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Weather-Resistant Exterior Rendering · Modern & Traditional Properties

Silicone Render Specialists in Plymouth, Devon & Cornwall

Silicone render provides outstanding weather resistance, flexibility, and low maintenance for external walls. The preferred choice for modern properties exposed to the South West's coastal climate.

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  • Plymouth · Devon · CornwallBased in Plymouth
Silicone render system — Riley's Pro Trowel Devon Cornwall

Overview

Why Choose Silicone Render?

Silicone render is a polymer-modified exterior render system that incorporates silicone into the mix, producing a finish that is simultaneously weather-resistant and vapour-permeable. The silicone component makes the surface hydrophobic, causing water to bead and run off rather than soaking in, while the render itself remains open enough to allow the wall to breathe. In a coastal climate like Devon and Cornwall's, where wind-driven rain is a constant challenge, silicone render is the modern benchmark for external wall protection.

Riley's Pro Trowel supplies and applies full silicone render systems across Plymouth, Devon, and Cornwall. We work on residential re-renders, new builds, and commercial facades. Our Exmouth Development project demonstrates the complete system: external render carrier board, reinforcing fibre mesh basecoat, and pre-tinted silicone topcoat delivering an exterior finish that will require no painting for years.

In detail

What’s involved

01

Exmouth Development: Full Silicone Render System

The Exmouth Development project is a strong example of a complete silicone render system delivered by Riley's. The package comprised an external render carrier board providing a stable and level base, a full silicone render system with reinforcing fibre mesh embedded in the basecoat for crack resistance, and a pre-tinted silicone topcoat in the client's specified colour. The pre-tinted topcoat eliminates the need for painting, retaining its colour without fading, and the silicone system provides robust protection against Exmouth's coastal exposure. The result is an exterior that looks exceptional and performs as well as it looks.

02

Bartford Beach House: Black Silicone Render

At Bartford Beach House near Widemouth Bay in Cornwall, Riley's applied a black silicone render to the exterior of this luxury coastal property. The contemporary architecture demanded a clean, dark finish that would complement the building's design and withstand the Atlantic coastal exposure. Silicone render in a deep colour requires careful selection of product and finish to prevent differential drying and uneven colour. Riley's delivered a consistent, striking result that is as functional as it is architectural.

03

Silicone Render Advantages

  • Hydrophobic: water repels off the surface rather than soaking in
  • Vapour-permeable: walls can still breathe while repelling liquid water
  • Through-colour: no painting required, colour integral to the topcoat
  • Flexible: accommodates minor building movement without cracking
  • Algae and mould resistant, performs particularly well in coastal and humid environments
  • Wide colour range: extensive palette with custom matching available

How we work

Our process

  1. 01

    Survey & Preparation

    The existing substrate is assessed. Any failed render, loose paint, or biological growth is removed. Movement cracks are addressed and defects repaired. The wall is primed with the correct system primer.

  2. 02

    Carrier Board or Basecoat

    Where a carrier board system is specified, insulation or render carrier boards are fixed. On direct-to-substrate applications, a basecoat is applied and fibreglass mesh is embedded throughout for crack resistance. The basecoat is allowed to cure fully.

  3. 03

    Beading & Detailing

    PVC beads are fixed at all external corners, reveals, window and door arises, and movement joints. Correct beading is critical to the long-term performance and appearance of the finished render.

  4. 04

    Silicone Topcoat

    The pre-tinted silicone topcoat is applied in a consistent thickness across the entire surface. The scratch or texture pattern is applied while the material is still fresh. Wet edges are maintained throughout to avoid visible laps.

  5. 05

    Completion & Inspection

    The finished render is inspected for colour consistency, texture uniformity, and edge detailing. Protection is removed and the site cleared. Written care guidance is provided.

Bartford Beach House

Featured project

Bartford Beach House

Black silicone render and internal plastering on a luxury coastal property.

View the project

What clients say

Reviews

"Riley's understood exactly what was needed from the first visit. Correct specification, proper curing time, no cutting corners. The conservation officer passed the work without comment."

Richard H. South Devon

"Venetian plastering throughout our Plymouth townhouse. Meticulous work, superb finish, and the team were professional and tidy throughout."

Caroline W. Plymouth

"Used Riley's for a full re-render on our Cornwall holiday property. Clean, consistent finish and the property has held up well through two winters since."

Mark T. Cornwall

Questions

Frequently asked questions

How long does silicone render last?

A correctly applied silicone render system on a sound substrate should last 20 to 30 years with minimal maintenance. The colour will not fade significantly because it is integral to the topcoat rather than painted on. Algae and biological growth resistance means the facade stays cleaner for longer than unpainted sand and cement render. Coastal properties in Devon and Cornwall particularly benefit from silicone render's weather resistance.

Is silicone render suitable for listed buildings?

No. Silicone render is a modern polymer-modified system and is not appropriate for listed buildings or buildings in conservation areas where a lime-based render is required. For any heritage or listed property, Riley's will specify the correct lime system. Applying silicone render to a listed building without listed building consent could constitute a planning offence.

Can silicone render be applied in winter?

Most silicone render systems should not be applied when temperatures are below 5°C or when frost is expected within 24 hours. In Devon and Cornwall, this typically limits application to the period March to November, though mild winters can extend this. Riley's monitors weather conditions throughout the application programme.

What colours does silicone render come in?

Most silicone render systems are available in 50 to 200 standard colours across white, off-white, grey, stone, sand, and darker tones including anthracite and black. Bespoke RAL and NCS colour matching is available from most manufacturers. Darker colours require careful product selection and application to ensure colour consistency. Riley's advises on colour selection including the practical implications of darker finishes.

How do I maintain silicone render?

Silicone render requires minimal maintenance. An annual inspection is recommended to check for any damage at beads, sills, and junctions. If any algae growth appears (uncommon with quality silicone systems but possible in very sheltered, north-facing positions) it can be treated with a biocide wash. Avoid high-pressure washing, which can damage the render surface. Physical damage should be repaired promptly to prevent water ingress.

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