Acrylic, mineral, or silicone render – what type of house rendering should you use?

Rendering is the easiest and fastest way to finish a building facade. Thin coat renders the most commonly used rendering materials for this work, which appeared with the light wet method of insulating buildings. We can choose from acrylic, mineral, or silicone render in various colors. However, when considering the color or texture, we should also consider their resistance to atmospheric factors and fungi and mold growth.

Acrylic mineral or silicone render? The complete guide to rendering finishes

Durable exterior rendering materials adapted to the environment

All available thin coat rendering materials are resistant to rain, but at the same time, they are permeable to water vapor. It means that moisture does not accumulate in the wall, and it can breathe, so we should decide the type of render after an analysis of the immediate environment. Mineral renders are very durable, and the binders in them harden over time and improve the properties of the plaster. Such thin coat render does not get dirty very quickly, that is why they are worth using in cities, where the air is usually polluted. Silicate and silicone renders have the same properties.

Polymer renders are resistant to water but quite tight. That is, they have less vapor permeability. Their popular variety is acrylic renders, recommended for finishing houses standing by roads with heavy traffic. Acrylics reduce the stress caused by vibrations from car traffic, limiting the risk of micro-cracks and peeling off the plaster. When choosing a polymer render, buy one that contains additives increasing resistance to UV radiation. Acrylic renders have such properties, and they do not fade when exposed to sunlight, even if their colors are very intense. Silicate renders are flexible so that they can cover small shrinkage cracks formed in traditional plaster. Silicate renders react with the carbon dioxide in the air, increasing their durability. That is especially important in polluted urban environments.

Silicone and silicone-resin renders increase the durability of masonry. They are water-resistant but block the penetration of water vapor from the building. They do not bind dirt: when dirty, they self-clean when it rains (the so-called lotus effect). Such a house rendering does not require frequent maintenance, ensuring comfortable use and long-lasting aesthetics of the building facade.

Durable exterior renders resistant to mold and fungus

If there is a risk of organic stains, algae, or fungi, it is worth using mineral or silicate renders. They have a solid alkaline reaction (pH about 12), which makes the development of microorganisms practically impossible. Lime as a binder is responsible for the increased pH of mineral plasters; in the case of silicate renders, potassium water glass as a binder has an impact on alkaline pH. In addition, the advantage of mineral and silicate render is a good vapor permeability, which also reduces the growth of fungi and algae. You can also use silicone renders, which contain additives biocides that limit the development of microorganisms. If you decide to use acrylic plasters in areas at risk of biological corrosion, it is worth choosing a product with biocides additives.

Colors and textures of render – influence on durability and cleanliness

Consider the facade’s texture if your house is located near factories, transportation routes, or green areas. The more granular the plaster, the rougher the facade texture will be. Unevenness and depressions in the external walls will be a place for gathering dust particles, dirt, and microorganisms that affect the cleanliness of the facade and may also become a source of mold and mildew efflorescence. In this case, it is worth choosing a smooth elevation structure.

The color palette of external rendering manchester is vibrant, but the basic ones are white and gray. These are also practical colors – dirt on such an elevation is less visible, but if you decide on white instead of pure, choose a shade broken with another color.