Silicone render is a type of thin-coat finish used to protect and improve the appearance of external walls. It is commonly considered for refurbishment projects, new buildings and external wall insulation (EWI) systems.
With different render types, colours and finishes available, understanding how silicone render works can help you choose suitable materials for your project.
What Is Silicone Render?
Silicone render is a decorative and protective coating applied to a prepared wall surface. It is designed to provide a finished appearance while helping the façade resist moisture and everyday weather exposure.
At Infinity PM, the ATLAS range includes silicone-based render products for external wall finishes and compatible insulation systems.
ATLAS Silicone Hybrid Render is a thin-coat render with a decorative spotted texture. The product is listed for indoor and outdoor use and is recommended for surfaces insulated with EPS or XPS boards.
Where Is Silicone Render Used?
Silicone render can be used in different building and refurbishment applications, depending on the product and substrate.
Common applications include:
- External wall insulation systems
- Renovation of existing building façades
- New-build external wall finishes
- Decorative wall coatings
- Buildings exposed to urban pollution and dirt
The selected render must be suitable for the surface and the wider system being used. Always check the manufacturer's application guidance before starting work.
Main Benefits of Silicone Render
Silicone render products can offer several practical features. The exact performance depends on the formulation and individual product.
1. Water Repellent Properties
ATLAS Silicone Hybrid Render is designed with low water absorption and water-repellent properties. This can help limit the penetration of moisture into the render finish.
2. Resistance to Dirt
Silicone hybrid render is designed for façades exposed to dirt and challenging operating conditions, including urban areas, roads and industrial surroundings.
The product's surface properties can help reduce the permanent attachment of dirt particles. However, actual performance depends on application, location and ongoing exposure.
3. Flexibility and Crack Resistance
Some silicone render formulations include features designed to improve elasticity and resistance to cracking.
ATLAS Silicone Hybrid Render contains dispersed microfibres, which the manufacturer identifies as supporting resistance to cracks caused by tension and changes in surface temperature.
4. Colour Options
Silicone render is available in different colours, allowing building owners and contractors to select a finish that suits the project.
Infinity PM lists ATLAS Silicone Hybrid Render with colour options, while the ATLAS range also offers a broader colour palette. Colour availability depends on the product and selected option.
Silicone Render for EWI Systems
Silicone render is often used as part of an external wall insulation system. It is applied as a finishing layer over the relevant prepared basecoat and reinforcement system.
An EWI render system may include:
- Insulation boards, such as EPS
- Basecoat adhesive
- Reinforcing mesh
- Primer
- Silicone or other compatible finishing render
Each layer has a specific role. The complete system should be selected and installed according to the manufacturer's technical guidance.
Silicone render should not be viewed as a standalone replacement for every component in an EWI system.
Silicone Render vs Traditional Render
Silicone render and traditional render can serve different purposes and have different application requirements.
|
Feature |
Silicone render |
Traditional render |
|
Finish |
Thin-coat decorative finish |
Depends on render type |
|
Colour |
Available in selected colours |
May require separate painting |
|
Application |
Requires suitable prepared substrate |
Depends on the product and system |
|
Use |
Often used for EWI and façade finishes |
Used across different construction applications |
|
Performance |
Depends on formulation and system |
Depends on material and application |
The most suitable option depends on the building, substrate, desired finish and technical requirements of the project.
How to Choose Silicone Render
Before ordering silicone render, consider the following:
Surface compatibility: Check whether the product is suitable for the substrate and insulation system.
Texture and finish: Review the available texture, grain size and appearance.
Colour: Confirm the colour code and whether the product is supplied as a standard base or tinted option.
Coverage: Check the manufacturer's coverage guidance for the selected product and application conditions.
System compatibility: Ensure the primer, basecoat and finishing render are suitable for use together.
Explore Silicone Render at Infinity PM
Infinity PM supplies ATLAS render products and EWI materials for UK trade and building projects.
Our range includes ATLAS Silicone Hybrid Render, ATLAS Gemini RS and related materials such as primers, basecoat adhesives and reinforcing mesh.
Explore the available products and check their specifications before selecting materials for your project.
Shop silicone render: ATLAS Silicone Hybrid Render
Frequently Asked Questions
Is silicone render suitable for external walls?
Selected silicone render products are designed for external wall finishes. Suitability depends on the substrate, system and manufacturer's application guidance.
Can silicone render be used with EPS insulation?
ATLAS Silicone Hybrid Render is recommended for surfaces insulated with EPS or XPS boards. Confirm compatibility with the complete EWI system before application.
Is silicone render available in different colours?
Yes. ATLAS Silicone Hybrid Render is available with selected colour options. Availability depends on the product and colour selected.
Does silicone render prevent all cracking?
No render can be assumed to be completely crack-proof. Product formulation, substrate preparation, application and building movement all affect performance.
What materials are needed before applying silicone render?
Depending on the system, materials may include a suitable basecoat, reinforcing mesh and primer. The exact requirements should be confirmed using the manufacturer's system guidance.