How much does silicone render cost in 2025?

Silicone rendering is best left to the professionals due to the materials and techniques involved. In this guide, you'll find the average silicone render cost per m² alongside a comparison of other types of render and alternatives such as paint and cladding.

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Silicone render is a cement-based render system enhanced with silicone to provide a durable, thin-coat render. It's one of the top choices for UK homeowners due to its flexibility and low-maintenance properties. But how much does silicone render cost?

How much does silicone render cost per m²?

Silicone render material costs

• The average cost of silicone render in the UK is £11.80per m² (materials only)

• Base coat:One bag of base coat mix typically covers 4 - 5m², working out at an average material cost of around £3.50 per m²

• Fibreglass mesh:During the rendering process, fibreglass mesh is embedded within the base coat at a cost of about £1.50 per m²

• Topcoat primer:To improve the fixing of the render to the base coat and limit the absorption of the base coat layer to ensure the render cures properly - averages around £5.40 per m², which is roughly £1 - £2 more per m² than acrylic. If you want a coloured render topcoat the cost will be higher

• Beading:For corners and edges of the wall to provide a tidy finish to the silicone render - typically costs around £3 per m

Silicone render labour costs

• Including the cost of labour and materials, you're looking at around £72.50per m² for silicone render in the UK

• Labour rates tend to sit around £280 per day

• Hourly rates are typically in the region of £35 per hour

Bear in mind regional variances in labour rates and project complexity could affect the price you are quoted.

Average silicone render costs by property size

• Applying silicone render to a mid-terraced property (two walls) is typically around £5,000and takes around five days

• Applying silicone render to a semi-detached property (three walls) is normally in the region of £10,000and takes around seven days

• Applying silicone render to a detached property averages around £15,000and takes around ten days

Additional costs to consider

In addition to the material and labour costs for silicone render work, there are a few other costs you might need to take into consideration:

• Scaffolding: This is essential for external rendering. Scaffolding costsaround £875per weekfor a 2-storey semi-detached house / or around £22.50per m²

• Insulation: If you're replacing or installing render to at least half of the walls on your house, you'll need to meet current insulation requirements. Cavity wall insulation costs around £24 per m². External wall insulation typically costs around £120 per m²

• Skip hire:Essential if you're having old render removed. Expect to pay between £125- £320 per week for skip hire

• Render removal:To have render removed normally costs around £10/m²

These costs are ballpark averages to help you plan your project. Contact local tradespeople in your area for accurate quotes.

Factors affecting the cost of silicone render

There are generally three key factors that can influence the cost of silicone rendering:

1. Property size and complexity: Larger homes or those with intricate designs or architectural features will increase costs

2. Condition of the substrate:Poor quality surfaces may require additional layers of silicone or repairs. Expect to pay around £10/m²for substrate repairs

3. Location: As with most projects, labour costs will vary across the UK

Silicone render benefits and application

There are several reasons why silicone render has become one of the top render systems available:

• A durable rendering solution: It can last up to 30 years

• A flexible render for UK homes: It allows a degree of movement, making it more resistant to cracking

• A low maintenance, self-cleaning render option: It is water repellent, effectively making it self-cleaning. Dirt can be easily washed away by rain or light pressure cleaning

• Breathable: Silicone render allows the wall to breathe, unlike cement and acrylic renders that completely seal off the wall

• Built-in colour options: No need for painting, with colours mixed directly into the render

• Ease of application: Other renders involve a stage of painting, whereas silicone render can be applied in thin coats that will be finished in a few hours

How is silicone render applied?

The application of silicone render can be split into two parts: preparation and application:

Silicone render preparation involves:

• Applying a base coat adhesive

• Embedding a fibreglass mesh into the adhesive

• Applying a topcoat primer for adhesion and absorption control

Applying silicone render involves:

• Using a thin-coat method to ensure quick curing and even application

• The built-in colour removes the need for painting

Building regulations for silicone render

It's unlikely you'll need planning permission for silicone render application (unless you live in a listed building or conservation area). However, if in doubt, check with your local planning authority before work begins.

Either way, building regulations must be adhered to - particularly concerning fire safety, structural stability, and insulation.

An approved tradesperson, experienced in silicone render application, will ensure compliance.

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Pros and cons of render vs alternatives

We know that silicone render is durable, flexible, low-maintenance, and easy to apply, with built-in colour options too. But how does it compare to alternatives?

• Cement render: More affordable but less flexible and prone to cracking. Average cost £45 per m²

• Acrylic render: Slightly cheaper but less breathable and durable. Average cost £55 per m²

• Polymer or lime render: Suitable for older properties but may lack silicone's self-cleaning properties. Average cost £65 per m²

• Cladding: Versatile and energy efficient, but can have higher upfront costs depending on your chosen material. The average cost of uPVC cladding is £80 per m²

• Exterior painting: Has a lower initial cost, but has a shorter lifespan and needs regular upkeep. The average cost of painting a houseis £30per m²

In summary

• Silicone render has a sleek, modern appearance and is a top choice among UK homeowners. In total, it typically costs around £72.50per m²

• It's low-maintenance, easy to apply, and has built-in colour options, which negates the need for painting

• Silicone render is flexible and durable and has self-cleaning properties which help to make it a worthwhile, long-lasting investment

• When comparing silicone render to alternative options, always consider any associated costs such as scaffolding, skip hire, and insulation too

• Hire an experienced professional in silicone render application to ensure quality work and building regulations compliance

Find specialists in silicone render near you

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FAQs

Is silicone render expensive?

Silicone render is generally slightly more expensive than cement or acrylic options. However, it's quicker to apply and usually lasts longer without the worry of cracking, scratches, and other damage.

Does silicone render crack?

Silicone render is widely considered the most durable render option on the market, with little risk of cracking. This is due to being a more flexible material than cement or acrylic. Silicone render also lets the wall breathe and self-cleans, making it an excellent render option.

How long does silicone render last?

Depending on the manufacturer, some silicone renders have a warranty of up to 30 years.

Is silicone render worth the cost?

Silicone render is more expensive, but its long lifespan and low-maintenance make it a popular option with many UK homeowners.

Is silicone render suitable for all property types?

Silicone render is suitable for all property types, from sleek contemporary homes to older properties and even pebbledash. It's particularly effective for properties in areas with harsh weather conditions such as coastal areas or damp climates.

What's the difference between K-rend and silicone render?

K-rend is a cement-based render that has a more textured and granular finish. Silicone render has a smoother, more uniform finish.

Does silicone render insulate?

Silicone render does offer a certain level of insulation - some homeowners will consider upgrading their external wall insulation and/or cavity wall insulation when rendering their property.

What is the cheapest render option?

The cheapest render option is typically cement render. However, it doesn't have the same durability as silicone.

How does silicone render compare to traditional rendering?

Overall, silicone render is more flexible, durable, and easier to maintain than traditional types of render.

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