New Harling, Roughcasting and Pebble Dashing

Classic Elegance, Practical Waterproofing

Popular since the global Arts and Crafts Movement of the decorative and fine arts that spread from Britain in the early 1880s, roughcasting (often called harling in Scotland) and pebble dashing is still an elegant solution for covering uneven walls or decorating unattractive surfaces while providing excellent waterproofing.

Roughcast, harling, pebble dashing and smooth render

Roughcast or pebble dash is a coarse surface used on outside walls that consists of a lime or cement render mixed with sand, and aggregate (small gravel and often pebbles or shells).

The materials are mixed into a slurry and are then thrown onto the working surface with a trowel or scoop.

Skilled professionals will maintain an even spread free from lumps, ridges or runs and without missing any background surface.

Roughcasting incorporates the aggregate in the mix whereas pebble dashing adds it on top. Smooth rendering, where render is used without aggregate, is also common.

Lime render has been more frequently used traditionally than cement, as although waterproof, it still allows the wall to breathe.

New technology now also offers the choice of silicone render, highly breathable and flexible, so extremely long-lasting.

Silicone render also has hydrophobic, water-repellent qualities, making it self-cleaning to a degree, so it looks better for longer.

It is more expensive, however, so a cost-benefit analysis is recommended on a case-by-case basis.

Application

It is crucial to achieve full and even coverage, as any inconsistencies will lead to failure of part of the render.

If even a tiny part of the wall is exposed as a result, water will find its way between the render and the surface of the building, and become trapped there.

Then, through expansion and contraction due to temperature fluctuations, it will force large chunks of render loose and crumble brick and mortar work. For roughcasting and pebble dashing repairs.

Long Lasting

If all the preparation is consistently implemented and render is applied by skilled professionals, roughcasting, pebble-dashing or smooth rendering will last in excess of 25 years without any problems, making it a good, long-term investment for your home. 

Warm and Dry

Some people take the opportunity to install a layer of thermal insulation onto the exterior wall as part of the roughcasting process. It’s certainly cost-effective to do so, as performing both operations at once reduces the total price considerably.

How You Like It

Our skilled tradesmen are experienced in all aspects of roughcasting (harling), pebble dashing and smooth rendering, including scratchback rendering which creates a convincing natural stone effect.

We can even mix in pigmentation to the render before application to match whatever colour you like. The colour is then permanently part of the cement render, so cannot peel or flake like paint.

Our Guarantee

LC Joinery, Roofing and Building Work offer a full, meaningful guarantee on all our work.

We have been established in our permanent address in Thornton, Fife, since 2008, so unlike some other building companies, our customers know where to find us if we are ever needed once the job is complete.

We are passionate about delivering honest, professional service. We are accredited and trusted members of the Guild of Master Craftsmen, the Federation of Master Builders, and we are a Which? Trusted Trader.

Roughcasting (Harling) & Pebble Dashing Repairs

Moisture is the enemy of buildings. It seems odd that water is something we need to live but it can be so destructive.

A good coat of roughcasting (often called harling in Scotland) or pebble dashing is very effective at sealing out moisture from walls.

LC Joinery, Roofing & Building Work are experts in this field, with many years of experience in roughcasting and roughcasting repairs.

Roughcasting or pebble dash is often used on uneven wall surfaces or as an attractive finish on otherwise plain surfaces, such as breeze block walls. It has been popular since the 1880s.

However, if it gets damaged or is inexpertly repaired, water can get in behind the coat of render (cement) and is trapped there. This water then soaks into the fabric of the building and can cause mould, fungus, damp and even serious damage to the bricks.

This is because the water soaks the wall, and expands and contracts as it freezes in cold weather. This causes bricks to crumble, posing a serious danger of collapse in the worst cases.

Penetrating moisture can also cause mould and fungus growth to appear on the inside walls, and peeling paint and wallpaper.

Expert repairs

If you have damaged roughcasting, it is crucial to have it looked at and repaired by an expert.

We will treat and remove any fungus on the exposed surfaces, caused by moisture ingress, before proceeding.

This ensures good adhesion. Failure to properly deal with fungus can allow the render to detach from the wall, leading to ‘bossing’, a hollow area the between the wall and render, which will break or allow in water.

We will match the lime or cement mortar closely to avoid fixing one problem but creating more for the future. If the render is not matched closely, differences in flexibility, porosity and thickness can lead to the repair failure.

We carry out roughcast repairs, complete re-roughcasting or pebble dashing, and we also carry out exterior painting. We offer a wide range of products for roughcasting, pebble dashing and painting.

Whether you need roughcast repairs, new or re-roughcasting, contact the experts at LC Joinery, Roofing and Building Work.

Our Guarantee

LC Joinery, Roofing and Building Work offer a full, meaningful guarantee on all our work.

We have been established in our permanent address in Thornton, Fife, since 2008, so unlike some other building companies, our customers know where to find us if we are ever needed once the job is complete.

We are passionate about delivering honest, professional service. We are accredited and trusted members of the Guild of Master Craftsmen, the Federation of Master Builders, and we are a Which? Trusted Trader.