How To Repair Pebbledashed External Walls
A pebbledash finish is a layer of shingle (pebbles) thrown against wet rendering so that it sticks. A pebble dashed wall looks well when new but as soon as patches of bare rendering appear, the wall takes on the appearance of dilapidation. . Skill rating : Beginner
Introduction...
A pebbledash finish is a layer of shingle (pebbles) thrown against wet rendering so that it sticks. A pebble dashed wall looks well when new but as soon as patches of bare rendering appear, the wall takes on the appearance of dilapidation. Even one small area draws the eye every time you pass. Repairing a patch of pebbledash is fairly easy to do but unfortunately it is difficult to replicate the colour of the existing weather worn pebbles. The old loose pebbles could be collected and mixed with the new ones which will help to offset the colour contrast. However, the slightly different colour looks much better than a bare patch.
First slake (soak) the lime – the amount needed will depend on the area to be repaired- by adding water and mixing until it has the consistency of thick cream. Cover and leave to soak for at least 24 hours. As long as the lime is not in contact with air it will not go hard – it is easier to handle the longer it has soaked.
First slake (soak) the lime
First slake (soak) the lime
Place a strip of plastic sheeting below the repair and remove the loose pebbles from around the bare patch. Tap the surrounding area with a hammer and listen to see if it sounds hollow. Any hollow sounding section will need the shingle taken off. Brush out all the debris and dust.
Determine The Extent Of The Loose Or Damaged Area For Repair.
Determine The Extent Of The Loose Or Damaged Area For Repair.
For the base coat, mix six parts of sand with one part cement and one part of the slaked lime. Brush over the exposed area with a wet brush then apply the base coat using a plasterer’s trowel, making sure that the area is filled and smooth. Fill to about 13mm below the level of the existing shingle.
The Base Coat
The Base CoatAfter about an hour, before the base coat has hardened, scratch it with a nail or other pointed tool to give it a key. Let it dry for about 24 hours. Take up the plastic sheeting containing the debris and dispose of it. Lay a clean sheet down
Key the Base Surface
Key the Base Surface
Rinse the shingle and leave to drain. The pebbles need not be dry before using as long as they are fairly well drained.
In Order That The Pebbles Bond Firmly.
In Order That The Pebbles Bond Firmly.
Mix the top coat of rendering mortar using five parts of sand, one part cement and one part lime. The consistency should be a little softer than the base coat. Apply the top coat to an area that can be completed in about twenty minutes. With a small shovel, throw the pebbles onto the wall and gently push into place with a trowel or wooden float.
Mixing And Applying The Render.
Mixing And Applying The Render.What You Need For The Job...
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