Understanding the Lifespan of Silicone Render
With so many homeowners choosing silicone render as an exterior finish for their homes and commercial buildings across the UK, many want to know how long a good quality silicone render will last. A good quality render applied by a professional render company such as Page Brothers will last for between 25-40 years depending on many factors including the quality of the render used and how well the surface was prepared before application. Weather and maintenance also play a huge part in how long a silicone render will last.
In terms of the life span of any exterior finish to a building, silicone render systems are by far the superior option compared to traditional sand and cement finish systems. Not only do they last longer, but they require very little maintenance over long periods of time.
What Makes Silicone Render So Durable?
High performance weather resistant silicone render systems are designed to be flexible, allowing the render to contract and expand with temperature change. This is far superior to the older sand and cement-based render systems, which become brittle with age. These systems can crack allowing water to penetrate to the inner wall structure of the building.
Due to the water-repellent surface of the silicone render it still allows the walls to ‘breathe’. This means that moisture in the form of rain can fall onto the surface of the walls but not penetrate through to the render. The structure of the building behind the render is at risk of serious damage if exposed to moisture, so it is crucial that walls are protected from rain. Walls finished with a high quality silicone render will ensure that no water penetrates the surface of the walls, reducing the chance of damp and associated problems occurring within the building.
This external coating has a number of great benefits, including it having a self-cleaning finish. This means the silicone coating does not allow dirt to stick to the surface, and it also does not allow staining or the growth of algae and mildew. The only maintenance that is required is an occasional wash with soapy water to remove any dirt that may have accumulated. The big benefit of this is that you do not have to continuously paint the exterior of your house as you would with a normal finish.
Factors That Affect the Lifespan of Silicone Render
Many factors can determine the lifespan of any finish. Most importantly the quality of the application and the surface preparation prior to the application. After this the weather will play a major part. A property near the coast or exposed to extreme weather will expect a finish to wear faster than a property in a moderate climate.
In relation to the lifespan of your new silicone render finish, it is important to choose a product that comes with a long guarantee. At Page Brothers Rendering, we have a range of fantastic professional silicone rendering systems available for use on your new rendering project. These render systems have guarantees of up to 30 years or more. This is why it is so very important to choose the best people for the job, with many years of experience and a fantastic reputation. The finish will last for many years to come.
Does Silicone Render Crack Over Time?
One of the biggest advantages of silicone render is that it is able to withstand cracking. Many properties that have been rendered in the past have developed cracks in the render due to the building moving. However, this is less likely to happen with a silicone render system as it is flexible and able to absorb any movement in the building. This does not mean that cracking will never occur with a silicone render system, but it is less likely to happen than with other types of render. In some cases, cracks in the render may occur due to the structure of the building itself and not the render. However, this can be avoided by making sure that the correct base coats are used and that the render is applied professionally.
It is rare for cracks to occur on a well-applied silicone rendered building but where they do occur they are generally due to movement of the building structure. It is very important to ensure that your building has been rendered by qualified render specialists.
How to Maintain Silicone Render
There is also the occasional dirt and grime that may have accumulated on the surface of the render and this should be washed down every now and then with clean soapy water. It is also a good idea to keep an eye out for any damage that may have occurred to the render. For example, if a section of the render has been hit with force, then the surface of the render and possibly the underlying structure of the building could have been damaged.
Is Silicone Render Worth the Investment?
Although the initial cost for silicone rendering could be greater than other types of render such as pebble dash or rough cast, there are many positives for the property and for future investment. One major benefit is that silicone rendering is extremely long lasting, providing your property with a durable exterior finish that can withstand the test of time.
Also by utilising external wall insulation with the render, homes can also become more energy efficient and are ideal for the modern house wanting to have a different look for the exterior of their home, also increasing the value of the property for the future.
Choosing the Right Silicone Rendering Specialists
At Page Brothers Rendering, professional silicone rendering systems are designed to provide durable, weather-resistant finishes that stand the test of time. Whether you are updating an older property or giving a new build a modern
We have many years of experience with rendering and we specialise in the application of high quality professionally fitted silicone rendering systems. We have a wide range of different colours to choose from and can provide a long lasting weather resistant finish to both old and new buildings, including domestic, commercial and industrial properties.
