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Silicone Render: 2025 Cost, Benefits & When It’s the Right Choice

Silicone Render

When homeowners want a sleek, weather-resistant, and low-maintenance finish for their external walls, silicone render is often at the top of the list — and for good reason.

In this 2025 guide, we’ll walk you through:

  • What silicone render is (and how it works)
  • Why it’s so popular in UK homes
  • What it costs in 2025
  • How it compares to other render types like monocouche and cement
  • When it’s the right (or wrong) choice for your property

Whether you’re refurbishing or building new, this guide will help you make the right decision — and avoid costly mistakes.

Table of Contents

What Is Silicone Render?

Silicone render is a modern thin-coat render used on external walls. It’s pre-coloured and mixed with silicone-based polymers that provide water repellence, flexibility, and long-term durability.

✅ It allows water vapour to escape (breathable)
✅ It resists rain and staining (hydrophobic)
✅ It doesn’t crack easily (flexible)
✅ It doesn’t need painting (colour-fast)

This makes it ideal for:

  • British weather (rain, frost, UV, algae)
  • Renovations of older homes
  • New builds and extensions
  • Properties with insulation systems (EWI)

 

What Is Johnstone’s Stormshield Silicone Render?

At P3 Plastering, we primarily use Johnstone’s Stormshield Thin Coat Silicone Render, one of the most trusted systems on the UK market.

💡 It comes in:

  • Over 150 colours
  • Multiple grain sizes (1mm, 1.5mm, 2mm)
  • Options for spray or hand-application

It’s through-coloured (so the colour runs through the material), meaning it won’t peel or fade like paint.

Silicone Render Application Process (How It’s Installed)

How long does silicone render last?

25–30 years with basic maintenance.

No — it’s pre-coloured and fade-resistant.

Yes, but proper basecoat and mesh is essential. We regularly retrofit silicone render to Victorian and 1930s properties.

Hose it down every year. Algae can be treated with softwash.

Yes — most popular is 1.5mm grain, but 1mm and 2mm are also available.

Here’s how a professional team (like ours) applies silicone render for a smooth, lasting finish:

1. Surface Prep

We clean and patch the wall to ensure a sound, even surface.

2. Basecoat & Mesh

A specialist adhesive basecoat is applied with fibreglass mesh embedded. This adds strength and prevents cracking.

3. Primer

A coloured or clear primer is applied to regulate suction and help adhesion.

4. Silicone Topcoat

The final layer is applied using a float or spray — usually 1.5mm thick.

The process takes 3–6 days depending on property size, drying time, and weather.

Key Benefits of Silicone Render

✅ Water-Repellent

Water beads and rolls off — reducing algae, lime bloom, and discolouration.

✅ Breathable

Allows moisture vapour to escape, preventing damp inside walls.

✅ Flexible

Handles expansion, contraction, and settlement without cracking.

✅ Pre-Coloured

No painting required — and it won’t peel or flake like masonry paint.

✅ Algae-Resistant

Ideal for damp, shaded, or exposed areas (like North-facing walls).

✅ Easy to Maintain

Just hose down every now and then — no harsh pressure washers needed.

Silicone Render vs Monocouche vs Cement: 2025 Comparison

Feature

Silicone Render

Monocouche Render

Cement Render

Breathable

✅ Yes

⚠️ Moderate

❌ No

Water-Repellent

✅ Excellent

⚠️ Average

❌ No

Crack Resistance

✅ Excellent

⚠️ Moderate

❌ Poor

Maintenance

✅ Very low

⚠️ Mid-level

❌ High

Lifespan

✅ 25–30 years

⚠️ 15–20 years

❌ 10–15 years

Colour Choice

✅ 100+ colours

✅ 50+ colours

❌ Needs painting

Cost

⚠️ Highest

✅ Mid-range

✅ Lowest

If you’re looking for long-term value and want to avoid constant upkeep, silicone render is the best-performing system — especially in the UK climate.

