
What is a pebbledash?
Pebbledash is a type of stucco in which pebbles have been embedded. Usually used as a decorative surface, pebble dash has been used on outside home exteriors and walls. It can become stained and dirty from its exposure to the elements.
What is the history of Pebble dashing?
S/he even goes into detail about tensile strength if you’re really interested; just look for “crabbers” among the commenters. Pebble dashing occurred in real earnest during the 1920s – 1950s housing boom, when it was used to cover shoddy or cheap workmanship.
How much does pebble dash reduce house price?
Nowadays, it is said to instantly reduce a house price by about 5% and is the devil to remove, as it takes half the brickwork off along with it. In fairness, there is an Arts and Crafts side to pebble-dash, or rough cast, which is a slightly different version and slightly less down-market, apparently.
Is it possible to render over pebble dash?
It is possible to render over pebble dash, as stated in the previous issue, but typically not directly. Pebble dashing is normally not ideal for straight render on top of it due to its rough finish, so it should either be removed/smoothed over or covered with external wall insulation boards first.

What are the benefits of pebble dash?
Benefits of PebbledashExtremely hard wearing.Low maintenance.Enhances water shedding of your property.Excellent impact resistance.No need to paint.
Is painting pebble dash a good idea?
Unfortunately, with such a rough, bumpy surface, pebbledash isn't really suitable for painting. The various peaks, troughs and sharp edges are a nightmare to paint – and the results are rarely good. On top of that, paint is never a long-term solution outside your home.
Does removing pebble dash add value?
The removal of pebbledash is a desirable option for many people for a number of reasons. One of the main reasons is to expose the brickwork in a property and to restore a building to its original state. This type of restoration adds value to a property in an inexpensive way.
When did pebbledash become popular?
Pebbledash became a popular rendering technique between the 1890's and the 1930s as part of the Arts and crafts movement which sought to revive traditional building processes as forms of vernacular architecture. It was cost-effective but also very durable.
Does Pebble Dash cause damp?
Does Pebbledash Cause Damp? A common occurrence will pebbledashed properties is the presence of damp. In short, damp comes in two forms; rising damp & penetrating damp. While rising damp occurs from the ground, penetrating damp is caused at any level of the building from water ingress on an exterior wall.
Can you power wash pebble dash?
Do not use a power washer on pebble dash. Only a low-pressure hose is safe to use. Pebble dash is a type of stucco in which pebbles have been embedded. Commonly used as a decorative surface, pebble dash has been used on walkways, home exteriors and walls.
Why do Scottish houses have pebble dash?
So what is pebbledash, when did we start covering our homes with it, and is it beautiful or beastly? The modern variety is a mixture of sand, cement and pebbles or aggregate (crushed stones), applied to the exterior of houses to protect them from the vagaries of British weather.
Is Pebble Dash cheaper than render?
A render usually works out cheaper than a pebble dash and is easier to maintain and easier to remove and repair, therefore we would personally choose a render over a pebble dash.
How do I get rid of pebble dashing?
There are three main options:Removing the pebbledash render and exposing the original brickwork. If you're renovating a period property that's been rendered in pebbledash later in its life, you might be looking to expose the original brickwork. ... Repairing the pebbledash and painting. ... Removing pebbledash and re-rendering.
Is pebbledash breathable?
If the pebbledash is primarily a concrete material (which most are) it will not be breathable. Adding render on top of this could make things worse, leading to damp problems in your walls and inside your property.
Why are houses in Scotland rendered?
House Rendering Scotland House rendering is the most accessible way to redesign your home's look, upgrade its market value, and enhance its kerb appeal. Thanks to its unparalleled insulating power, house rendering can create a comfortable indoor living environment - discreetly, at a minimal cost, and in no time!
Why are Scottish houses rendered?
Renders of various kinds are applied to walls to help protect them from the weather. They can also help moisture in the wall to evaporate. Render was also used on walls made of common brick.
What is the best way to paint Pebble Dash?
1:223:06How to Paint an Exterior Pebbledashed Wall - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipMake sure the brush you are using is a proper masonry brush which will hold more paint. And allowMoreMake sure the brush you are using is a proper masonry brush which will hold more paint. And allow you to get into all the areas using a masonry brush coating.
How can I improve my pebbledash house?
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.
How do you clean painted pebble dash walls?
Spray the area with HIGH POWER SURFACE CLEANER - Batifort. This kills the growth on contact and should be left on the surface for 10-20 minutes. Afterwards the area should be washed with either a hosepipe and brush or, ideally, a SMALL pressure washer.
Can you spray pebble dash?
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 is a pebble dash?
Pebbledash is a type of stucco in which pebbles have been embedded. Usually used as a decorative surface, pebble dash has been used on outside home exteriors and walls. It can become stained and dirty from its exposure to the elements. Good and routine cleanings can keep your pebble dash looking new and neat.
How to get rid of pebbles in a wall?
Rinse and drain your pebbles completely. Put them in a large bucket or container, you can set beneath the wall you are pebble dashing.
How to keep pebbles from falling on a wall?
Spread the plastic sheeting below the wall. This helps catch the loose pebbles as they fall and allow you to collect them easily and reuse them until the wall is covered.
Is pebble dash wall maintenance?
Low maintenance – Pebble dash walls are very durable and, once applied , requires very little maintenance. This makes it the perfect choice for rented homes or families that don’t want to excessively spend out on repeated building work.
Is pebble dashing still used?
You may have heard the term ‘pebble dashing’ being used before. Whether this is through conversations with your builder, friends or when looking at potential homes, this form of external covering became popular in the 1930s. But over the years, it has received a bit of a bad reputation from those embracing and using the modern alternatives. We believe there is still a place for pebble dashing in contemporary property maintenance. Continue reading this article as we will seek to explain everything you need to know about pebble dashing.
What is pebbledash finish?
Pebbledash is an exterior wall finish created by applying a sticky cement mortar to the exterior walls and literally throwing stones onto the wall surface, which eventually dries and you are left with a relatively maintenance free finish, but be careful you don’t touch or brush past the wall as it will take the skin off your hands.
How long does pebbledash last?
In addition, despite the fact that a pebbledash coating has a 20 year warranty, it will actually last upwards of 25 years.
How long does it take to transform a pebbledashed house?
If you have a pebbledashed house, we can transform it in less than a week, and at a price that will pleasantly surprise you!
When did pebbledash become popular?
This exterior wall finish was made popular in England and Wales during the 1920s, when housing was in greater demand, and house builders were forced to cut costs wherever they could, and used pebbledash to cover poor quality brick work, which also added rudimentary weather protection.
What is a pebbledash stucco?
Pebbledash. Pebbledashing. Rock dash stucco. Roughcast or pebbledash is a coarse plaster surface used on outside walls that consists of lime and sometimes cement mixed with sand, small gravel and often pebbles or shells. The materials are mixed into a slurry and are then thrown at the working surface with a trowel or scoop.
