Decorative renders and modern methods of finishing external walls
We offer a full range of renders and decorative finishes. Weathering performance and the colours available make rendering a property both a technical and aesthetically pleasing option for homeowners who are looking to improve their homes and make their properties stand out from the crowd. Add value to your home and protect against the weather.
Discover Types of Decorative Finishes
Acrylic Renders
Silicone Renders
Brick Slip
Dash Renders
Decorative effect and protection of your home against the increasingly harsh and adverse Irish weather conditions.
Today’s weather conditions can be unforgiving, more so now than ever. Our homes are increasingly under attack from adverse weather, such as higher and longer periods of rain, colder winters, storm winds, and heat waves. These weather changes and typical age-related building fabric wear and tear inevitably lead to many homes suffering from issues such as dampness or losing warmth. When this occurs, homeowners generally look at ways to improve their property’s weather resistance by keeping the elements out whilst enhancing its appearance, both of which add short and long-term value to their properties. In recent years, there has been a growing trend in the new-build and refurbishment sector for modern render finishes.
Traditional Render - Sand and Cement
Sand & cement render is a traditional finish mixed on-site and applied in multiple coats. The sand and cement, once applied, must then be left to cure for weeks before being overcoated with masonry paint. This system is generally slightly cheaper from a materials point of view. However, it can be more susceptible to fail/crack, as it is not very flexible, and its performance relies heavily on the correct mixing of the materials, as it is not pre-mixed off-site in a modern, quality-controlled factory environment.
Monocouche Renders
Monocouche render is long-lasting, with a minimum 25-year life expectancy. Like all building fabric, it will reach its tested life expectancy with regular care and maintenance.
Monocouche renders are water repellent with excellent weather-proof properties for their life span and hold A1 Fire classification. Colour options are more limited when compared to silicone and acrylic renders.
Monocouche is not as flexible as silicone or acrylic renders.
Silicone and Acrylic Renders
Silicone and acrylic renders are usually called ‘thin coat renders’ because they’re applied in a very thin layer on top of an insulation layer. This type of render has the advantage of being very flexible whilst providing unrivalled weather resistance. Silicone and acrylic render systems are considered more premium solutions. Silicone and acrylic render systems are more commonly adopted for commercial projects, where a premium, long-lasting, durable product is required. Thin coat renders provide a minimum 25-year life expectancy.
Acrylic vs Silicone
Acrylic renders use modified polymer structures to ensure that the finish is highly water-repellent and flexible, providing very good crack resistance properties. Acrylic renders are not suitable for buildings that require high levels of breathability, or external wall insulation (EWI) systems that use mineral wool as the insulant.
Silicone renders use highly modified polymer structures that ensure the finish is highly water-repellent, highly vapour permeable (breathable), and extremely flexible, giving the very best resistance to cracking. Silicone renders can be applied where breathability is important, and they are suitable for use across all EWI systems, approved render carrier boards, and masonry substrates. Silicone render is considered the gold standard when it comes to external render systems.
Mosaic Renders
Among the many ways to beautify and protect the internal and external walls of buildings, an interesting solution is the use of decorative plasters, which also include mosaic render.
Mosaic Render is a ready-to-use decorative render. It consists of coloured quartz aggregate held within a transparent acrylic resin binder. It is used both for interior decoration and for building façades. This render is highly durable, making it ideal for exposed surfaces prone to damage and soiling. Another key advantage of this type of render is that it is easy to maintain. The finished render façade can be scrubbed and cleaned without discolouration or loss of mechanical durability.
Brick Slip
Brick slips are typically made from real clay bricks or concrete and cut into thin sections (usually around 20-25mm thick). They are manufactured to mimic the look of full-sized bricks.
Brick slips come in various colours, textures, and sizes, allowing for customization in design. You can choose from a range of brick types, including weathered, rustic, smooth, or modern finishes.
Brick slip walls require regular cleaning and maintenance, similar to traditional brick walls. They can be cleaned with a soft brush and mild detergent.
Dash & Pebble Renders
Dash render involves applying a mixture of sand, cement, and small stones or aggregates onto the external surface of a wall. The mixture can be customised by varying the size and colour of the aggregates, allowing for different textures and appearances. Dash render creates a textured, rustic appearance with a rough surface finish. The texture and colour can be adjusted based on the type of aggregates used, providing a range of decorative possibilities.
Pebble dash is a type of dash render in which pebbles are used as small stones or aggregates. The pebbles are mixed into the render mixture and then applied to the wall surface. Like dash render, pebble dash involves applying a base coat of render onto the wall and throwing pebbles onto the wet surface. The pebbles are pressed lightly into the render to ensure they adhere securely.
Both dash render and pebble dash are versatile exterior wall finish options for various architectural styles. The choice between them often comes down to personal preference in terms of appearance and the desired level of texture. This type of render is relatively low-maintenance. Periodic cleaning and repairs may be needed to maintain its appearance and integrity.
