Pebbledash render is the name given to a style of cement based render that is used to cover or protect poor brickwork or block built walls . Very popular in the 1920’s and thirties as a design feature it became in vogue again following the second World War due to a shortage of skilled bricklayers and also clay bricks.

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Basically the process involves trowelling a sand and cement receiver coat onto the wall and then throwing or firing in to the receiver or dash coat pea shingle or stone chippings. Once set the finish was either left alone or more commonly was then painted over usually in white.

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A heavier version of pebbledash is called “roughcast ” or ” slurry dash ” in which large stones were crushed and mixed with cement and this has a more ruggged and heavier texture finish to it.

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The cement element does give an element of rigidity to the pebbledash mix and it can lead to movement cracks especially on larger gable walls and paint films can have trouble adhering to the pebbledash especially with the air pollutants that in grain themselves into the render.

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Whilst small repairs are possible without looking too obvious any large area repairs are best ruled out and for the remaining pebbledash to be removed and the whole wall re-rendered.

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Most of the walls that are pebbled dashed or rough cast are of solid wall construction and so will need to be insulated at the same time as they are replaced or repaired if a repair is on more than 25% of each wall. This means that an accredited external wall insulation system must be used to comply with the relevant Building Regs Part L1B.

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The cementitious nature of traditional pebbledash along with the considerable weight rules out an insulation system using the traditional methods. However, there are a range of superb testged acrylic “pebbledash ” finishes that are suitable for external insulation boards and also give the pebble dash look.

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For information on replacing blown or cracked pebbledash and roughcast or to learn more about external solid wall insulation please contact us by phone or email.

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