How to get rid of pebbledash, without removing it
- Lucy Rains
- Aug 24, 2021
- 2 min read
Updated: Jul 3
Can You Render Over Existing Pebbledash?
Removing old pebbledash can be a real hassle — it’s time-consuming, costly, and messy. Luckily, modern products mean you don’t always have to strip it off. At Rains Plastering, we can often render straight over existing pebbledash, as long as it’s in good condition.
How do we check if your pebbledash is suitable?We ask a few simple questions to make sure:
Is the pebbledash ‘blown’ or loose?We do a quick ‘hammer test’ by gently tapping the wall in a few places. If it sounds hollow, the pebbledash isn’t properly attached and will need removing.
Are there any cracks?Big or multiple cracks suggest movement in the render, meaning it should be taken off before applying new render.
How big is the aggregate?If the stones in the pebbledash are larger than 30mm, they’re usually too big to cover effectively.
If your pebbledash passes these checks, what’s the process?
There are two main ways we can render over it:
Apply a one-coat dash cover system over the pebbledash, then finish with a silicone render
Fit insulation boards first, then apply the silicone render system
Things to consider before we start:
If you need new windows or doors, it’s best to have them replaced before we begin.
Check if old downpipes, soil stacks, fascias, or gutters need replacing too.
Make sure there’s enough space on your window cills to accommodate the extra thickness—about 20mm for silicone render alone or 50mm if using insulation boards.
In Summary
You can render directly over pebbledash using a thin-coat silicone render, as long as the existing surface is sound. At Rains Plastering, we’re happy to assess your walls and advise the best approach.
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