There are many methods of finishing facades. The most popular rendering option is the use of different rendering systems. They have a decorative function, but the main task of house rendering is to protect the exterior walls. Find out the types and properties of thin-layer renders and what to follow when choosing them.
Mineral render
An alternative to traditional lime or cement render finish is thin layer house rendering. Mineral renders are characterized by high vapor permeability (low diffusion resistance), so they will perform very well as a finishing layer of systems on polystyrene foam and mineral wool. Thanks to their alkaline reaction, they are resistant to fungi and algae growth.
Mineral plaster does not exhibit electrostatic properties, making keeping the facade clean easier. However, the main factor determining the resistance of the render to dirt and microbial growth is the paint we will paint it.
In addition, since modern mineral renders are made based on cement and adhesion-enhancing additives, they are resistant to significant temperature fluctuations and UV rays.
The mineral rendering system, unfortunately, shows a low resistance to mechanical damage.
Acrylic render
Acrylic thin coat render is the most widely used type of facade render. It is a ready-colored resin paste, available in many colors, so it does not require painting. It owes its popularity to its high resistance to mechanical damage and affordable price. In addition, they very well adhere to the substrate, and their spreading does not require much effort.
Due to their properties, acrylic renders have several limitations in application. They are airtight and have low vapor permeability, so we do not recommend using them on mineral wool and fresh masonry, which needs to release moisture into the environment. The plaster layer will prevent this from happening, resulting in its detachment.
Silicone render
Silicone modern renders are the products with the most excellent versatility and quality, which translates into their higher price. Like acrylic solutions, silicone renders are produced based on synthetic resins, i.e., silicone (silicon-organic) and polymer mixtures – water glass with the addition of appropriate mineral fillers.
As a result, we can use silicone render on mineral and polymer substrates, mineral wool, and polystyrene foam.
Such a thin coat renders distinguish by its self-cleaning and weather-resistant properties while maintaining low diffusion resistance. Plus, they are also characterized by high vapor permeability and, even in high humidity areas, maintain resistance to mechanical damage.
In addition, it has high elasticity and exhibits thermoplastic properties, which, when exposed to very high temperatures, can cause it to deform.
Modern monocouche render as an alternative for thin-coat and conventional render
Monocouche house render is very often compared to sand and cement renders, and although monocouche contains cement in its composition, it is very different in terms of texture and properties. Unlike other renders, monocouche renders offer a more chalky finish and is scraped to create a pitted effect to provide finished external walls.
