Types of exterior renders: A guide to picking the right one for your home

When you want to update your home’s look, there are lots of options available. One popular option is to get a new render. Render can transform your home’s look and give it a fresh, modern feel. But with so many different types of render available, each with their own set of benefits and drawbacks. how do you know which one is right for your home? This guide explains the different types of render so you can choose the best option for your home’s needs.

Let’s start with the basic-

Architecture of a render:

A render is a thin layer of material applied to the exterior of a building. Renders come in a range of materials, including concrete, clay, sand, lime, and gypsum. They are typically applied to walls to protect them from weathering and provide a decorative finish.

Moving further to-

What are the different types of render?

There are many render options to choose from, each with its distinct advantages and disadvantages. The right choice for your home depends on the look you want, your budget, & local climate. Carefully considering these factors will help you select a render type well-suited to your needs and the exterior style you envision for your home. Here is a guide to the different types of exterior renders:

  • Lime render: This is a traditional render made from lime and sand. It is breathable and therefore good for old buildings, but it needs to be applied correctly to avoid cracks.
  • Traditional cement render: let’s look at traditional cement render. This is the most common type of render, and it offers a durable finish for your home. However, it can be heavy and difficult to apply, so it may require professional installation. It also has a limited range of color options.
  • Acrylic render: There is acrylic render. This type of render is lighter and easier to apply than traditional cement render, making it a good option for DIY projects. It also offers more flexibility in terms of texture and color options. However, it may not be as durable as traditional cement render in extreme weather conditions.

  • Silicone-based render: silicone-based renders offer excellent durability and flexibility, making them a good choice for homes in harsh climates or with uneven surfaces. They also come in a wide range of colours & finishes. However, they can be more expensive and may require professional installation.
  • Monocouche render: This type of render offers a smooth finish and easy application, making it a popular choice for homeowners. It also has excellent durability and a wide range of color options. However, it may be more expensive than other types of render.
  • Emulsion render: These renders are available in a range of colors and are easy to apply. They can be applied over existing renders without removing them. Emulsion renders are paint-based and good for moderate climates.
  • Polymeric render: These durable exterior renders are polyethylene based and come in a range of colors. They are suitable for sheds as well as walls, and can be applied over other materials without stripping them. Polymeric renders are water-resistant and good for moderate climates. They have a high impact resistance and are more durable than emulsion renders.
  • Clay render: These time-tested renders are made from clay and mortar. They have a unique texture and enhance the look of any home. Clay renders are suitable for both new and historic homes, as they come in many styles from period to contemporary. These sturdy renders are made from natural clays that are rinsed to remove particles that could block the pores. Clay renders are breathable and good at regulating humidity within homes.
  • Stone masonry render: These high-quality exterior renders come in many natural stone styles such as granite, limestone and sandstone. They have a unique style and enhance the look of any home. Stone masonry renders are more expensive than other types and are best for walls only.

When choosing an exterior render for your home, consider your climate and conditions as well as the style of your home. What is best for one house may not be right for another. Talk to your contractor about what is best for you and your home.

Selecting the right render for your home

As we have know, there are many different types of exterior renders available on the market, so it can be tricky to know which one is right for your home. Here is a quick guide to help you choose the right render for your property:

  1. If you want a traditional look, then a lime render is a good choice. It is also a good option if your home is in a conservation area.
  2. If you are looking for a more modern finish, then a silicate render is a good option. It is also a good choice if you want a render that is resistant to mould and algae.
  3. If you want a render that is easy to maintain, then a synthetic render is a good choice. These are available with rust-resistant coatings that are good for coastal homes.

 

Factors to consider when choosing a render:

Here we’ll talk about Cost, Appearance, Durability, and Moisture protection.

  • Cost: Exterior renders range in price depending on many factors such as brand, type and quality. Talk to your contractor about various render options to find one that is in your budget.
  • Appearance: Consider how your render will look on your home to ensure it suits the style of your house.
  • Durability: Consider how durable the render needs to be to suit the environment around your home. For example, a more resistant render is needed if your home is located in an area that has high pollution levels.
  • Moisture protection: Certain renders are better at protecting your home from moisture and heat buildup. Again, talk to your contractor about ensuring you choose a render that provides protection from these conditions.

What type of render is suitable for my home?

There are a few things to consider when choosing the right type of render for your home.

Climate – A big factor, as different types of render perform better in different weather conditions. For example, silicone-based renders are more resistant to cracking in cold weather, while lime-based renders are more breathable and better suited for hot, humid climates.

Location – Another factor that affects the type of render that is best for your home. Pollution levels and proximity to water will affect the type of render that suit your home best.

 

How much does the installing a render cost?

The cost of render installation can vary depending on the type of render, the size of the area to be covered, and any additional labour or materials needed. It is best to consult with a professional for an accurate estimate.

 

Commercial Renders

There are also specialized renders available for commercial buildings, such as insulated render, liquid applied membrane render and mineral finish render. These may be necessary for specific types of buildings or climates, Renders offer unique benefits for the specific needs of commercial buildings.

Types of commercial render

As we read above, insulated render, liquid applied membrane render, and mineral finish render. Each type offers unique benefits for commercial buildings.

Some examples of commercial properties using specialized renders include shopping centers using insulated render to improve energy efficiency, office buildings using liquid applied membrane render for waterproofing, and hotels using mineral finish render for a sleek modern look. As always, it is best to consult with a professional for advice on which type of render may be suitable for your commercial project.

So, there you have it – a guide to the different types of exterior renders available on the market today. While there are several important factors to weigh when choosing a render, this guide provides a helpful overview of the options and things to consider. With this information in hand, you can confidently evaluate the different renders. And choose the one that will best meet your needs and enhance your home’s curb appeal. Thanks for reading!