Blog>Questions>How do I fix pebbledash that's fallen away?
Last updated: 25 September 2023
How do I fix pebbledash that's fallen away?
Wondering how to fix pebbledash that's fallen away? We can help you with that.
From an aesthetic point of view, cracked pebbledash is unsightly. However, from a practical perspective, the repercussions can be more significant.
Pebbledash that's fallen away can result in damp penetrating, which can impact the underlying structure of your home.
In this post, we'll explain how to fix pebbledash that's fallen away.
See the tradespeople we've checked and recommend for your job
What causes pebbledash to fall away?
Pebbledash is a coarse plaster surface applied on top of exterior brickwork. It's comprised of cement, sand, and small stones or gravel.
It became popular in the 1920s as a cost-effective building material and does a fine job of helping to weatherproof a home.
While pebbledashing should last around 40 years, cracks can sometimes appear. This could be due to:
The ongoing exposure to the elements
The natural movement of your walls
Impact damage from building works
Looking to remove your pebbledash? Read our guide to the cost of removing pebbledash.
How to fix pebbledash that's fallen away
Fixing pebbledash that's fallen away is not easy to do, unless you're experienced in this field.
It's very tricky to blend the new pebbledash with the existing surface without it looking 'patched up'.
We always recommend using an approved plasterer who has experience with pebbledash.
However, if you're an experienced DIYer and you feel confident to fix an area of pebbledash that's fallen away, here's how:
1. Firstly, protect the area under the pebbledash wall with plastic sheeting, and then make sure any loose material is removed from the wall.
2. Then apply SBR to the area. SBR is an all-round primer and bonding agent used for external applications.
3. Next, apply a scratch coat. This is a sand and cement mix including a waterproofer to help improve workability and prevent water passing through the sand/cement render. The ratio is 3.5 plastering sand to 1.0 cement (plus waterproofer).
4. The following day, apply the top coat of sand and cement mix (the top coat ratio is 4 to 1 - a stronger mix). Take note of the desired thickness of the application to blend with the existing surface.
5. While the top coat is still wet, flick pebbledash onto it using a trowel. Ensure the stones are the same size and colour as the existing ones.
See the tradespeople we've checked and recommend for your job
Call in the professionals
Fixing pebbledash that's fallen away is a challenging task, depending on the scope of the damaged area and your DIY capabilities.
To be sure of a job well done, add your postcode to the box below to see who comes highly recommended in your area.
See the tradespeople we've checked and recommend for your job
See the tradespeople we've checked and recommend for your job