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Last updated: 2 October 2024

External Insulation Render Cost: Price Guide for 2024

  • External insulation render can significantly lower your energy bills, with potential savings of up to 40%, making it an efficient long-term investment.
  • While the average cost of external insulation render is approximately £5,000, this figure can vary depending on the size and type of your property, the insulation material selected, and the time required for application.
  • It's crucial to account for additional factors that may affect the overall cost, including your location, any necessary repairs, scaffolding requirements, and potential weather conditions, all of which can influence the project's final price.

External insulation render not only boosts your home's curb appeal but also adds a durable, weather-resistant layer of protection. When paired with external wall insulation, it can dramatically improve thermal efficiency, potentially reducing your energy bills by up to 40%

However, to get the most out of this investment, it's crucial to understand the costs involved. This price guide will take you through the key factors that impact external insulation render costs, including materials, labour, and property size. Whether you're planning a full external wall insulation system or a simple render upgrade, this guide will help you make smart, budget-friendly decisions to maximise your home's efficiency and value.

Navigating the costs of insulating render can be overwhelming, but GreenMatch is here to make it easy. We connect you with top-rated contractors who specialise in rendering and will work within your preferences and budget. Forget spending hours comparing multiple quotes or risking unsuitable options—fill out our quick 30-second form, and we'll provide you with up to four free quotes from trusted experts. Click below to get started and find the best solution for your home today!

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How much does external insulation render cost?

The average external insulation render cost is approximately £5,000. Still, the final price depends on several factors, including the size and type of your property, the rendering material you select, and the 

time required for application. Additionally, combining the rendering with exterior house insulation can increase the costs and, in total, raise the price to £11,000 for a three-bedroom semi-detached house. All these elements are key in determining the overall cost of external insulation render.

The duration of this project applying external insulation render to a typical house can take anywhere from 5 to 8 days, depending on the size of the property and weather conditions. If there are bad weather conditions, such as rain, then work will not be able to be completed as rendering requires dry conditions; this can affect the external insulation render cost and the time it takes to complete. Additionally, larger or more complex properties may require additional time.

Property typeAverage cost
Two bedroom house£3000
Three bedroom terraced house£4250
Four bedroom semi-detached house£4250
Five bedroom detached house£6500
These costs are averages based on the market. Get a local installer to QUOTE now!

Insulated render cost per m2

The cost of insulated render per m2 can fluctuate significantly depending on the type of insulation material, the render used, and labour charges. Understanding these factors is crucial for accurate budgeting and planning, ensuring you choose a high-quality, cost-effective solution for your property. 

For example, the average semi-detached home in the UK is roughly 97 m2, and the cost to render such a property generally totals around £4,250, which breaks down to approximately £43.81 per m2

The selection of materials is a crucial factor influencing the cost per m2 of insulated render. Below, you'll find an overview of the average costs for the UK's most commonly used insulated render materials, helping you estimate your overall project costs.

MaterialCost per m2
MaterialCost per m2
Cement render £10 per m2
Acrylic render£30 per m2
Silicone render£50 per m2
Lime render£20 per m2
These costs are averages based on the market. Get a local installer to QUOTE now!

Labour costs are typically charged daily and are influenced by the project's complexity and duration. On average, the combined price of materials and labour is around £80 per m2. However, this may vary depending on the specifics of the job.

Additionally, it's essential to consider future costs and repairs in your budget. For instance, repairing damaged concrete render typically costs £15 per m2. Still, repair costs can rise to £25 to £30 per m2 for more expensive materials like acrylic or silicone render. Factoring in these potential costs will help you plan and save accordingly.

Insulation render labour costs

Labour costs for insulation render are a significant factor in the overall project expense and typically range around £250 per day per worker. Several factors influence these costs:

  • Property size and complexity: Larger homes or properties with intricate designs require more time, increasing labour costs. Properties with difficult access or detailed exteriors may take longer to insulate and render, raising the overall project cost.
  • Type of render and insulation: Different render systems, such as silicone, acrylic, or lime render, vary in complexity. High-performance materials like silicone or phenolic foam often require more skill and time to apply, leading to higher labour costs.
  • Location: Labour rates differ by region. In urban areas like London, costs are typically higher due to demand and living expenses. In rural areas, rates may be lower, but the availability of skilled workers can impact project timelines.
  • Project duration: A straightforward project may take 5 to 8 days, while more complex jobs can stretch beyond 10 days, especially with delays caused by weather or other external factors.

Labour accounts for a significant portion of the overall external insulation render cost. While DIY may seem like a cost-saving option, improper installation can lead to expensive repairs and damp issues. Additionally, you will not qualify for any government grants for external wall insulation, as only work completed by certified professionals is eligible.

That's why it's essential to work with an insulation specialist, but finding the right one for your needs and budget can be challenging. Fortunately, GreenMatch is here to help! We can connect you with up to four free quotes from top render specialists in your area—just fill out our quick 30-second form. Click below to learn more.

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What factors affect the insulated render cost?

Understanding the factors that affect the insulated render cost is essential for budgeting and planning effectively. This knowledge will help you make informed decisions, accurately compare quotes, and ensure you choose a solution that meets your needs and budget while avoiding unexpected costs later on.

Property size

The size of your property is one of the most significant factors affecting the insulated render cost. Larger homes require more materials and labour, increasing the overall expense. For example, a detached house will cost more to render than a terraced property due to its larger surface area.

Type of render

The render cost varies depending on the type, with options including cement, acrylic, and silicone. Silicone render, known for its durability and water-repellent properties, generally costs more than traditional cement render. However, the advantages of silicone, such as minimal upkeep and flexibility, might make the higher price worthwhile for many homeowners.

Labour costs

The cost of labour differs depending on the region and is also affected by the project's complexity. Urban areas such as London generally have higher contractor rates due to high demand and the higher cost of living. Moreover, the labour costs can increase based on the expertise needed for more advanced rendering systems, like silicone or acrylic, as these applications require greater skill.

Project complexity

The complexity of a property, including architectural details and hard-to-access areas, can significantly impact costs. Homes with intricate designs or challenging layouts may require more time and specialised labour, leading to higher costs. In contrast, properties with straightforward designs are quicker to complete, resulting in lower labour expenses.

Location

The location of your home affects the total cost. Urban areas usually have higher labour rates due to greater demand and living costs. In addition, the cost of transporting materials to more remote locations may also increase the project's overall expense.

Weather conditions

Adverse weather conditions, such as heavy rain or extreme cold, can cause delays in the rendering process. This may lead to prolonged project timelines and increased labour costs. Furthermore, these conditions can also impact the curing time of the render, potentially necessitating additional work and extending the overall project schedule.

Scaffolding 

Most external insulation render projects will require scaffolding, particularly for multi-storey homes. Depending on the size and complexity of the structure, the cost of erecting and dismantling scaffolding can range between £640 and £ 1,210.

Repairs

If the current walls need repairs or the old rendering needs to be removed before applying new insulated rendering, this can increase the overall cost. Structural repairs, filling cracks, and preparing the surface all require additional time and labour, which raises the project's total expense. Patch repairs can add anywhere between £100 to £400 to the costs of external wall insulation. This cost can increase depending on the extent of the damage to your external wall.

Navigating the various factors involved in rendering, such as materials, labour, and property size, can be overwhelming. That’s why working with experienced rendering specialists is essential. They will guide you through every detail and help you budget effectively. While comparing quotes is essential, it can be time-consuming and often results in few leads. At GreenMatch, we make the process simple. Just fill out our 30-second form, and we’ll connect you with up to four free quotes from top rendering specialists tailored to your needs and budget. Click below to learn more!

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