Silicone Render vs Cement Render - ANB Cement Rendering Pty (sydneycementrendering.com)

Although cement render remains the most common render type in Australia, newer options, such as silicone, are becoming increasingly popular due to their flexibility, weather resistance, and functional properties.

But which render option is the right one for you and your home? That depends on a variety of different factors.

Continue reading to find out more about the different properties that set silicone and cement render apart and what they have in common.

Silicone Render

Silicone render is sometimes known as the ‘thin coat’ render, as it is usually applied in thin layers and over a basecoat.

A silicone render mixture is usually comprised of the following materials:

Polymers (silicone resins): The main material used in silicone-based renders, setting it apart from other render types. The polymers provide excellent water-resistant properties (hydrophobic) that allow the render to clean itself and prevent water penetration.
Polymers are chain-like molecules composed of thousands of repeating monomers. Polymers are strong and lightweight.
Acrylic polymers: The addition of acrylic binders enhances flexibility and adhesion.
Cement and lime: These are two materials that are found in almost every render type. They provide a stable base and binder.
Aggregates: Sand grains and particles that provide strength and texture.
Coloured pigments: Add colours and shades to the render mix without needing to paint the render separately.

What Are the Benefits of Silicone Render?

The benefits of silicone render include:

Self-Cleaning Properties

The silicone polymers in the render mixture naturally repel water, so when it rains, the water runs off, removing any dirt, algae, debris, and fungal growth.

Flexibility

Silicone is one of the most flexible render options available, allowing it to withstand the natural movement of a building over time and preventing cracks.

Breathability

As it repels water instead of absorbing it, all moisture escapes from the silicone render, preventing mould growth and moisture damage.

Durable

The highly functional properties of silicone mean it can last up to 25 years if it is maintained properly and kept in good condition.

Through-Coloured

The coloured pigments are already mixed throughout the render mixture, meaning you don’t have to spend extra time and money painting them separately.

Versatile

Silicone renders are available in a wide variety of colours, textures and patterns to suit all design preferences.

Long-Lasting Colour

Coloured silicone render is UV-resistant, so it will retain its colour for years without needing touch-ups.

Disadvantages of Silicone Render

Some of the cons of silicone render include:

Costly

Silicone render is one of the most expensive render options available due to its specialised properties and materials.

Not Eco-Friendly

Silicone render is not generally regarded as being ‘eco-friendly’ due to the presence of silicone polymers in the render mixture and its energy-intensive production process.

Labour-Intensive

Although silicone render is available in a pre-mixed form, its application is more labour-intensive, requiring careful preparation and skilled, timely application.

Cement Render

Cement render is the most common render option used in Australia due to its cost-effectiveness and multiple functional properties.

A traditional cement render mixture contains the following components:

Cement: Cement keeps all the components of the render mixture together, acting as a binding agent.
The quality of the cement used determines the render’s strength. Most professional rendering companies use General Purpose (GP) Ordinary Portland Cement,or Portland cement (OPC).
Sand: The grain size of the sand used impacts the layers and thickness of the render.
The best sand for cement rendering is either clean, sharp sand, which provides strength, or washed plastering sand, which results in a smoother finish.
Lime: Lime is added to cement render to improve its flexibility, durability, and strength, and to reduce the risk of cracking. It also provides better adhesion.
Water: Clean and drinkable water should be used in the render mixture. Add enough water to achieve a soft, putty-like consistency.

What Are the Benefits of Cement Render?

The benefits of cement render include:

Aesthetics

Revitalise your home’s tired, boring appearance with cement render. Apply the render to the exterior and watch it transform into a clean, classic, and elegant-looking home in no time.

Increased Property Value and Curbside Appeal

Making your home more visually appealing can instantly increase its property value and curb appeal. This can be a huge benefit if you plan to sell your home in the future.

Improved Insulation

Cement render adds extra layers of insulation to your home, minimising heat absorption during the summer months and preventing heat loss during winter. Consistent indoor temperatures that require less heating and cooling can significantly lower your energy and electricity bills.

Durability

When the cement render mixture is of high quality and applied well, it can last for years, providing a protective layer for your home and minimising the need for ongoing maintenance and repairs.

Water-Resistance

Cement render has excellent resistance to water absorption and moisture, reducing the risk of mould and fungal growth, structural damage, and dampness.

Low Maintenance

Cement render is relatively low-maintenance and only requires cleaning at least once or twice a year, and repainting if the colour begins to fade due to exposure to the elements.

Cost-Effiveness

Compared to modern render types like silicone- and acrylic-based renders, cement rendering is more cost-effective and affordable than most other render options. This can allow you to afford hiring professional renderers to apply the render, saving you lots of money and time in the long run.

Versatile Finishes

You can add colours, textures and patterns to cement render, making each render job unique and your own.

Disadvantages of Cement Render

The main disadvantages of cement render include:

Higher Risk of Cracking

The most significant disadvantage of cement rendering is its high risk of cracking due to its rigidity. Compared with other render types, it cannot effectively handle the natural movement of buildings over time.

Longer Drying and Curing Time

Cement render can take up to 28 days to fully cure and dry. This is especially problematic if unpredictable weather conditions arise, as it can damage your rendering project.

More Repairs for Cracks

Because cement render is more prone to cracking, it may also require more frequent repairs to address them.

Higher Risk of Cracking

Perhaps the biggest disadvantage of cement rendering is its higher risk of cracking due to its rigidity. Compared to other render types, it is unable to effectively withstand the natural movement of the structure over time.

Longer Curing Time

Cement render can take up to 28 days to fully cure and dry. One of the longest curing times for any render type. This is especially disadvantageous in unpredictable weather conditions, which can negatively impact the rendering process.

The Differences Between Silicone Render and Cement Render

The biggest differences between silicone and cement render consist of the following:

Property/Function	Silicone Render	Cement Render
Flexibility	Silicone render is incredibly flexible, preventing cracking.	Cement render is less flexible and prone to cracking.
Paint (coloured finishes)	Silicone is available in pre-coloured mixes.	Cement renders often need to be painted after the cement render has cured and dried.
Cost	Silicone is one of the most expensive render options available due to its labour-intensive application and specialised materials.	Cement render is one of the most affordable render options available.
Maintenance and Repairs	Silicone render is self-cleaning thanks to its water-repellent properties, and doesn’t require much maintenance.	Cement render may require frequent repairs for cracks and will most likely need to be repainted every so often.
Mixture/Ingredients	Silicone is made up of water, lime, cement, aggregates and silicone polymers with the addition of coloured pigments.	Cement render consists of water, sand, lime and cement.
Durability	Silicone render can last up to 25 years.	Cement render is not as durable as silicone render.

The Similarties Between Silicone Render and Cement Render

The similarities between silicone render and cement render include:

Applied to the same materials: Both silicone and cement render work well on brick, concrete and stone surfaces.
Weather-resistance: Both render types have functional properties that protect them from rain and extreme temperatures.
Insulation: Both silicone and cement render add an extra layer of insulation to homes.
Breathability: Both render options are considered breathable, allowing moisture to escape.

At Sydney Cement Rendering, we take pride in being Sydney’s trusted rendering experts. We provide our customers with the highest quality rendering services. To learn more about the differences and similarities between silicone and cement renders and to make an informed decision about which option is right for you, contact us at 0402 704 984 or visit our website at https://sydneycementrendering.com/ to find out more about the services we offer!