Why Eco Rend is Our Premium Choice for Your Home
At Plaster and Rendering Solutions, we recommend Eco Rend as our flagship silicone system for its unmatched durability and breathability. Unlike traditional sand and cement, the Eco Rend MR1 and silicone thin-coat systems are specifically engineered to handle the British climate.
We choose this manufacturer because their through-coloured technology ensures a vibrant finish that won't flake or peel, while the built-in UV resistance prevents fading over time. For our customers in Sheffield, this means a maintenance-free exterior that protects your property from dampness while significantly boosting its curb appeal.
Key Selling Points
-
High Flexibility: The fiber-reinforced technology makes it highly crack-resistant compared to standard renders.
-
Self-Cleaning Properties: Its hydrophobic (water-repellent) surface allows dirt to wash away with the rain.
-
Vapour Permeability: It allows the building to breathe, preventing internal condensation and damp issues.
Full Silicone Render (The Premium Choice)
-
Best For: Maximum durability and low maintenance.
-
The Tech: This system (like Eco Rend SR15) has the highest concentration of silicone resin. It is the most hydrophobic option, meaning water and dirt bead off instantly.
-
Key Benefit: It is the most breathable and flexible system available, making it virtually crack-proof and ideal for properties prone to dampness.
Estimated Cost: £90
Acrylic Render (The High-Strength Choice)
Best For: Bright, vibrant colors and high-impact resistance.
The Tech: Acrylic is essentially a plastic-based resin. It is incredibly strong and holds deep colors better than any other material.
Key Benefit: It is extremely water-resistant; however, it is less breathable than full silicone. We recommend this for commercial buildings or high-traffic areas where impact resistance is a priority.
Estimated Cost: £85
Silicone Enhanced / Silicone Silicate (The Balanced Choice)
Best For: Budget-conscious projects that still need modern performance.
The Tech: This is a hybrid system. It offers some of the water-repellent benefits of silicone but at a lower price point.
Key Benefit: It provides a much better finish than traditional render and is more breathable than pure acrylic, but it lacks the "self-cleaning" longevity and extreme flexibility of a Full Silicone system.
Estimated Cost: £80
Note on Pricing: These m² rates are provided as a general guide for the rendering systems. Final project costs in Sheffield are subject to a site survey and may be influenced by scaffolding requirements, the condition of the existing substrate (hacking off), and accessibility. At Plaster and Rendering Solutions, we provide a fixed-price written quote following every inspection.
Estimated Project Costs by Property Type
Mid-Terrace / Front & Rear
-
Example Price: £3,500 – £5,500
-
Based on standard scaffolding and a full Eco Rend silicone system. Ideal for refreshing the look of traditional brick terraces.
3-Bed Semi-Detached
-
Example Price: £6,500 – £9,500
-
Covers three elevations. Price varies based on the size of the gable end and whether External Wall Insulation (EWI) is added.
4-Bed Detached / Bungalow
Example Price: £9,500 – £13,000+
A comprehensive transformation including all elevations. These larger projects benefit most from the self-cleaning properties of premium silicone.
Note: These figures are estimates for standard Silicone Rendering. Costs can be affected by the condition of your existing substrate. If old render needs to be 'hacked off' or if the brickwork requires repair before we start, this will be detailed in your fixed-price quote.
Our Materials & Application Process
Premium Silicone Systems
We exclusively use the Eco Rend Silicone System to ensure a high-performance, breathable finish for every home in Sheffield. Our material build-up includes:
-
Eco Rend X32 Base Coat: A fiber-reinforced, high-adhesion layer that provides the ultimate foundation.
-
M160 Alkali-Resistant Mesh: Fully embedded to prevent cracking and handle structural movement.
-
SP15 Silicone Primer: Applied to control suction and ensure an even, vibrant topcoat color.
-
SR15 Silicone Thin Coat: Our final, hydrophobic layer that offers self-cleaning properties and UV protection.
The Application Process
1. Professional Masking & Shielding
We use high-tack protective tapes and heavy-duty polythene to mask every window frame, door, and glass surface. We also cover all downpipes, soffits, and fascia to ensure no render splashback occurs during application.
2. Ground & Landscape Protection
We utilize professional-grade floor protection and geotextile membranes for your driveways, patios, and gardens. Our goal is to leave your property exactly as we found it—minus the old walls.
2. Ground & Landscape Protection
We utilize professional-grade floor protection and geotextile membranes for your driveways, patios, and gardens. Our goal is to leave your property exactly as we found it—minus the old walls.
4. Bead Installation & Leveling
We install premium, rust-proof PVC corner beads, drip beads, and stop beads. These are laser-aligned to ensure that every corner is perfectly vertical and every window reveal is mathematically square.
