How long does pebble dash last?
Pebbledash is known for its strength and durability, often lasting 20-40 years. However, over time, pebbles can dislodge, leaving the mortar exposed to the elements, which can make the building susceptible to damp issues. There are several reasons homeowners consider covering up or removing pebbledash. A simpler and more cost-effective option is to paint the pebbledash. Specialised masonry paints are used to cover the rough surface and protect it from the elements. Painting is the least expensive and least disruptive option. It can brighten up the exterior and offer some protection against weathering.If the home owner wants to completely get rid of the pebbledash, it can be rendered. This can be with a coloured render, which saves on repainting, or sand and cement render, which will need painting once it’s on the house. A professional builder will remove all the old pebbledash and render over the bare bricks.Cost to paint pebbledash house On average though, the cost to paint a pebbledash terraced house is around £750 to £1,000. This steps up to £1,000 to £1,800 for a semi-detached home, and up to £2,100 for a detached house.Ben explains, “For years we have been spraying pebbledash using exterior masonry paint. Spraying allows us to complete the painting much quicker which reduces the amount of labour time. We can cover the entire surface with paint to protect it and keep it looking good for years.
What are the disadvantages of pebble dash?
On the negative side, a cement-based render like pebbledash can impact the breathability of the wall, meaning water vapour can often be trapped within a property as it can’t naturally escape through the wall. The rough texture also traps dirt and algae, which builds up over-time. There are several reasons why pebbledash is being removed from properties: Damp and breathability: Cement render can trap moisture against the walls. Removing pebbledash allows masonry to breathe, dries out internal plaster, and creates a sound base for modern breathable insulation.A simpler and more cost-effective option is to paint the pebbledash. Specialised masonry paints are used to cover the rough surface and protect it from the elements. Painting is the least expensive and least disruptive option.Pebbledash is known for its strength and durability, often lasting 20-40 years. However, over time, pebbles can dislodge, leaving the mortar exposed to the elements, which can make the building susceptible to damp issues. There are several reasons homeowners consider covering up or removing pebbledash.Pebbledash has fallen out of favour in recent years, particularly if left bare and unpainted. Some property experts even suggest it could devalue your home, with one survey finding one in four buyers would look elsewhere, if they saw pebbledash when viewing a property.
Can pebble dash be cleaned?
Cleaning pebble dash Once ready, spray the wall with a hose to remove any loose dirt. Then, fill a bucket with soapy water and use a bristle brush to scrub the surface of the wall. Spray down the wall again to remove any soap residue and allow to dry naturally. Apply Stabilising Solution: Pebble dash can be quite porous, so applying a stabilising solution is essential. This product helps to bind loose particles and creates a more uniform surface for painting.High-pressure washing can severely damage pebble dash by stripping off the decorative stone layer and opening cracks in the render. Our soft wash method is gentle enough to protect older or fragile finishes while being powerful enough to tackle years of staining and biological contamination.Try BuildKleen and you will not be disappointed with this innovative cleaner that uses no acids, alkalis, biocides, or bleach. It works by using nano-size energy packages that penetrate and get underneath the dirt and algae for cleaning pebble dash.
Can pebble dash be painted over?
Yes, painting pebbledash is a great way to modernise your home without the high cost of removing it and re-rendering it. It’s true that pebbledash is harder to paint than smooth render, but with the right preparation and a high-quality paint, it’s something most homeowners can do themselves. Risks and Challenges Removing pebbledash is a laborious task, requiring physical effort and a considerable amount of time. It’s also messy, and without the correct equipment and preparation, you could risk damage to your property. Moreover, improper pebbledash removal may lead to uneven surfaces or damaged brickwork.The first way of removing Pebbledash is, quite simply, to hack it off. The risk of taking this approach is that you can damage the brickwork underneath, and there is no guarantee that you will be left with a nice, smooth wall.RENDERING OVER PEBBLEDASH If removing the pebbledash isn’t the right choice but you want to achieve a smooth rendered finish, you can render over the top of the existing pebbledash. This covers the texture and gives the property a clean, updated look without taking the original render off.Removing pebbledash and re-rendering You can render over the top of pebbledash as long as it isn’t damaged. However, this isn’t generally recommended as it could add unnecessary stress to the walls.Removing pebbledash is painful because removing the render requires hard work with a hammer and chisel, with the added risk of damaging the original brickwork. Typically, pebbledash is made from sand and cement render, an incredibly unforgiving material often applied to cover up a bad build job.