Will Rendering Solve Damp Problems? (Or Make Them Worse?) | HouseRenderPro UK

Will Rendering Solve Damp Problems? (Or Make Them Worse?) | HouseRenderPro UK

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The Truth: Rendering Can STOP or CAUSE Damp – Here’s How

In the UK’s damp climate, rendering is a double-edged sword. Done correctly with breathable silicone render, it eliminates penetrating damp in 90% of homes. Done wrong with non-breathable materials, it traps moisture like cling film. George Edward (17 years’ UK rendering experience) explains:

*"We fix 100+ damp disasters yearly from botched rendering. The secret? Breathability. Silicone render lets walls ‘sweat out’ moisture while keeping rain out."*

Here’s your definitive guide to rendering and damp in 2025:

When Rendering SOLVES Damp Problems

Stops Penetrating Damp

Reduces Condensation Damp

When Rendering MAKES Damp Worse

Traps Rising Damp

Suffocates Solid Walls

Seals in Existing Moisture

Breathability: The Key to Damp-Free Rendering

Why UK homes need breathable renders:

  1. Rain-soaked climate: 156 wet days/year

  2. Solid-wall homes: 65% of UK housing stock pre-1945

  3. Heating patterns: Creates vapour pressure

Render TypeBreathability RatingDamp RiskBest For UK
Silicone Render★★★★★ (High)LowAll regions
Lime Render★★★★★ (High)LowPeriod homes
Monocouche★★★☆☆ (Medium)MediumDry areas
Cement Render★☆☆☆☆ (Low)HighAvoid

*"Silicone render has 35% higher vapour permeability than acrylic – it’s Britain’s damp-proofing champion."*

4-Step Damp-Proof Rendering Process

  1. Professional Damp Survey

    • Protimeter moisture mapping

    • Identify damp type (rising/penetrating/condensation)

    • We reject 15% of jobs needing damp treatment first

  2. Substrate Preparation

    • Remove old render (if non-breathable)

    • Treat mould/efflorescence

    • Install damp-proof course if needed

  3. Breathable Render Application

    • Modern homes: Silicone render (self-cleaning, flexible)

    • Period properties: Lime-silicone hybrid (traditional look)

    • Coastal homes: Pebble dash (rain-dispersing texture)

  4. Detailing for Damp Prevention

    • Stainless steel drip beads above windows

    • Breathable silicone sealants around openings

    • 300mm overlap with damp-proof course

Case Study: Fixing Damp in Bristol Victorian Terrace

Problem:

Solution:

  1. Installed chemical DPC (£1,200)

  2. Removed cement render

  3. Applied breathable silicone render

Result:

3 Rendering Mistakes That Cause Damp

  1. Using sand/cement on solid walls → Moisture imprisonment

  2. Covering salt-contaminated bricks → Efflorescence blisters render

  3. Ignoring render cracks → Water seeps behind coating

"We fixed a Cheltenham home where cement render caused £18k of timber rot – preventable with silicone!"

"After years of failed fixes, their silicone render stopped our coastal cottage damp. Bone dry for 2 winters!"
– The Davies Family, Pembrokeshire

Frequently Asked Questions

Does rendering stop rising damp?

No! Rising damp requires a damp-proof course. Rendering over it traps moisture and causes blistering.

Can silicone render cause damp?

Only if applied over existing rising damp. When installed correctly on dry walls, it prevents penetrating damp.

Is pebbledash better for damp than smooth render?

Yes in rainy areas. Its texture disperses rain faster, reducing water absorption by 30% (BRE).

How long before rendering stops damp?

Penetrating damp reduces within 1 rain season. Rising damp symptoms return in 3–6 months if untreated.

Can rendering solve condensation damp?

Yes! Insulated render keeps walls warmer, stopping condensation – our clients report 80% mould reduction.

Do I need planning permission for damp-proof rendering?

Usually not, except for listed buildings. We handle conservation area consents.

George Edward - Rendering Specialist

George Edward | Rendering Specialist since 2008

George is a professional rendering specialist with over 10 years of experience in transforming homes across the UK. He shares expert advice, practical tips, and industry trends to help homeowners make informed decisions.

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