Are you looking for the perfect render for your project? Whether you’re a homeowner or a builder trying to achieve a smooth finish for your external walls, the quest for the right render can be challenging.

As one of the most common forms of cladding, render is pivotal for achieving a durable home, protecting your property from harsh weather conditions, and improving insulation.

But with so many options on the market, which one is best for you? Today, Beesley and Fildes will guide you through choosing the right render for your external walls so you can get the best out of your home.

What is Render Used For?

Besides making your property look prettier and more uniform from the outside, rendering adds an extra layer of protection against pesky threats lurking outdoors.

Your walls don’t need to brave wind, rain, frost, and heat out there alone; render acts as a waterproof shield, preventing the growth of dampness and cracks from forming.

Modern and contemporary homes are more commonly rendered to achieve a sleek and appealing finish. However, older properties that are becoming less resistant to damage also benefit greatly from rendering, as it reduces the impact of wear and tear over time.

Are you tired of dull or mismatched brickwork? Render is an easy way to transform the appearance of your home, with a variety of colours and textures to choose from. But this isn’t just about making your home look good—it’s about making it better.

From regulating indoor temperatures to keeping your walls intact, render isn’t something you want to compromise on.

Types of External Render

Render isn’t a one-size-fits-all solution. It comes in various colours, finishes, and materials, with options for every budget and style of property.

However, render isn’t a cheap product to get your hands on, so you want to make sure you choose one that is most compatible with your home. The most popular types of render include:

1. Cement Render

Due to its affordability and versatility, cement render has been the number one choice for homeowners for decades.

Designed from a simple mix of cement, sand, and water, cement render is easy to apply and is a reliable option for any building. While it’s cheap to purchase, it does require numerous coats to create a durable finish (labour costs may increase the price.)

Once it cures, cement render can be painted any colour, allowing you to customise your home’s exterior. While it can withstand heavy rain to intense heat, it’s prone to cracking, so regular upkeep is essential.

Plus, it can be applied to brick, concrete, and stone!

2. Acrylic Render

Think of acrylic render as traditional render but with a slight twist. It’s made of the same materials—sand, cement, and water—but with the addition of acrylic to provide extra strength and flexibility.

Acrylic is ideal for both new builds and older properties. It helps reduce cracks and withstands temperature fluctuations, wet climates, and harsh UV rays. Whether you prefer a more polished finish or a textured wall, acrylic can achieve both!

This is a great option for busier homeowners, as it requires minimal upkeep and is naturally resistant to dirt and water. It can also be applied to brick, concrete, fibre cement, and even painted walls. However, it’s applied in thin layers, so it’s not the best choice for damaged or uneven surfaces.

3. Silicone Render

Renowned for its water-repellent properties, silicone render is a versatile material that is popular in modern-day home renovations.

As a type of thin-coat render, it’s highly flexible and can adjust to structural shifts or changes in temperature without damaging the surface. The addition of silicone makes it resistant to rain, dirt, and algae growth; they simply roll off the surface when it rains!

Thanks to its excellent breathability, you can say goodbye to dampness and mould. Silicone render can handle any weather, from constant rain to blazing heat, ensuring a long-lasting finish. With a wide range of colours and textures to choose from, paint isn’t required for an appealing result.

However, this is more suited to walls that are already smooth and may require a professional application as it requires a skilled hand.

4. Lime Render

Lime render is more commonly used for old buildings. As it’s more breathable and flexible, it’s ideal for buildings that are prone to slight movement.

Made from a mixture of lime, sand, and water, lime render is easy to apply and offers an eco-friendly finish as it has a lower carbon footprint than cement (perfect for eco-conscious homeowners!)

The rustic, natural finish of lime render adds character to any home, making it perfect for heritage properties. It’s also resistant to cracking and has natural thermal properties, so once applied, it can last for decades.

While the matte surface can be left as it is or painted with lime-compatible paints, the application takes longer than other options and requires expertise. Its moisture resistance is also less than that of silicone or acrylic.

5. Monocouche Render

Derived from the French term "monocouche," meaning ‘single layer’, I’m sure you can guess how many layers of render are required.

It’s one-coat application makes it a quick and easy option, great for large projects. Plus, with a variety of colours to choose from, painting isn’t essential! You can choose from glistening whites to beautiful earthy tones.

Monocouche render can be finished in a variety of textures, from smooth and polished to a more rustic, rugged look. Thanks to its polymer-enhanced formula, monocouche render resists cracking better than traditional cement. It also resists dirt and algae with minimal upkeep!

Due to its efficiency, monocouche render is more expensive than traditional render, and it requires a professional application. As it has limited thickness, it isn’t appropriate for walls with significant imperfections, and lighter colours can stain over time.

Factors to Consider When Choosing a Render

When it comes to settling on a render for your home, browse through each of the requirements below to find the perfect solution for you.

1. Purpose of the Render

Resistance to harsh weather—opt for silicone or acrylic render.
Improve energy efficiency—Install an insulated render system.
Achieve a decorative finish—Choose monocouche or lime render.

2. Climate and Weather Conditions

Compatible with rainy weather—Apply silicone render for its water repellence.
Hot and dry areas—Acrylic render is flexible with heat.
Frost-prone areas—Cement render can withstand freezing and thawing cycles.

3. Breathability

Heritage properties—Opt for lime render.
Modern homes—Choose monocouche or cement render.

4. Surface Compatibility

Delicate surfaces—Choose acrylic render for timber or fibre cement boards.
Uneven surfaces—Cement render can cover various imperfections.
Pre-painted walls—Acrylic render or silicone render.

5. Maintenance Requirements

Low-maintenance options—Silicone render and acrylic render are easier to clean.
High-maintenance options—Lime render requires more upkeep and cement render may need regular repainting.

6. Budget

Affordable choices—Cement render has a cheaper upfront cost.
Mid-range options—Acrylic render and monocouche render balance cost and durability.
Premium renders—Silicone render is more expensive upfront but offers low maintenance.

Transform your Home With the Perfect Render Solution

Explore our wide range of high-quality renders at Beesley & Fildes, perfect for DIY and professional applications.

Whether you're after a classic finish or a modern, low-maintenance option, we have a curated selection that meets your every need.