Render is a thin layer of material applied to the exterior of a building to provide a decorative and protective finish. Render has been used for centuries as a way to improve the appearance of buildings and protect them from the elements. There are several types of render, each with its own set of benefits and disadvantages. In this article, we will take a look at some of the most popular types of render and their uses.

Lime Render
Lime render is a traditional type of render that has been used for centuries. Unlike modern render types like cement or silicone, lime render is made from a mixture of lime and sand, which provides a number of benefits.
One of the key benefits of lime render is its flexibility. Unlike cement render, which can crack over time as the building moves, lime render is much more flexible and can move with the building without cracking. This makes it an ideal choice for older buildings that have settled over time.
Another benefit of lime render is its breathable properties. Lime render allows the walls to “breathe”, which helps to prevent moisture from becoming trapped inside the walls. This is important because trapped moisture can lead to mould, rot, and other types of damage to the building over time.
Lime render is also more environmentally friendly than other types of render. Lime is a natural material that is produced from a renewable resource (limestone), and it does not contain any toxic chemicals or synthetic materials like some other render types.
Finally, lime render is also a very aesthetically pleasing choice. Lime render has a natural, creamy colour that can be tinted to match the colour of the building, and it has a slightly textured finish that adds character and warmth to a building’s exterior.
It’s important to note that while lime render offers several benefits, it is also more time-consuming and labour-intensive to apply than other types of render. Lime render also requires a longer curing time than other render types, which can impact the overall cost and timeline of a rendering project.
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Cement Render
Cement render is a popular choice for both interior and exterior walls, and is made from a mixture of cement, sand, and water. It is typically applied in a single or double coat and can be used on a variety of surfaces, including brick, concrete, and blockwork.
One of the main benefits of cement render is it’s durability. Cement is a strong and sturdy material that can withstand the elements and is resistant to cracking, chipping, and other types of damage. This makes it a good choice for buildings that are exposed to harsh weather conditions.
Cement render is also low-maintenance and long-lasting, making it a cost-effective option over time. Unlike some other render types that require periodic reapplication or touch-ups, cement render can provide many years of protection and durability with minimal maintenance.
Cement render can be tinted or painted to match the colour of the building, and it can be used in a variety of textures and finishes to create a unique look. This versatility makes it a popular choice for both modern and traditional buildings.
Cement render is also a relatively fast and easy material to work with. It can be applied quickly, and it dries relatively quickly compared to some other render types. This can impact the overall cost and timeline of a rendering project, making it a good choice for time-sensitive projects.
It’s important to note that cement render is not as breathable as some other render types, such as lime render. This can lead to moisture being trapped inside the walls, which can lead to mould, rot, and other types of damage over time. Additionally, cement render is not as flexible as some other render types, which can cause cracking over time as the building settles.
Silicone Render
Silicone render is a type of external wall finish that is becoming increasingly popular due to its durability and long-lasting protection. It is made from a mixture of silicones, pigments, and fillers, and is typically applied in a two-coat system over a basecoat.
One of the main benefits of silicone render is its water-resistant properties. Unlike traditional cement render, silicone render is highly water-resistant, making it a good choice for buildings in areas that experience high rainfall or exposure to moisture. This can help to protect the building from damage caused by water and moisture penetration.
Silicone render is also highly breathable, allowing moisture to escape from the walls and helping to prevent mould, rot, and other types of damage. This is particularly important for buildings in areas with high humidity levels, where moisture can be a problem.
Another advantage of silicone render is its durability and longevity. Silicone render is highly resistant to cracking, fading, and other types of damage, and it can provide many years of protection and durability with minimal maintenance.
Silicone render is also available in a range of colours and finishes, allowing you to create a unique look for your building. Whether you want a smooth, modern finish or a textured, traditional look, silicone render can provide a wide range of options to choose from. We recommend getting in touch with a specialists to learn more about the costs of silicone rendering.
Acrylic Render
Acrylic render is a type of external wall finish that is made from a mixture of acrylic resin, sand, and other ingredients. It is typically applied in a two-coat system over a basecoat, with the first coat serving as the key layer and the second coat providing the finish.
One of the main benefits of acrylic render is its flexibility. Unlike cement render, which can crack and break over time as the building settles, acrylic render has a high degree of elasticity, making it more resistant to cracking and other forms of damage. This makes it an ideal choice for buildings that experience movement or settlement over time.
Acrylic render is also highly water-resistant, making it a good choice for buildings in areas with high rainfall or exposure to moisture. This can help to protect the building from damage caused by water and moisture penetration.
Polymer Render
Polymer is a type of material that is used in the construction industry for a variety of applications, including as an ingredient in rendering systems. In rendering systems, the polymer is added to traditional cement or mortar mixes to improve their performance and durability.
One of the main benefits of using polymer in rendering systems is its improved strength and flexibility. The addition of polymer can make the render more resistant to cracking, chalking, and other forms of damage, helping to extend its lifespan and maintain its appearance over time.
The presence of polymer in the render helps to improve its resistance to moisture, making it an ideal choice for buildings in areas with high rainfall or exposure to moisture. This can help to protect the building from water damage and extend the lifespan of the render.
Polymer render is also highly resistant to fading and discolouration, making it a low-maintenance choice over time. It is available in a range of colours and finishes, allowing you to create a unique look for your building.
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