Render Systems
Not sure which render system is right for your substrate? Our technical team will advise.
Speak to our technical teamRender systems for every substrate and application
Licata manufactures a comprehensive range of render systems covering the full spectrum of substrates encountered on residential, commercial and specialist construction projects. From standard brickwork and blockwork through to existing surfaces, steel frame, ICF and concrete — we have a certified system for the job.
Every Licata render system is supplied with full technical documentation, application guidance and manufacturer support, ensuring correct specification and compliant installation on every project.
Our render systems
Brickwork Render System
A render system designed specifically for application to brickwork substrates. Provides an even, durable finish that bonds correctly to the varying absorption rates associated with brick facades.
Aircrete Blockwork Render System
Formulated for aircrete and aerated concrete blockwork substrates. Accommodates the high porosity and movement characteristics of aircrete with a flexible, crack-resistant render system.
Concrete Blockwork Render System
Designed for dense concrete blockwork. Provides strong adhesion to low-porosity concrete block substrates with a durable, weatherproof finish suitable for residential and commercial projects.
Existing Pebbledash Render System
A render system designed to be applied directly over existing pebbledash. Avoids the cost and disruption of hacking off existing material whilst delivering a smooth, modern finish over the prepared surface.
Existing Render/Paint Render System
For application over existing sound render or painted surfaces. A cost-effective refurbishment solution that refreshes the external appearance without the need for removal of existing coatings.
Steel Frame Render System
Render system designed for light steel frame construction. Accommodates the movement and expansion characteristics of steel frame with a flexible system that maintains integrity over the building's life.
ICF Render System
Render system for Insulated Concrete Formwork construction. Applied directly to the ICF substrate, providing a durable weatherproof finish that works with the thermal characteristics of ICF buildings.
Elastomeric Render System
A highly flexible elastomeric render system capable of bridging hairline cracks and accommodating substrate movement. Ideal for older buildings, mixed substrates and situations where crack resistance is critical.
Plaster Render System
An internal and external plaster render system providing a smooth, high-quality finish. Suitable for a range of masonry substrates and available in formulations for both new build and refurbishment applications.
One-Coat Monocouche System
A through-coloured one-coat render system applied in a single pass. Eliminates the need for a separate finish coat — reducing labour time and simplifying the application process on masonry substrates.
Concrete Render System
Render system formulated for in-situ concrete and precast concrete substrates. Achieves strong adhesion to smooth, low-porosity concrete surfaces with a primer-based preparation system.
Concrete Repair Render System
A render system incorporating concrete repair mortars and protective coatings for the remediation and refurbishment of deteriorated concrete facades. Restores structural integrity and provides long-term surface protection.
Thin coat, monocouche, insulated and plaster renders
Licata manufactures a wide range of coloured render systems suitable for different substrates — from BBA certified insulated render systems and thin coat renders to monocouche finishes. We offer a choice of textured finishes in acrylic, silicone and silicate, with over 700 colours plus RAL shades and bespoke colour matching.
Thin Coat Renders
A thoroughly modern render finish offering a wide range of colours, crack resistant, breathable and durable. Available in silicone, acrylic or mineral (silicate). Silicone thin coats are the most popular — highly water resistant, dirt and stain repellent and resistant to algae — producing a clean, modern look.
Monocouche Finishes
A cement-based, through-coloured external render applied as a single coat, typically over brick or block. The finish can be textured for various effects or scraped smooth for a clean, modern look. Because it is through-coloured it never needs painting, and it is highly water resistant and resists algae growth.
Insulated Render Systems
External wall insulation finished with render — applied where walls are deteriorating, cavities cannot be filled, the exterior needs updating, or additional insulation thickness is required. Licata products used in these systems are BBA certified, with installation by approved contractors who issue the guarantees.
Plaster Renders
An extremely versatile system that can be applied to any standard substrate, available in a wide array of colours. Licata plaster renders dry fast, protect against mould and algae, are light in weight so they do not stress the wall, offer excellent adhesion and high breathability, and last for many years.
Why choose a coloured render over paint
When updating the exterior of a property, the choice often comes down to a coloured render or paint. Paint is easy to apply and affordable, and modern formulations are more durable and mould resistant than they once were — but it remains a surface treatment that can chip, peel and flake over time.
A coloured render transforms the look and feel of a building more comprehensively. The biggest advantage is that the colour is infused right into the rendering material — so even if the render is chipped, there is no loss of colour, unlike paint that peels away to leave an unattractive finish. While a coloured render costs more than paint, its colour-fastness and durability make it the clear long-term winner.
The benefits of an external coloured rendering system
No Chipping or Flaking
Through-coloured renders never chip or flake the way painted wood, stucco or concrete can — the colour runs throughout the material.
Low Maintenance
Easy to apply, durable and low maintenance — enhancing the kerb appeal of a home or business for many years.
Weather Resistant
Highly weather resistant while remaining breathable — good for the long-term health of the structure beneath.
Breathable
High water vapour permeability allows moisture to escape rather than become trapped — protecting joists, wiring and insulation.
Algae & Mould Resistant
Built-in resistance to algae, fungi and mould keeps the facade clean and attractive over time.
Built for the UK Climate
The damp British climate is hard on standard materials. Licata render systems provide the protective barrier needed against high humidity and the threats that come with it.
Silicone, acrylic or silicate render?
Licata thin coat renders are available in three binder types. Each offers a different balance of breathability, flexibility, water resistance and cost — the right choice depends on the substrate, the building and the exposure.
Silicone Render
The premium, most popular choice. A silicone binder makes the render highly water repellent (hydrophobic) while remaining breathable, so it sheds rain and dirt yet lets the wall release moisture.
- Highly water repellent & self-cleaning
- Excellent breathability
- Strong algae & dirt resistance
- Through-coloured, no painting
Acrylic Render
A durable, flexible, cost-effective finish with a wide colour range and good water resistance. Highly crack resistant, making it well suited to substrates subject to movement — though less breathable than silicone.
- Excellent flexibility & crack resistance
- Wide colour range
- Good water resistance
- Cost-effective
Silicate Render
A mineral render with very high breathability, ideal for older, solid wall and heritage buildings where vapour permeability is the priority. Highly resistant to algae and well suited to a traditional mineral finish.
- Very high breathability
- Ideal for heritage & solid walls
- Strong algae resistance
- Mineral, vapour-open finish
How to choose the right render system
A render system is specified as a complete build-up — substrate, insulation (where required), basecoat, mesh, primer and finish — not a single product. Four factors guide the right specification:
Substrate
Masonry, blockwork, concrete, steel frame, timber frame, ICF or an existing rendered or pebbledash surface — the substrate determines the base build-up and fixings.
Insulation & U-value
Whether the system is insulated (EWI) and the target U-value determines the insulation type and thickness — EPS or mineral wool, and the depth required.
Fire Performance
Building height and regulations may require non-combustible components. Mineral wool systems and A1 boards are specified where combustibility is restricted — confirm with our technical team.
Finish & Aesthetic
The texture, grain size, colour and binder type (silicone, acrylic or silicate) for the desired appearance, exposure and breathability requirement.
Designing a render specification? Our technical team provides U-value calculations, condensation risk analysis, system selection and NBS specification support. Speak to our technical team for project-specific guidance.
Render systems — frequently asked questions
Need help selecting the right render system?
Our technical team can advise on the correct system for your substrate, provide specification documentation and arrange supply to site.