Advantages and Disadvantages of Using K Rend
What is K Rend?
K Rend is a coloured render which is a replacement for the traditional sand and cement rendering of external walls. The render includes a pigment which means painting is not needed. Considered to be the largest UK independent manufacturer of silicone render, K Rend is part of a company called Kilwaughter Minerals which has more than 30 years of experience in construction. The process of k rendering is where a house is rendered using K Rend materials.
Advantages of using K Rend
There are lots of advantages to using K Rend instead of traditional renders. This includes choosing your preferred colour for the render - K Rend can send out sample swatches in 20 colour options, such as white, polar white, grey and champagne. You can view the K Rend colour chart before ordering your free samples. Thin coat and scraped texture samples are also available.
A natural-looking finish
K Rend provides a more appealing look compared to traditional renders. Even through tough weather conditions, it still upholds its natural appearance. There are many colours and finishes to choose from. From strong, vibrant shades to lighter tones, you will be able to make some precise adjustments to the outside of your house.
Low maintenance
It is thought that a well-fitted K Rend render can last for quite a while - its materials come with a British Board of Agrément (BBA) 30-year guarantee. You will also not have to paint it as much as you would a traditional render, but you can certainly paint it if you want to. It is recommended to use K Rend paint to get the job done and avoid causing any issues with the k render system.
Resistant to water
The silicone technology makes it a water-resistant alternative to traditional render. Its water-resistant properties also make it an easy render to clean. You can apply a K Rend coating to help protect the wall from moisture and rainwater.
Does not trap moisture
Because silicone render does not trap moisture inside the wall, it is a preferred choice compared to acrylic or cement render. It allows water vapour to travel through the substrate and is then freed into the environment. This enables a structure to breathe - its moisture resistance is why the render is primarily used for external walls.
Disadvantages of using K Rend
Despite the many advantages of installing this render, there are some disadvantages to weigh up in your decision. It is important to consider these before moving ahead with any plans.
Cracking issues
It is thinner compared to traditional render. Because of how thin it is, even the slightest of cracks can easily appear. This will happen if there is any movement in the walls. Using K Rend Mesh will help to keep that part of a wall in place. For traditional render, cracks are easy to patch up. But because of the colours, patching it up can prove difficult. If the colour filler is slightly off from the K Rend colour, the difference will be noticeable.
K Rend cleaning
Although this render is fairly easy to maintain, it can easily get dirty and is difficult to clean. Particularly for properties close to the coast, it is prone to algae growth and mould. This does cause its appearance to look unkempt, but you can buy special K Rend cleaner products to maintain its natural finish.
Cannot install K Rend in certain temperatures
As it cannot be installed in temperatures below 5°C, if you decide to install K Rend render in wet and freezing temperatures, it could delay the drying time. The bonding of the render may also be affected.
K Rend tools and equipment
This render is considered to be an easier option compared to its traditional counterpart. However, there are restrictions to using it. Applying this to your property is not a DIY job. Builders and construction workers need to be certified to use the products - a certification course costing £75 + VAT is required. The course covers both practical and theory sessions at one of the company’s centres in either Merseyside or Northern Ireland: 35% technical learning, and 65% practical-based training.
K Rend cost to the environment
In comparison to traditional render materials, this silicone is less environmentally friendly. Traditional render, made from mineral-based materials, is less impactful to global warming by an estimated 10%. Plus, traditional render is 30% less impactful to aquatic environments such as oceans, seas, wetlands, rivers, streams and lakes.
Top 3 tips to avoid K Rend problems
It is crucial to be aware of any problems which can occur before learning how to apply the products. Before you start the project, be sure to follow these 3 top tips for a smooth sailing operation.
Pick a dry day
Particularly important if you plan to apply K Rend between November to April, it is best to check the weather forecast in advance. Be sure to block out some time when rainfall is not expected. Not only is it difficult to work in rainy conditions, but rain on silicone render can lead to lime bloom and trapped moisture.
Ensure substrates are dry
A wet substrate can cause a multitude of issues. There would be a lack of suction with the bonding and adhesion, which then causes the render to weaken and a final finish that does not set properly.
Check the temperature
It is very important that these products are not applied in temperatures under 5°C. This is because they hold a ‘working temperature range’ between 5°C and 35°C. For the render to cure, it is also vital that the surface is protected from frost or rain for at least 48 hours after it has been applied.
Cost of using K Rend
Of course, the cost of installing this render at your property will depend on its size and where you live. But the general costs for silicone render work are divided into costs per layer, including labour costs.
1. Beading - For a tidy finish to the edges and corners of the walls. Estimated cost: £2 - £3 per m2.
2. Base coat - One basecoat mix bag will cover around 4-5 m2. Estimated cost: £2.40 - £2.60 per m2.
3. Top coat - Silicone render top coat will generally cost more than acrylic. Estimated cost: £4.90 - £5 per m2 (coloured render top coat may cost more).
4. Mesh - Mesh is used so it can be ingrained within the base coat. Estimated cost: 70p per m2.
K Rend products available for UK-wide delivery
At Building Materials Nationwide, we supply a varied range of rendering products which includes cleaning products, silicone finish and accelerators. Speedy delivery options are available. For industry customers, we offer cash and flexible credit trade accounts to make shopping for tools and materials a smooth and easy process.
When you sign up for a trade account, your trade account manager will handle everything for you - they will find exactly what you need and make sure you get it all on time. To find out more, give our team a call. You can also sign up for a trade account through our website.