New build render/cladding options

[wcel]

I'm currently designing a new build TF house in rural Aberdeenshire and looking in to options to finish the exterior of it. We were set on a modern white render (such as K-rend) however having now seen houses which are around 5 years old with this finish, it's obvious that the render becomes discoloured and is impossible to clean.

I don't really want to be painting the full exterior of the house every 5 years to keep it fresh so does anyone know of other suitable options in the same price bracket, or cheaper?

We are against wood cladding of any sort
Pebbledashing is a bit of a dated option
Zinc/slate would be too expensive and not in keeping with the area

Is there any wander product would fit the bill that I'm missing?

[wcel]

sfella said:

Have you guys looked at Marley cerdral cladding

I hadn't but have just had a look. I'd be a bit concerned about it looking shiny, caravan like, but will see if i can find some examples around Aberdeen to go look at. We may look at using a combination of that to break up the render if we have to go that route

It's not really the style we want but may be a compromise we have to make

jambo85 said:

Having the same debate also in rural Aberdeenshire...!

I think I know where you are, we looked at a plot just beside you, with the railway behind?

Escort3500 said:

I’m surprised K-rend has discoloured in such a short period. There are a few houses near us that have it (or a similar thru-tone make of render) and it looks fine after 10-12 years. Maybe the Aberdeen climate is the problem?!

Really? Maybe the specific example I looked at up close has just been unlucky then. Although I have noticed quite a few where there are consistent black streak marks at the end of windowsills and below vent points etc. Speaking to the owners, there doesn't seem to be a product that can shift the marks either

[wcel]

Jambo85 said:

Eek there’s a lesson in Internet anonymity!

Jambo85 said:

curious where the plot was that you looked at? Is it somewhere in this area you’ve ended up?

In the field to the West of the last house

Jambo85 said:

our architect reckons k-rend is great stuff.

Our builders words (as well as some other builders we spoke to) were avoid it at all costs

[wcel]

Jambo85 said:

looking onto the A947?... I have no immediate neighbours nor (I think) is there a plot for sale next to me....!

Nowhere near where I was thinking, I must have you confused with someone else from PH!

Jambo85 said:

Is your actual build in this area too?

Oldmeldrum is the nearest civilisation of size

Jambo85 said:

Could you use some kind of stone cladding?

I suspect we'll end up with a mix of stone, render and upvc/fibre cement boards at this stage

[wcel]

barryrs said:

got the Weber (same as k-rend) rep out who put together a spec and it looks great around 18 months later.

Any idea what was different about the spec from normal?

[wcel]

I've had a detailed look at the Cedral fibre cement board and despite being impressed at the wood effect they have managed to achieve, I'm still not convinced by the overall look of the thin boards.

Although I discounted it at the start, does anyone have experience with slate on vertical walls? This could be the most likely option at the moment but am curious to hear real world experience if they start to rattle over time/in wind (or any other pitfalls)?