Looking for an exterior render solution and not sure where to start? Monocouche render is becoming one of the hottest types of render for a property, a quick, easy and stunning solution for old, and new build properties.
The type of render can be applied directly to brickwork, and in some months the installation by a professional can be completed within the day. Whilst many choose to render their whole home, it also looks great on the upper half of a property, replacing old render, or adding it onto an extension on the property.
This beginners guide to Monocouche render takes a look at everything you need to know about this exterior render solution.
What Is Monocouche Render?
Monocouche is a French word meaning ‘one coat’, but it is also known as ‘scratch render’. This render system comprises of 2 processes. A base coat goes on and mesh is integrated for a flat layer, once this has set the second layer goes on.
Monochouche render is a popular choice of render on homes in the UK, it’s highly versatile and looks amazing on old stone properties, and new build properties for a modern, sharp aesthetic.
The Benefits of Monocouche Render
Quick, Easy Installation
One of the biggest benefits of Monocouche render is that it can be installed and finished in a short period of time.
In the summer it could be installed within one day, you could put the first layer of the base and mesh on (it can generally be sprayed on panel after panel up until midday for example) and by the end of the day, it would be ready to finish with the top coat.
During the winter, you could apply it during the afternoon and scratch it back the following morning. There is only 2 processes to this type of render, base coat and top coat which makes this a quick, easy and effective installation for a homeowner.
It Looks Amazing
Undeniably, Monocouche render looks incredible on a home. It is best suited to old, stone properties, and properties that are looking for a sharp, modern aesthetic. It also comes in a range of colours so you can choose something that is reflective of your taste.
Monocouche Render Colours
Monocouche render is available in a huge selection of colours, because it is mixed with cement as a base, the render comes pre-coloured. Because of this it doesn’t require any painting once installed.
Depending on which Monocouche render supplier you choose, you will find that there is a whole host of colours to choose from, and this colour will be what your finished house looks like once the render has been installed and has dried.
There are a number of different suppliers of Monocouche render including Parex render and Monocouche XF so colours will vary. However, as an example Monocouche XF offer 10 standard colours to choose from which range from very pristine, white neutrals to terracotta, orange toned shades.
Apply Directly To Exposed Bricks
No special treatment or prep work needs to be undertaken when applying Monocouche render, another reason that makes this one of the quickest and easiest rendering solutions on the market.
Monocouche Render Problems
Difficult To Repair
One of the main downsides to Monocouche render is that is can be very difficult to repair, unless you are a highly skilled professional.
If the render experiences any dents, knocks or scuffs, you won’t be able to miss it. The render can be patched in to cover up any knocks and you can purchase repair kits to do so, but it can be very difficult to achieve a seamless, just as good finish as the rest of the render.
It Can Be Messy
When you scratch back to bead for a flat finish with the render, all of the dust and left over render drops to the floor so it can be a very messy job to clear up.
The thicker the layer of the render applied, the more dust and leftover render there will be when it’s scratched off. This is why it’s important to higher a professional for applying this type of render.
Weathering
Monocouche render looks incredible on a property once it has been installed, but over years the finish doesn’t age well.
The render can hold a certain degree of water, and with water sitting on it, if something settles onto the finish such as fumes or vegetation, it can bed into the render and cause an infection. In simple terms, it doesn’t do a great job against fighting against external elements.
However, if you have your render regularly sprayed with a repellant treatment, this can help to fight against external elements, and keep the finish looking pristine for longer. A low or high pressure washer can also help to revive weathered, tired looking render.
Monocouche Render Vs Thincoat
Comparing these two external render treatments, from a finish point of view, Monocouche is a flatter, smoother finish than thincoat. Thincoat on the other hand does have more indents, and a grainier detail on the finished render.
Despite being called thincoat, it is rendered from the front to the back of the house, and actually have additional steps in the application process than Monocouche render.
It’s got a build up of base coat, a mesh is then applied, and a final layer is then put on top. The difference here is that the colour is given to it afterwards with a primer, this is available in pretty much any colour you desire. There is so much colour choice for thincoat, including both neutrals, all the way through to bolder colours such as blue and pink.
The variety of colours means that you really are in control of how the exterior of your property looks, if you have white windows, you can find an off white shade within the selection that sets the look off, rather than it looking bland. You just don’t yet have this variability of colour choice with Monocouche.
Unlike Monocouche, thincoat can also easily be repaired if there is any knocks, scuffs, and even if you decide to move windows, or add an extension at a later date, the render can easily be repaired to look seamless again.
It can be more expensive that Monocouche, as the thincoat system requires a primer and top to finish the application off.
Overall, Monocouche render is a quick and easy solution to external rendering, it looks amazing once installed and with necessary upkeep, you can continue enjoying its pristine finish for years to come.
However, it is worth comparing with Thincoat as this is another fantastic type of rendering solution that is highly suitable to a range of homes, has a highly robust finish, is easier to repair, and it’s available in such a large range of colours. Are you a fan of Monocouche render?
