What the facade of our house will cover is not only of aesthetic importance. It is worth looking at the basic types of rendering and getting to know their properties to choose the one that will fulfill its task of protecting the walls for years. We often unconsciously assume that acrylic and silicone render is the same thing. Of course, many features unite these two products. However, some differences between them mean that they should be applied in slightly different conditions.
Costs and application conditions
Both are popular choices for the finishing of residential facades. The ratio of low price to high quality and trouble-free application are the decisive factors here. We should note that silicone render is the more expensive solution. We can buy both acrylic and silicone render as a ready-to-use mass available in a wide range of colors. We should apply both products in dry, rainless weather and at temperatures between 5 and 25 degrees Celsius. We should maintain such aura for the render drying time.
Vapor permeability
The feature that differentiates silicone render from acrylic render is vapor permeability. Acrylic render is characterized by high diffusion resistance, which means that it is a tight barrier for water vapor. For this reason, we should not apply it to fresh and damp walls because you need to let the water evaporate from them. It will also be a bad idea to combine acrylic render with mineral wool insulation. Ignoring it may lead to dampening of walls and falling off the outer part of the elevation. Silicone render can be applied on both mineral wool and foamed polystyrene insulation. It is distinguished by high vapor permeability. Its structure is microporous, which in practice means that it facilitates the transportation of water vapor and gases. The whole construction can then “breathe.”
Acrylic render vs silicone render: damage and dirt resistance
Acrylic render is characterized by high resistance to mechanical damage. It is flexible. Therefore, we can use it on buildings standing, e.g., busy roads, where micro-vibrations often cause cracks. Both types of rendering contain a specific combination of polymers, which reduce the adhesion of dust and dirt. Silicone render, however, can be self-cleaning. It has hydrophobic properties, thanks to which all dirt that settles on the facade does not stick, and we can rinse off with rain or the use of a pressure washer.
Resistance to overgrowth
Both types of render are resistant to microbiological contamination due to encapsulated biocide. This agent releases active substances over many years, protecting the render against overgrowth. Additional protection in the case of silicone render is a limited ability to absorb water.
Suggested conditions of use
Both silicone and acrylic render is suitable for use on new buildings and for restoring old buildings. However, there is some difference in the application here as well. Acrylic render is best used on buildings in low to medium pollution conditions, for example, in suburban areas. Silicone render can be used on buildings standing in areas with medium to high pollution due to its excellent resistance to dirt. These include, for example, facilities located in larger cities, along gravel roads, in forest areas, or near bodies of water, where humidity is above average.
