Choosing an external render is an important part of planning a wall insulation or rendering project. The render provides the visible finish, but different products can have different characteristics, textures, colours, and application requirements.
Silicone render is one option available for external wall finishes, but it is not the only choice. Depending on the project, customers may also consider acrylic, mineral, silicone-silicate, and other external render systems.
So, how does silicone render compare with other options, and what should you consider before choosing?
What Is Silicone Render?
Silicone render is a type of external render used as a decorative finishing material on suitable external wall surfaces and systems.
It is available in different colours, textures, and grain sizes, depending on the product.
Silicone render can also be used as part of suitable EWI render systems, where the render forms the outer finishing layer over the prepared insulation and reinforced basecoat.
The exact application depends on the product specification and the system being used.
Why Is Silicone Render Popular for External Walls?
One reason silicone render is considered for external walls is the range of finishes available.
Depending on the product, customers can choose from different:
- Colours
- Textures
- Grain sizes
- Finishes
- Product formulations
This makes silicone render an option for projects where the appearance of the finished external wall is an important consideration.
However, appearance should not be the only factor when selecting an external render.
Silicone Render vs Acrylic Render
Acrylic render is another type of external render used for suitable applications.
When comparing silicone and acrylic render, consider the individual product rather than assuming that one type is automatically better.
Areas to compare include:
- Available colours
- Texture and finish
- Application requirements
- Substrate compatibility
- EWI system compatibility
- Product specification
- Manufacturer requirements
The best option will depend on the particular project and the system being used.
Silicone Render vs Mineral Render
Mineral render is another external finishing option.
Mineral and silicone renders have different formulations and should be assessed according to their intended application.
When comparing the two, consider the complete render system, including the underlying basecoat, primer, and substrate.
It is also important to check whether the selected render is specified for use with the particular EWI system.
Silicone Render vs Silicone-Silicate Render
Silicone-silicate render is another option within the external render market.
Although the names are similar, silicone render and silicone-silicate render are not necessarily the same product. Their formulation, application, and specification can differ.
If you are comparing these options, check the individual manufacturer's information for:
- Intended application
- Suitable substrates
- Available finishes
- Application requirements
- System compatibility
- Product specifications
This is more reliable than choosing a render based solely on its name.
What About Coloured Render?
Coloured render can be useful when the appearance and colour of the finished wall are important considerations.
Many external render products are available in a range of colours, depending on the manufacturer and product range.
Through-coloured render is another category that customers may encounter when researching external wall finishes.
The choice between different coloured render options should be based on the requirements of the project and the specification of the complete system.
Silicone Render for EWI Systems
When silicone render is being considered for an external wall insulation system, the complete build-up needs to be taken into account.
A typical system may include:
Existing Wall → Insulation Board → Fixings → Basecoat & Reinforcing Mesh → Primer → Silicone Render
The precise construction can vary depending on the EWI system and manufacturer.
This means the final render should not be selected separately from the insulation, basecoat, and reinforcement. Compatibility between the components is an important consideration.
What Should You Consider Before Choosing External Render?
Before choosing silicone render or another external render option, consider the complete project.
Important factors include:
1. Substrate
The existing wall or prepared surface can influence which render products are suitable.
2. EWI System
If the render is being used over external wall insulation, check that it is compatible with the selected EWI system.
3. Finish
Think about the appearance you want, including texture, grain size, and overall finish.
4. Colour
Different render ranges offer different colour choices. Make sure the selected colour is available for the specific product.
5. Primer and Basecoat
The primer and basecoat can form important parts of the overall render system. Check the manufacturer's requirements before selecting the finishing coat.
6. Application Requirements
Different renders can have different application methods and requirements. Always follow the product instructions.
Which External Render Is Best?
There is no universal answer to which external render is best.
Silicone render may be appropriate for one project, while acrylic, mineral, or silicone-silicate render may be more suitable for another.
The decision should be based on:
- Building requirements
- Substrate
- EWI system
- Desired appearance
- Product specification
- Compatibility
- Application requirements
- Manufacturer recommendations
Choosing the right render is therefore about finding the appropriate product for the particular application rather than simply choosing the most popular option.
Silicone Render from Infinity PM
Infinity PM supplies a range of silicone render and other render-related products for UK trade and building projects.
The range includes products and categories covering:
- Silicone Render
- External Wall Render
- Coloured Render
- Render Systems
- Render Basecoat
- Render Primer
- Render Mesh
- Atlas Render
Customers can compare available products according to their specifications and intended application.
Final Thoughts
Silicone render is one of several options available when choosing an external wall finish. Acrylic, mineral, silicone-silicate, and coloured render products can also be considered depending on the requirements of the project.
For EWI applications, the render should be viewed as part of the complete system. Insulation boards, fixings, basecoat, reinforcing mesh, primer, and finishing render all need to be considered together.
Before purchasing, check the product specification and ensure the selected render is suitable for the intended application.
FAQs
Is silicone render better than other external renders?
Not necessarily. The most suitable render depends on the building, substrate, EWI system, desired finish, and individual product specification.
What is the difference between silicone and acrylic render?
They are different types of external render with different formulations and product specifications. Compare their intended applications and system compatibility before choosing.
Can silicone render be used with EWI?
Silicone render can be used with suitable external wall insulation systems where the product is specified for that application. Always check system compatibility.
Is silicone render available in different colours?
Yes, silicone render ranges can be available in multiple colours and finishes, depending on the specific product.
What other types of external render are available?
Options can include silicone, acrylic, mineral, silicone-silicate, and coloured render products. Availability and suitability depend on the individual product and application.
How do I choose the right external render?
Consider the substrate, EWI system if applicable, desired finish, colour, product specification, application requirements, and compatibility with the other system components.