When you're starting to look into rendering for your property, there are lots of decisions to make.
As a result, many homeowners find that they have a lot of questions about the process. From what render is made up from to how you can and cannot use it. One of the most common queries about render is whether it can be applied safely to existing rendering.
Homes that already have a render system may need re-rendering or new render for a number of reasons, for example, if the render system they have in place is out of date or old and no longer serving their property. Concrete render is a traditional render, and while it has its fair share of advantages, there are plenty of more modern renders--like silicone render. But swapping from one to the other is a daunting project, so much so that you might be wondering: can I just render over concrete? Will the silicone render work over the cement render?
Here's what you need to know.
Silicone renders, unlike some other render materials, can absolutely be used on top of other existing render. So long as the existing render is in good condition, clean, and has been prepared fully, there should not be an issue. Silicone render can be used on top of cement render, acrylic render, or even lime render so long as the job is done well and the surface is in good enough condition.
Find out more: Can You Apply Silicone Render Over Existing Render
If you're looking to improve your home's render but you're not sure whether silicone render is the way forward, or perhaps you're considering re-rendering your property completely rather than simply working over the existing render, you might be wondering: why silicone? And why on top of the existing render?
Well, there are a few reasons.
Silicone render provides a smooth and professional finish to your property. It can come in a huge range of colours that save you from having to paint it, and there are even different textures and finishes available. It's known for its modern and sleek appearance, which, if you've currently got a concrete render, you may be struggling to upkeep.
Concrete render is notoriously inflexible, but silicone render is quite the opposite. This allows it to provide a crack-resistant top coat that will keep your existing render safe from moisture and damp problems.
The construction and chemical formula of silicone render allows it to offer incredible water-repellent properties that prevent any water from being absorbed into the materials. This prevents penetrating damp and keeps your existing render and substrate safe.
This property also makes silicone render self-cleaning, as the water simply washes down the surface whenever it rains! It will also help to prevent fungi and algae that can cause discolouration on your render.
Gain insights: Is Silicone Render Waterproof
One of the popular reasons for applying silicone render is that it is extremely breathable. Applying it to existing renders will allow it to help reduce damp issues by allowing water vapours back out of the insulation layer rather than trapping them there.
Uncover more: Is Silicone Render Breathable
When you apply silicone render on top of any other render, you instantly add additional coats to your existing render. When the existing render is as thick as concrete or cement render, it is likely to have some thermal insulation properties that help to keep your home energy efficient. Increasing the layers will only boost this, especially when silicone render keeps itself dry and prevents moisture issues that may increase heat loss.
Dig deeper: Does Silicone Render Help Insulate
Generally speaking, the safest way to apply new render, whether it is a top layer or you are re-rendering completely is to hire professionals like the team at WeDoRender. This is the ideal solution as the team will know exactly how the application process works and will be able to get on with applying silicone render to the highest standard.
However, if you do wish to try your hand at rendering yourself, here's what you'll need:
You must first remove any dust and dirt from the render by washing it down. Do this carefully with soapy water or a specific render cleaning solution. Do not risk pressure washing.
Once done, you can repair any cracks and damages to the render to ensure satisfactory adhesion. Allow the filler to dry completely before continuing. Then, when ready, apply your primer to the surface to allow the silicone render to adhere.
Silicone render will need to be mixed. There should be manufacturer's instructions on the tub or in the box you purchased. Follow these closely.
Carefully, use a trowel to apply silicone render to the wall. You should start at the bottom of the wall with the new render and work your way up. Be careful when using a ladder to reach the higher areas of the wall.
Once you've applied safely, you can use your plastic float to smooth out the silicone render to your desired smooth texture. You then need to leave the render to dry completely before you decide to try and paint it or anything else.
When it comes to applying silicone render (or any render, for that matter) over existing work, there are a few issues you might face. In order to avoid these, it's always best to bring in the professionals like WeDoRender who know exactly what they're doing.
When applying silicone render, making the top coat too thick or too thin can cause the render to sag or crack. If done dramatically thin, you might find that there is no protection offered.
If the base coat is not allowed to dry completely before the top coat is applied to the wall, bubbling and blistering may occur due to trapped moisture.
Occasionally, contaminants in one coat of the existing render may react with the new render and cause discolouration and/or bond failure.
If the existing render is not properly prepared then there will be an issue in creating bonds and the silicone render may not adhere properly to the wall.
