When it comes to property rendering, different render materials have different properties. This makes each render material individually suited to a specific location and use. One of the most desired properties when it comes to types of render is damp proofing or waterproof protection.
One of the most popular types of render is silicone render. So is silicone render waterproof? Should you contact WeDoRender to explore your silicone render options today? Here's what you need to know.
In order to understand whether silicone render is truly waterproof, you must first understand what we mean when we discuss 'waterproof render'.
In order for a render system or render material to be deemed completely waterproof or waterproof at all, it must be able to prevent damp and water penetration. Moisture should not be able to seep through the render and into the structure of the building.
So is silicone render waterproof? The answer is yes. Silicone rendering is one of the best options when it comes to providing a waterproof barrier to keep your home safe.
This is because silicone render has a complex formula that includes a silicone resin binder which makes it highly resistant to water penetration. The silicone resin binder in silicone rendering has unique properties that repel water and prevent it from being absorbed. In addition to this binder, though, silicone renders also have additional ingredients (the presence of which differs from brand to brand). It is as a result of both the silicone resin in silicone render and the additional ingredients that silicone render is considered to be highly waterproof.
It is not just the silicone resin within the silicone render that provides these qualities. The way silicone render is applied also contributes to its damp-proofing properties; applying silicone render in multiple thin layers prevents any gaps and weak spots, and when you apply silicone render you should also thoroughly prepare the surface to allow a strong and durable bond which further works to keep the walls dry
In addition to the water-repellent nature of silicone render, it is also highly breathable. The structure of the material allows water vapour to travel through it, meaning that any moisture within the substrate is able to leave the exterior walls rather than remaining trapped and damaging the existing render.
It is important to note, though, that the specific product and manufacturer will play a large part in how waterproof silicone render is. This is because each manufacturer has their own formula for silicone render. That being said, it will always be more waterproof than cement render or more traditional, less breathable options, so long as it is applied correctly to the wall.
Check out: Can You Apply Silicone Render Over Existing Render
Those unfamiliar with render options and the rendering process may be unsure as to why waterproof render is such a big deal.
The short answer is that moisture is the leading cause of deteriorating buildings and building materials in the UK. It can cause a number of problems when it interacts with exterior walls, causing them to decay and causing both water ingress and water penetration.
Water ingress leads to water within the substrate of the wall which can cause damage in a number of ways. One of the most common causes of damage from water ingress is a freeze-thaw cycle as the seasons change. This is when the water freezes in the cold weather, expanding and causing the render to move. This can then lead to the render cracking. Once a crack has formed, more moisture is able to enter, causing issues like damp and mould growth, and creating more cracks.
Water ingress can also lead to rapid heat loss in properties as wet walls transfer heat much faster than dry walls, leading to higher energy bills and decreased energy efficiency.
Water penetration can also cause issues. This occurs when water is absorbed into the render and then into the interior walls. It is most common in solid walls but can occur in properties with cavity walls, too. The water penetrates into the interior wall and creates a damp issue, often leading to the growth of black mould.
Damp and moisture are also common culprits for prematurely aging your property and your render. They cause discolouration, stains, algae growth, and lichen, which can completely ruin the appearance of a property.
The only way to prevent any of these issues is by preventing the render material from being able to absorb moisture either by adding a waterproof coating or layer or by using a waterproof render in the first place.
Silicone render is considered to be waterproof, but can you do more to waterproof your external walls and external wall insulation?
There are a few things that you can do:
Take a look: Does Silicone Render Help Insulate
As explained above, defects and cracks in the render can lead to damp and moisture issues. You should regularly check your render for even hairline cracks and get them fixed as soon as possible. You can do this yourself using an exterior filler or hire professionals like the WeDoRender team to help you out.
Explore further: Does Silicone Render Crack
There are a few options when it comes to adding a waterproof layer to your render. You can use:
Whatever you use must be highly breathable, otherwise you will be reducing the breathability of your render. This is especially important if you do have a highly breathable render like silicone render. Products branded as sealers are often not very breathable. Alternatively, masonry cream is a great option, as is a silicone-based masonry paint. You should be sure to avoid acrylic-based masonry paint, though.
Learn more: Can You Paint Silicone Render
Silicone render is a very good choice when it comes to waterproofing options. It is durable, boasts energy efficiency, and an ease of application. It is known for its versatility and offers much more than a basic waterproof render with a highly breathable nature. Even a silicone top coat will help to protect your property!
It is rare to see silicone render crack when installed correctly as it is resistant to cracking, and with all of its inherent properties, silicone render is without a doubt a solid choice when looking to waterproof a property. There are other renders that boast weather resistance, like acrylic renders, but they do not all have the additional benefits that a silicone topcoat or silicone render system has.