While silicone render is known for its breathability and flexibility, acrylic render is another excellent option for homeowners seeking vibrant colour and long-lasting finishes on exterior walls. Learn more about acrylic render here.

Silicone Render Cost Guide – 2025 UK Averages

Pricing can vary significantly based on:

  • Size of the area
  • Wall condition
  • Whether scaffolding is needed
  • Colour/grain preferences

Average Prices:

Property Type

Estimated Cost (Render Only)

Small extension or garage

£800–£1,200

Semi-detached house (2-bed)

£4,000–£6,500

Detached house (4-bed)

£6,500–£11,000

Scaffolding (if needed)

£600–£1,200 extra

💬 We always offer free on-site surveys to give accurate, transparent quotes based on your property and needs.

When Is Silicone Render the Right Choice?

✅ You want a clean, modern look with no need to repaint
✅ You live in a damp or exposed area (like shaded or coastal walls)
✅ You’re rendering over EWI or new blockwork
✅ You want low maintenance and long life

When It’s Not the Best Fit:

❌ You’re on a very tight budget
❌ You’re rendering a boundary wall with frequent impact/damage
❌ You want a very textured or traditional finish (lime or dash)

In these cases, monocouche or even lime render might be better.

FAQs About Silicone Render

Johnstones thin coat silicone render finish

Close-Up: 1mm Silicone Render Finish

This detailed image shows the fine 1mm grain texture of Johnstone’s Stormshield Silicone Thin Coat Render. 

The smooth, consistent finish offers a clean, modern appearance that’s both low-maintenance and highly weather-resistant. The 1mm grain is our favourite finish and is also the most popular request due to its subtle texture and professional look.

See Our Service Page for Details

Want to see colour charts, technical specs, and real examples of our work?

📍 Visit our Silicone Render Services Page for more in-depth info and to request a quote.

Final Thoughts

In 2025, more homeowners are choosing silicone render for its resilience, appearance, and value. While it may cost more upfront than cement or monocouche, it pays off with fewer issues, better looks, and long-lasting performance.

At P3 Plastering, we’ve applied Johnstone’s Stormshield Silicone Render to homes across South Yorkshire, helping our clients transform tired exteriors into vibrant, weatherproof façades that last.

📞 Ready to transform your home?

Contact us today for a free quote and expert render advice tailored to your property.

Our Service Areas

Service Areas Map

Plastering and Rendering Service Areas

Our team of qualified plasterers carry out all types of plastering and rendering services across South Yorkshire and its surrounding areas.

These include: Sheffield, Doncaster, Rotherham, Barnsley, Chesterfield, Worksop, Retford and Mansfield.

Please feel free to get in touch to discuss your project we are more than happy to answer any questions you may have. 

Ready To Transform Your Property?

Contact us today for personalised advice, quotes and expert services. Let's embark on a journey to redefine the face of your home, ensuring it stands resilient, beautiful and true to your vision.
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About the Author

Neil Plasterer

Neil - P3 Plastering

Neil, a highly skilled Plasterer, brings over 40 years of experience and holds accredited qualifications in the field. As the founder of P3 Plastering, Neil has demonstrated a profound commitment to mastering the craft of plastering and rendering.

Credentials and Qualifications

  • Accredited Plastering Qualifications
  • Over 40 Years of Professional Experience

Passion for Excellence

Beyond his formal qualifications, Neil’s passion for the art of plastering is evident in the numerous successful projects undertaken by P3 Plastering. His dedication to achieving unparalleled quality and customer satisfaction has positioned him as a respected figure in the industry.

Continuous Learning

Neil remains at the forefront of industry trends, regularly updating his skills to incorporate the latest advancements in plastering techniques and materials. This commitment to continuous learning ensures that P3 Plastering delivers cutting-edge solutions to its clients.

Community Engagement

Neil actively engages with the local community, sharing his extensive knowledge and providing valuable insights into the world of construction. His personable approach and willingness to share expertise contribute to the success and positive reputation of P3 Plastering.

Connect with Neil

For enquiries, collaborations, or further information, feel free to connect with Neil.

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