What is House Rendering?

House rendering is the process of applying a protective and decorative coating to the exterior walls of a building.

It serves two main purposes:

  1. Protection – shielding your walls from wind, rain, and frost.
  2. Aesthetics – improving kerb appeal and creating a clean, modern look.

In the UK, rendering is popular for both new builds and older homes needing an exterior makeover.

How Does Rendering Work?

Rendering involves applying a specially formulated mixture (cement-based, lime, or polymer) over brick, blockwork, or concrete. The render is then smoothed, textured, or coloured to achieve the desired finish.

Typical process:

  1. Preparing the surface (cleaning, repairs, or removing old finishes)
  2. Applying base coats (if required) with mesh reinforcement
  3. Adding the top coat render (monocouche, silicone, acrylic, etc.)
  4. Finishing with smoothing, texturing, or decorative detail

Main Types of House Rendering in the UK

1. Monocouche Render

A through-coloured, cement-based render applied in a single coat.

  • ✅ Low maintenance
  • ✅ Available in multiple colours
  • ⚠️ Less flexible than silicone

Learn more →

2. Silicone Render

A modern, polymer-based render known for flexibility and self-cleaning properties.

  • ✅ Long-lasting (20–25+ years)
  • ✅ Crack-resistant and water-repellent

Learn more →

3. External Wall Insulation (EWI)

Insulation boards fixed to the exterior walls, finished with render for both energy efficiency and aesthetics.

  • ✅ Reduces heating bills
  • ✅ Improves comfort year-round

Learn more →

Benefits of Rendering Your Home

  • Weather protection – keeps water out, prevents frost damage.
  • Energy efficiency – especially when combined with EWI.
  • Kerb appeal – transforms tired exteriors into modern, attractive homes.
  • Low maintenance – modern renders resist dirt, algae, and cracking.
  • Increased property value – a fresh, modern finish boosts market appeal.

How Much Does House Rendering Cost?

Costs depend on the type of render, property size, and preparation required.

Type of RenderCost per m²Average 3-Bed Semi
Silicone Render£70–£85£6,000–£8,000
Monocouche Render£60–£70£5,000–£7,000
External Wall Insulation (EWI) + Render£80–£100£9,000–£12,000

💡 Tip: See our detailed cost guide →

How Long Does Rendering Last?

  • Monocouche: 15–20 years
  • Silicone: 20–25+ years
  • EWI with silicone finish: Up to 30 years

Regular cleaning can extend the life of your render significantly.

House Rendering Examples

Rendering layers diagram showing from bare brick to finished render

Diagram showing rendering layers –"From bare brick to finished render"

Before and after house rendering transformation

Before and after house rendering –"A complete exterior transformation"

Texture swatches of different render types

Texture swatches of different render types –"Monocouche vs silicone vs acrylic finishes"

Ready to transform your home?

Book your free consultation today or use our Your Vision tool to preview your property in modern render finishes before you commit.

Related Pages

Frequently Asked Questions

What is house rendering?
House rendering is the process of applying a protective and decorative coating to exterior walls. It improves weather resistance, insulation, and curb appeal.
How long does house rendering last?
Modern renders such as silicone can last 25–30 years with minimal maintenance, while monocouche render typically lasts 15–20 years.
Can you render over pebble dash?
Yes, but the pebble dash must be stable and in good condition. In many cases, removal is recommended for a smoother finish.