicone rendering. Generally, skilled tradespeople in major cities command higher daily rates compared to those in smaller towns or rural areas. This is due to factors like higher living costs and increased demand for their services in urban centres. 

Project Complexity 

The intricacy and complexity of your rendering project can significantly affect the cost, and these are the issues to consider: 

• Straightforward vs. Ornate Designs. Rendering a simple house with flat walls is a less time-consuming task compared to a property with intricate architectural features like ornate mouldings, curves, or bay windows. These features require more meticulous work and specialist skills, leading to a higher overall labour cost. 
• Uneven Surfaces. Walls that are uneven or out of alignment will require additional preparation work before rendering can commence. This additional time spent fixing unevenness contributes to a higher overall labour cost. 
• Working at Heights. Rendering high walls or areas with difficult access may require scaffolding or other safety equipment. The additional costs associated with working at heights can add to the overall project price. 
• Removing existing render. Although a silicone render system can be applied over the previous render in some cases, it must be in good condition. If it is badly damaged, it may be necessary to remove it.
• Waste removal. Excess materials and any debris from the rendering process need to be removed from the site, which can add to the cost.

Material Choice 

The type of silicone render you choose can also influence the final cost: 

Standard Colours vs. Bespoke Options

Standard pre-coloured render systems are generally the most affordable choice. If you desire a specific colour that isn't readily available, opting for a custom colour mix will likely come at a premium. 

Textured Finishes

While smooth finishes are the standard, textured render options like pebble dash or scraped texture can add a unique aesthetic touch. However, these textured finishes typically require more material and specialist application techniques, increasing the overall cost. 

If you're still undecided, let's dig further and find some more facts to persuade you...

How Long Does Silicone Render Last?

When it comes to exterior finishes for your home, silicone rendering offers a winning combination of durability and aesthetics. Unlike traditional cement-based renderings that can crack and fade over time, silicone rendering boasts an impressive lifespan.  

Homeowners in the UK can expect their silicone-rendered facades to last anywhere from 25 to 30 years, with some cases exceeding that timeframe. This longevity is attributed to the inherent properties of silicone, a flexible and weather-resistant material that withstands harsh weather conditions effectively. 

However, it's important to remember that achieving this extended lifespan relies on several factors. Proper installation by qualified professionals using high-quality materials on a correctly prepared surface is paramount. Additionally, regular maintenance practices like cleaning the exterior with a soft brush and mild soap can help prevent dirt and grime buildup, further enhancing the long life of your silicone-rendered finish. 

Explore: Silicone Render Problems

Does Silicone Render Crack?

Silicone is a naturally flexible material, allowing it to accommodate slight movements in the underlying structure without succumbing to cracks. This flexibility is particularly beneficial in areas prone to temperature fluctuations, which can cause the walls to expand and contract. 

Unlike some render types, silicone render allows for vapour permeability. This means moisture from within the walls can escape through the render, reducing the build-up of pressure that can lead to cracking. 

Silicone render forms a strong bond with the substrate (underlying wall surface). This strong adhesion minimises the risk of the render separating from the wall, a common cause of cracking in traditional renders. 

So, this flexible and durable render is not likely to let you down!

Discover: How Do You Repair Cracks In External Rendered Walls

Is Silicone Render Breathable?

Unlike most acrylic renders and some traditional render systems, silicone render allows the substrate (wall surface material) to breathe. That is, any excess moisture evaporates from the wall rather than remaining inside, which can cause problems with dampness and mould.

The highly durable weather-resistant finish is also hydrophobic, meaning that it actively repels water! This makes it ideal for external wall insulation (see our blog on this subject for more information).

Making The Right Choice

We hope this MisterRender silicone render cost guide has been informative and useful in helping you decide whether silicone rendering is the right option for you.

If you need any further advice on all types of exterior wall coatings or would like to arrange an appointment to have silicone render applied to your property, contact us today to book a free, no-obligation consultation.

We'll transform and protect your home with a stunning silicone render finish!