External rendering, applied properly and built to last
Silicone rendering and external wall insulation that transforms how your home looks and performs. Applied properly, built to last, at highly competitive rates.
Two big reasons to render
External rendering does two things at once. Done well, it completely transforms the appearance of a property, covering ageing brickwork, pebbledash, or tired render and giving a home a clean, modern finish that stands out on the street. At the same time, the right render system protects your external walls from water ingress, reduces maintenance, and in the case of EWI, significantly cuts heat loss and energy bills.
Rendering is a service we've invested in seriously. We have access to premium materials at highly competitive rates and experienced specialist rendering teams who do this work every day. The result is quality you can see, at a price that won't surprise you.
Silicone render & EWI
Silicone Rendering
Silicone render is the modern standard for external wall finishing, and for good reason. It's flexible, breathable, water-repellent, and self-cleaning, making it far more durable and lower-maintenance than traditional sand and cement render. It won't crack as the building moves, resists algae and moss, and holds its colour for decades without needing repainting.
We apply silicone render to a full range of properties, including brick, block, existing render, and insulated board, in any colour from the standard palette or matched to your specification.
- Thin coat silicone render systems
- K-Rend and equivalent premium systems
- Monocouche through-coloured render
- Full colour range available
- Smooth, scraped & textured finishes
- Suitable for new build & existing properties
External Wall Insulation
External Wall Insulation (EWI) combines a layer of rigid insulation board fixed to the outside of your property with a reinforced base coat and silicone render finish on top. It's one of the most effective ways to improve the thermal performance of a solid-walled property, reducing heat loss through external walls by up to 80% and cutting energy bills significantly.
EWI is particularly relevant for Victorian and Edwardian terraces, which are predominantly solid brick and have no cavity wall to insulate. As energy costs remain high and EPC ratings become increasingly important for landlords and sellers, EWI is a sound long-term investment.
- EPS (expanded polystyrene) board systems
- Mineral wool EWI for breathable walls
- Full render finish included
- Significant improvement to EPC rating
- Reduces energy bills & heat loss
- Transforms external appearance simultaneously
Finishes we apply
Thin Coat Silicone
Applied over a mesh-reinforced base coat, thin coat silicone render is the most widely used modern render system. Available in smooth and textured finishes, it's flexible, weather-resistant, and comes in an extensive colour palette. Our most frequently specified system for both new and existing properties.
K-Rend & Monocouche
Through-coloured render systems applied in a single coat. The colour runs through the full depth of the material, meaning minor surface damage doesn't show as a white patch. Exceptionally durable and popular on new builds and high-specification refurbishments. We are experienced applicators of K-Rend and equivalent monocouche systems.
Sand & Cement Render
The traditional two-coat render system: scratch coat followed by a finishing coat, typically decorated with masonry paint. More economical than silicone systems and suitable for properties where movement is minimal. We apply sand and cement render where it's the right specification for the building and the client's budget.
Lime Render
For older properties, particularly pre-1919 solid brick buildings, lime render is often the correct and sympathetic choice. It's breathable, allowing moisture to escape from the wall rather than trapping it, which is essential for the long-term health of older masonry. We specify and apply lime render where the building demands it.
Scraped Texture
A popular finish achieved by applying a base render and scraping it back before it fully cures, creating a fine, uniform texture. Widely used on contemporary new builds and modern refurbishments. Provides good coverage of minor wall imperfections while maintaining a clean, refined appearance.
Render Repair & Recoat
If your existing render is cracking, hollow, or stained but structurally sound in places, a full strip isn't always necessary. We carry out render repair, cutting out failed sections, repointing, and applying a new coloured silicone topcoat over the repaired surface, to restore the appearance and weather performance of your home at a lower cost than a full re-render.
What makes us different
Highly Competitive Rates
We have direct access to premium rendering materials at trade rates that most contractors can't match. We pass that saving on, meaning you get a top-quality render system at a price that makes the decision easy.
Specialist Rendering Teams
Rendering is a skilled trade. A poor application ruins the finish and fails early, regardless of how good the material is. We work with experienced, specialist rendering applicators who do this work every day and take pride in a straight, clean result.
Proper Preparation
The most common cause of render failure is inadequate preparation of the substrate. We don't skip this step. We hack off failed existing render, treat the background, apply the correct primer, and confirm the wall is stable and dry before a render system goes on.
