Is silicone render worth it? And how come it’s so popular?

Jub Systems • September 28, 2022

Our JUB silicone render systems have been one of our bestselling solutions for the refurbishment, protection and maintenance of buildings. In this blog post, we’ll answer the most commonly asked question ‘Is silicone render any good?’ and how come it’s become one of the most common solutions renderers go for.

What is silicone render used for?

Silicone render comprises the final thin coat applied at the end of an installation of a render-only or external wall insulation system. It achieves a typically textured application and can be tinted in any colour the project requires. This allows for endless design and appearance combinations for any building.


The JUB silicone render comes in ready-to-apply 25kg tubs with no additives or water needed to be added. Once applied and dried, the facade surface will look exceptional and will be protected for years to come.


Benefits of silicone render


Silicone render comes with an impressive list of benefits, compared to some other alternative render topcoats:


  • Water repellency features: silicone renders offer superior water repellency and water vapour permeability, which makes them easy to clean and maintain. 
  • Exceptionally easy application: as they come in ready-mixed bags or tubs, silicone renders can be applied to a well-prepared facade surface in just a few hours.
  • Highly flexible: their flexibility allows a quick and smooth application with chances of the render cracking less likely.
  • Breathability: silicone renders are known to allow the building structure to breathe after the application, which alongside being water repellent, helps reduce the chances of damp being trapped.
  • Versatile: since they can be tinted in a variety of colours, silicone renders offer a highly versatile solution for any project. 

How long does silicone render last?


Generally speaking, silicone renders have proven over the years to be more durable than other traditional renders such as cement and sand render.


The JUB silicone render offers superior and long-lasting decorative protection of the façade surface. In particular, if applied to a high standard and maintained, our silicone renders have been expertly developed and tested to last 10 years. Factors such as the location of the building and the weather conditions will play a key role in the longevity of the render.


Is silicone render better than acrylic?

Unfortunately, the answer to this question isn’t as simple as yes or no. Neither of them is clearly better than the other, however, there are a few significant differences that can help you choose the one to use for your next project.


The main difference is between the performance features of each and the price point. Acrylic renders offer the decorative protection of a facade surface and are a reliable, durable solution for an insulation project. They come in a vast range of colours and is priced lower than silicone renders. This can be a huge benefit for projects that need to be completed on a lower budget.


Whereas silicone renders can come at a higher price point, however, their weather- and environment-resistant features are more notable. They are extremely breathable and offer better long-term resistance to infection with algae and mould than acrylic renders. Overall, silicone renders perform better in a few aspects when it comes to keeping the facade surface cleaner for longer, in turn, renovation painting won’t be required for a longer period of time compared to acrylic renders.

How do you apply silicone render?

Our JUB silicone renders are exceptionally easy to apply as they come ready-mixed and tinted. They can be applied manually - using a stainless steel smoothing trowel – or by spraying – in the thickness slightly above the diameter of the thickest grain. 


When applied by spraying, follow the instructions of the manufacturer of the mechanical equipment. Immediately after the application, smooth the surface with a solid plastic finishing trowel. 


Perform the smoothing by circular strokes until an evenly grained structure is achieved. Move the grains in the applied render finish coat as little as possible during smoothing to avoid material bulges in front of the trowel. In the end, push protruding lumps into the surface by smoothing the surface slightly using a clean stainless steel smoothing trowel. 


If you have any further questions regarding silicone render or in particular, our JUB silicone renders, don’t hesitate to
get in touch with our team at info@jub.org.uk.

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