Thin coat render is seen as a superior option to conventional sand and cement for several reasons. However, not all products out there will provide the same benefits for your property. In this post, we’ll explore why some thin coat renders are better, what thin coat render actually means and how to find the best thin coat render for your project.
For those who are just getting to grips with the world of exterior wall coatings, render on its own refers to a coat of plaster applied to a brick or stone surface. It’s typically applied in two coats – the first being around 15mm thick and the second around half that thickness.
On the other hand, thin coat render typically refers to an exterior wall coating that is infused with additional materials so it can be applied in a thinner coat. That provides a more discreet finish for the outside of your property, but also means it’s quicker to dry.
Using conventional render with thinner coats or a single coat won’t meet the grade. That’s because it needs to be a certain thickness with the right number of coats to attain its normal properties.
Depending on the materials that have been added to the thin coat render, it can also provide a range of other benefits, like better flexibility, durability and water resistance. However, it’s worth noting that some thin coat renders are primarily decorative with the aim of transforming a property’s appearance in a single coat.
Your choice for the best product depends on what you want from a thin coat render. If you’re spending time any money adding a thin coat render to your home, chances are that you want more than just a decorative effect.
Below, we’ll list some of the properties to consider.
Weather resistance is perhaps the most important feature when it comes to thin coat render. It needs to protect your walls from constant exposure to rain, wind, hail and snow. Doing that with a thinner coating than normal renders is no mean feat, so it’s really important to choose the right render for weather resistance.
Water resistance is obviously important to protect from the rain. However, you’ll also want your render to be UV resistant, so it doesn’t weaken and colours don’t fade due to exposure to sunlight.
Finally, there’s the issue of salt corrosion for coastal properties. This happens when spray from the sea is carried by the wind onto your walls. Without a protective render, it can stain and weaken them. While many thin coat renders are water- and UV-resistant, SprayCork goes one further with no reaction to salt.
Thin coat render needs to be breathable. If it isn’t, moisture could become trapped inside the walls, leading to issues with damp. This is especially important for houses with permeable walls, which have been designed to let the walls naturally ventilate the space.
Flexibility is also important to avoid cracks developing over time. Houses naturally move over time, which is nothing to be concerned about in most cases. However, it can lead to cracks in your render.
Obviously, you want your thin coat render to be durable and long lasting. As above, flexibility is one of the key qualities that can provide this. However, it will also need good weather resistance. Many thin coat renders come with a manufacturer’s guarantee, giving you added assurance that it will stand the test of time. As an example, our exterior wall coating comes with a 25-year guarantee.
Given that walls make up a key part of your property’s thermal envelope, some of the best thin coat renders are those which improve thermal retention. That doesn’t just mean keeping heat in. It can also help you maintain a comfortable space during summer, when your walls will keep the heat out.
Keeping the noise out as well as the cold can provide a more peaceful environment between your four walls. The best thin coat renders make it harder for noise to pass through your walls. SprayCork is particularly effective in this respect, drawing on the natural soundproofing properties of cork.
If style is important for you, choose a thin coat render that’s available in a range of colours. SprayCork is available in a choice of over 30 colours, so you can match other homes nearby, complement the colour of your roof or windows, or even contrast your neighbours with your favourite shade.
Unfortunately, the likes of acrylic and silicone thin coat renders are not eco-friendly. That’s because the production process for both materials releases damaging substances. Additionally, both take a long time to decompose. That means long after your render has been disposed of, it will still be taking up space in landfill and releasing toxic chemicals.
As the name suggests, you probably want your thin coat render to be thin! Sprayed renders are the optimal solution in this respect, as they’re sprayed on in a thin, smooth, uniform coat with a purpose-built machine.
The best thin coat render for your project depends on your specific preferences, requirements and budget. At CorkSol, we firmly believe that SprayCork ticks all of the boxes listed above – making it a great choice for the vast majority of external rendering projects.
The natural cork render is spray applied, forming a thin, water-resistant layer on the outside of your walls to protect against rain, UV rays and even salt spray! Because it’s made using cork, it is naturally breathable, flexible and insulative against sound and heat. It’s also available in a wide range of colours, so you can choose one that matches your property to a T.
If you have any more questions, feel free to contact a member of our friendly team on 01484 442420 or [email protected]. Alternatively, you can get a quote for your project from a local approved applicator.
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