Right System, Right Building
Not every render system suits every building. We specify correctly, taking into account the wall construction, age of the property, exposure to weather, and your budget, so the system we apply performs as it should for the long term.
Full External Package
We can combine rendering with other external works, such as soffits and fascias, window and door replacements, external insulation, and damp treatment, so the whole exterior is dealt with in a single, coordinated project rather than multiple separate contractors.
Clean, Professional Sites
Rendering involves scaffolding, masking, and significant material handling. We manage this carefully, protecting windows, doors, and landscaping, and leaving the site tidy at the end of every day. Your neighbours will barely notice we're there.
Our rendering process
Free Survey & Quote
We visit the property, assess the existing wall condition, measure up, and discuss the render system and finish you're looking for. You receive a clear, itemised quote covering preparation, materials, scaffolding, and application, with no vague allowances that grow later.
Scaffolding & Protection
We erect scaffolding where required and mask all windows, doors, sills, and landscaping before any work begins. Protecting what's already there is as important as applying the new render correctly.
Preparation & Substrate Treatment
Existing failed render is hacked off. The background wall is inspected, any cracks or hollow areas treated, and the correct primer applied. For EWI, insulation boards are fixed at this stage with mechanical fixings and adhesive. This is the stage most rendering companies rush. We don't.
Base Coat & Mesh
A polymer-modified base coat is applied and a fibreglass reinforcement mesh is embedded to prevent cracking. Corner beads, stop beads, and movement joints are fitted correctly before the base coat cures. The base coat is inspected before the finish coat is applied.
Finish Coat Application
The silicone render finish coat is applied in a single continuous operation to avoid joins and colour variations. Texture is achieved at this stage, whether smooth, scraped, or patterned. All edges and reveals are finished cleanly before the render is left to cure.
Inspection & Handover
Scaffolding comes down, all masking is removed, and we carry out a full inspection with you before closing the job. Any edge detailing, trim painting, or minor touch-ups are completed before we leave site.
Areas we cover
Based in South East London and working across the capital. Our core coverage includes:
Not listed? We take on projects across London. Just get in touch.
Rendering FAQs
How much does external rendering cost?
Silicone render on a typical 3-bedroom semi-detached house in London typically costs between £3,500 and £7,000 depending on the size of the property, the condition of the existing walls, and the render system specified. EWI costs more due to the insulation boards and additional fixings, typically £8,000 to £15,000 for a full house. We provide an accurate, itemised quote after surveying your property.
How long does silicone render last?
A properly applied silicone render system should last 20–25 years or more without needing repainting or major maintenance. Unlike sand and cement render or painted masonry, silicone is self-cleaning and resistant to algae, moss, and colour fade. The key factor is correct preparation and application. A poor application will fail early regardless of the quality of the material.
Does EWI require planning permission?
In most cases, EWI falls under permitted development and does not require planning permission. Exceptions include properties in conservation areas, listed buildings, and some Article 4 direction areas, which are more common in parts of London than people realise. We check your property's planning status before quoting and flag any requirements upfront.
Can render be applied over my existing pebbledash or old render?
Sometimes, but only if the existing render is sound, well bonded, and structurally stable. We test existing render by tapping (a hollow sound indicates debonding) and assess whether it can support a new system. If large areas are hollow or failing, we hack off and start fresh. It's more work upfront but prevents the new render from failing prematurely. We'll give you an honest assessment at the survey stage.
How much will EWI reduce my energy bills?
EWI on a solid-walled Victorian or Edwardian property can reduce heat loss through external walls by up to 80%. In practice, the impact on overall energy bills depends on how much heat you were losing through the walls relative to the roof, floors, and windows. For an uninsulated solid brick terrace, the saving can be substantial, and many homeowners report reductions in heating costs of £300–£600 per year. EWI also significantly improves EPC ratings, which is increasingly important for landlords and sellers.
How long does rendering take?
A standard silicone render on a 3-bedroom house typically takes 5 to 10 working days on site including preparation, base coat curing time, and finish coat application. EWI takes longer, typically 10 to 15 days, due to the additional insulation board fixing stage. Both depend on weather conditions; rendering should not be applied in very cold, wet, or extremely hot weather, and we schedule work accordingly.
Transform your home's exterior
Get a free survey and quote and we'll tell you exactly what your walls need and what it will cost.
No pushy sales. No call centres. Just a straight conversation about your project.