Lancashire's climate is tough on exposed brick and stone. Here's why rendering is one of the most practical investments you can make.
Lancashire has some of the wettest weather in England. The Pennine hills that frame the east of the county catch prevailing westerly winds and wring out their moisture as rain — regularly and persistently. For homeowners in Burnley, Accrington, Clitheroe, and the surrounding towns, this means exposed brickwork and stone are under constant attack from water.
Rendering is not just an aesthetic upgrade. For many Lancashire properties, it is the most practical thing you can do to protect your home.
What Happens to Unrendered Brickwork
Lancashire's older brickwork was often built with softer brick than modern specifications require. This brick absorbs water readily, and with repeated freeze-thaw cycles over the winter months, it begins to deteriorate. The process is called spalling — the face of the brick breaks away, exposing more absorbent material underneath.
Mortar joints are even more vulnerable. Water penetrating between the brick and mortar causes the mortar to soften and erode, allowing ever greater amounts of water to enter the wall. This leads to internal damp, cold spots, and ultimately to structural issues if left unchecked.
How Rendering Protects
A well-applied silicone render acts as a continuous, weatherproof membrane over the wall surface. Water cannot penetrate the surface — it beads and runs off. At the same time, modern silicone renders are fully breathable, meaning moisture from within the wall can still escape outward. This is critical: a non-breathable render traps moisture inside the wall, which is actually worse than no render at all.
K-Rend and Parex silicone systems — the products we use exclusively — have been tested extensively in the UK climate. They are the right materials for Lancashire conditions.
The Appearance Benefit
Beyond protection, rendering transforms the appearance of a property. The older terraced stock in east Lancashire can look tired and grey when the brickwork has weathered over decades. A fresh silicone render in a contemporary colour immediately improves kerb appeal, and unlike paint, it does not need to be reapplied every few years.
Many homeowners tell us their neighbours commented on how much brighter and cleaner their street looks after a new render. In terraced streets especially, one well-rendered house can noticeably lift the appearance of the whole row.
The Investment Case
A quality silicone render costs between £3,000 and £8,000 for a typical semi-detached in east Lancashire, depending on size and condition of the existing substrate. It will protect the underlying structure for 20 to 25 years — significantly reducing the ongoing maintenance costs associated with pointing, repainting, and damp remediation.
For most Lancashire homeowners, rendering pays for itself in avoided maintenance alone — before you account for the energy efficiency benefits and improved appearance.
To discuss your property and get a free quote, call us on 07900 926987.
Cooke Rendering & Construction
Lancashire's trusted rendering and construction specialists since 2005. Based in Barrowford and serving Burnley, Skipton, Preston, and all of east Lancashire.
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