Benefits and Problems of Silicone Render: Explained | HouseRenderPro UK

Silicone Render: The UK's Favourite Render Explained

Silicone render has become the #1 choice for UK homeowners (NHBC 2025), but is it right for your property? George Edward, with 17 years' UK rendering experience, cuts through the hype:

"Silicone render solves 90% of British weather problems – but poor installation creates 100% of its issues. Choose certified professionals."

Here's your balanced guide to benefits versus potential problems:

5 Key Benefits of Silicone Render

1. Unbeatable Weather Protection

• Waterproof: Repels 95% of rain (vs 60% for cement)

• Breathable: Lets trapped moisture escape (prevents damp)

• UK Advantage: Stops penetrating damp in rainy regions like Wales and Scotland

2. Ultra-Low Maintenance

• Self-cleaning: Dirt washes off in rain

• Colour-stable: Lasts 15+ years without fading

• No repainting: Saves £2,000–£4,000 over 20 years

3. Flexibility Prevents Cracking

• Accommodates up to 5mm building movement

• Critical for: London clay soils, new builds, and freeze-thaw zones

• Our stats: 80% fewer cracks vs monocouche

4. Thermal Efficiency Boost

• Bonds perfectly with insulation boards

• Reduces heat loss by 30% (Energy Saving Trust)

• Saves: £190–£340/year on heating bills

5. Mould & Algae Resistance

• Alkaline surface prevents growth

• Best for: Shaded north walls and humid areas

3 Potential Problems & Solutions

1. Higher Upfront Cost

• Issue: £45–£70/m² (vs £30–£50 for scratch coat)

• Solution:

  • 0% finance options

  • 25+ year lifespan pays back in 8–12 years

2. Installation Sensitivity

• Issue: Poor application → streaking/cracking

• Solution:

  • Always use BSI-certified installers

  • Avoid DIY (we fix 3–5 botched jobs monthly)

3. Limited Textures

• Issue: Mostly smooth finishes (some dislike modern look)

• Solution:

  • Combine with pebble dash features

  • Use silicone scraped textures (e.g., K Rend HP12)

Silicone Render: Benefits vs Problems Comparison

How Silicone Render Handles UK Damp

Stops Penetrating Damp

• Creates waterproof barrier on external walls

• Ideal for: Solid-wall homes in rainy regions

Prevents Trapped Moisture

• Breathability allows vapour escape

• Unlike: Cement renders that trap moisture

Won't Fix Rising Damp

• Critical: Always install damp-proof course first

• We partner with PCA-certified damp specialists

Real UK Case Study: Bristol Victorian Terrace

Problem:

• Black mould on north-facing wall

• £480/year heating bills

• Failed cement render trapping moisture

Solution:

1. Installed chemical DPC

2. Applied silicone render with 40mm insulation

Results:

• Mould gone within 3 months

• Bills reduced by 25%

• 5-year mould-free guarantee

Why Proper Installation Matters

Avoid these mistakes:

1. Applying to damp walls → Blistering

2. Incorrect thickness → Cracking

3. Poor edge sealing → Water ingress

4. Using non-BBA-approved products → Premature failure

*"We provide a 10-year guarantee because we control every step: survey, prep, installation."*