HEAVYSIDE


reliance on specialist trades are particularly valuable.”


With homeowners seeking properties with character as opposed to uniformity, this is absolutely vital. Render encourages applicators to move beyond the traditional ‘brick box’ aesthetic, delivering bespoke buildings that meet client demands while maintaining compliance with evolving regulations and durability.


Broader industry trends such as energy efficiency requirements, government-led housing initiatives, sustainability targets and labour shortages are also driving change.


RENDER’S KEY ROLE IN RETROFIT


Render systems have advanced, redefining how buildings are designed, constructed and refurbished. BMJ learns more.


H


aving undergone a significant transformation in recent years, render systems have advanced from traditional sand-and-cement applications into innovative, high-performance façade solutions. For many years, render was attributed to labour-intensive processes and inconsistent results. Traditional mixes were prone to cracking, staining and significant ongoing maintenance, adding burden on installers and homeowners.


However, today’s modern systems are manufactured under controlled conditions, ensuring reliability and consistency. That’s according to Jason Nicholson, render product manager at Saint-Gobain Exterior Solutions, parent company of Northern Irish quarry and minerals processor Kilwaughter Minerals, which makes the K Rend brand of renders. He says that the introduction of silicone-based technologies has been particularly influential, delivering enhanced breathability while offering water repellency and reducing the chances of algae growth.


“Equally important has been the shift toward ready-mixed, through-coloured products. Factory-prepared render eliminates the variability of on-site mixing, improving


38


quality control and saving valuable time during application. With colour integrated into the product, there is no need for post-application painting,” he says. For builders and applicators working to tight deadlines and budgets, these efficiencies are critical.


Nicholson says that the growing adoption of render systems has also been heavily influenced by substantial advancements in application methods.


“Faster curing and machine-applied solutions enable same-day application and finishing, significantly reducing on-site labour time,” he explains. “In some cases, projects can be completed hours faster per property. With the continued skills shortage, systems that reduce


Render for retrofit The UK Green Building Council revealed approximately 29 million homes require retrofitting to meet the government’s 2050 net zero target. This ageing building stock therefore presents render systems with a superb opportunity to modernise facades, improve insulation and enhance property value. This shift means those merchants stocking modern render systems will be able to tap into the retrofitting and new-build markets. Nicholson says that strong market recognition and installer loyalty can also be gained from using products from established brands, such as K Rend. “In fact, builders and applicators will often choose to work with trusted systems they are familiar with, positioning those merchants who stock these brands to secure repeat business,” he explains.


Offering a complete system, comprising base coats, primers and finishes, also encourages brand loyalty and increases basket value, Nicholson believes. As demand for energy- efficient upgrades and façade improvements further exacerbates the importance of retrofit, merchants who pick up this trend can position themselves as key suppliers in a competitive and rapidly expanding market.


“By promoting the benefits of render – such as improved kerb appeal, durability and increased property value – merchants can drive sales while supporting customers to meet modern construction challenges,” he says. The evolution of render systems reflects the challenges and changes being seen across the construction industry, from labour shortages to sustainability demands. The product’s heightened use is driven by a combination of application efficiencies, design versatility and performance improvements.


“For merchants, render systems are not just a product category; they are a strategic and timely opportunity to support both retrofit and new-build activity, capitalise on a dynamic and growing market and strengthen customer relationships,” Nicholson adds. BMJ


www.buildersmerchantsjournal.net May 2026


Page 1  |  Page 2  |  Page 3  |  Page 4  |  Page 5  |  Page 6  |  Page 7  |  Page 8  |  Page 9  |  Page 10  |  Page 11  |  Page 12  |  Page 13  |  Page 14  |  Page 15  |  Page 16  |  Page 17  |  Page 18  |  Page 19  |  Page 20  |  Page 21  |  Page 22  |  Page 23  |  Page 24  |  Page 25  |  Page 26  |  Page 27  |  Page 28  |  Page 29  |  Page 30  |  Page 31  |  Page 32  |  Page 33  |  Page 34  |  Page 35  |  Page 36  |  Page 37  |  Page 38  |  Page 39  |  Page 40  |  Page 41  |  Page 42  |  Page 43  |  Page 44  |  Page 45  |  Page 46  |  Page 47  |  Page 48