-
5. Suction Control & Bonding Agents
Depending on your wall type (brick, block, or old render), we apply specific bonding agents or suction control primers. This ensures the Eco Rend FX4 base coat dries at the correct rate, preventing the "mapping" or "ghosting" often seen in poorly prepared jobs.
The Base Coat
The secret to a crack-free render finish is in the strength of the base layer. At Plaster and Rendering Solutions, we utilize Eco Rend X32, a polymer-modified, fibre-reinforced base coat. This material provides superior adhesion to the substrate and acts as a flexible 'cushion' that absorbs thermal expansion and structural movement, ensuring your walls remain flawless for years.
The Mesh Reinforcement
We don't just patch-mesh the corners; we perform a full-surface mesh reinforcement. We embed high-quality, alkali-resistant glass fibre mesh into the wet FX4 base coat across the entire property. This creates a high-strength 'armour' layer that ties the building together and provides the ultimate resistance against impact and surface cracking.
Essential Silicone Rendering FAQs for Sheffield
Silicone render is the gold standard for 2026 because it is a 'thin-coat' polymer-modified system. Unlike monocouche or traditional sand-and-cement, silicone is highly flexible, allowing it to absorb structural movement without cracking. It is also fully breathable (vapour-permeable), which allows moisture to escape from your internal walls while preventing external water ingress—essential for the damp South Yorkshire climate.
How does silicone render compare to monocouche or cement?
White is our most popular color choice, and thanks to silicone’s hydrophobic properties, it stays crisp for much longer than other materials. Water droplets 'bead' on the surface and roll off, taking dirt and pollutants with them. This 'lotus effect' significantly reduces the risk of algae growth and staining, ensuring your home in Sheffield remains bright with minimal maintenance.
Does white silicone render stay clean over time?
Yes, silicone render is incredibly versatile. It can be applied to standard brickwork, blockwork, and even timber-frame extensions. Because it requires a mesh-reinforced base coat, we can use it to cover uneven old masonry or stable existing render. It is also the ideal finish for External Wall Insulation (EWI) systems, making it suitable for both modern new-builds and traditional Sheffield terrace renovations.
Can silicone render be applied to any property type?
When professionally installed by a manufacturer-approved contractor, a silicone render system has a life expectancy exceeding 25 to 30 years. Because the color is 'through-coloured' (mixed into the material), it is UV-stable and will not fade or peel like paint. We provide a 10-year workmanship guarantee, but the structural integrity of these modern systems is designed to last a generation.
What is the typical lifespan of a silicone system?
For a standard detached or semi-detached house in Sheffield, the process typically takes 10 to 14 working days. This timeline includes the installation of scaffolding, full property protection (masking windows/doors), the application of the reinforced base coat, a drying period, and the final topcoat application. We monitor local weather forecasts daily to ensure the system is applied in optimal conditions for curing.
How long does the installation process take?
While the initial investment for silicone is higher than sand-and-cement, the Return on Investment (ROI) is significantly better. You save thousands of pounds over the years by eliminating the need for a 5-year repainting cycle. Additionally, its superior 'curb appeal' and thermal benefits can increase your property value by up to 5-10%, making it a financially smart choice for long-term homeowners.
Is silicone rendering worth the extra cost?
Can You Clean Silicone Render ?
Yes, silicone render can be cleaned effectively using a low-pressure wash and a specialist fungicidal wash. Because silicone is hydrophobic and self-cleaning, most dirt and dust will wash away naturally with rainfall. However, for stubborn organic growth or environmental staining, we recommend a professional 'soft wash' treatment. This involves applying a pH-neutral cleaner that kills algae and lichen at the root without damaging the through-coloured finish or compromising the render's breathability.
Avoid High-Pressure Jet Washing
You should never use a high-pressure power washer to clean Ecorend SR15 or any silicone thin-coat system. Excessive pressure can force water behind the render
To maintain the "freshly applied" look of silicone render
A gentle approach is essential to avoid damaging its specialized hydrophobic (water-repellent) surface. For routine cleaning on a Sheffield property, the most effective method is low-pressure washing or a light scrub with a soft-bristle brush using warm, soapy water. Avoid high-pressure power washers, as they can force water into the substrate and cause delamination or "scarring" of the finish. For stubborn organic growth like algae or lichen—common in the damp Yorkshire climate—applying a specialized biocidal wash (such as EcoRend's Fungicidal Wash) is recommended; these solutions are designed to kill spores and prevent regrowth without the need for aggressive scrubbing. To ensure long-term durability, always rinse the render thoroughly from the top down and perform a small patch test before applying any cleaning chemicals to the entire elevation.