Blown Pebbledash

[L_Bow]

Hi folks,

I'm trying to decide what to do about the deteriorating pebbledash on my Victorian end terrace. A section had become hollow on the rear wall, which could be pulled off by hand. I then started tentatively chipping away with a chisel, then an SDS drill. I've started to find it progressively more bonded to the brick, and taking some of the brick face off with it. Brickwork and condition seems quite variable. Not too bad where the dash came off easily, quite rough elsewhere. The pebbledash on the front side and gable end are intact, save for the window reveals where windows have been replaced.



I'm struggling to get a handle of what I should do now. Options seem to be:

- Remove pebbledash and replace with lime render for better breathability
- Remove pebbledash and repoint in lime. Will this leave damaged brickwork too exposed to weather?
- Re pebbledash on the deteriorating wall and leave alone on the other sides. Presumably I should seek out lime based pebbledash, even if the remaining stuff is cement based?
- Insulate and render. The thermal upgrade would be welcome but external insulation seems to be full of pitfalls. Since the roof finishes flush with the wall at the gable end, I understand I'd have to extend this somehow.

I'm not planning to stay put for too long, so am hoping to find a cost effective way to get the building looking reasonably intact for buyers.

All advice very much appreciated.

 

[Stevers]

I wouldn't assume it's a cement pebbledash, especially if original to the house. Even in the 1930s when pebbledash was really in vogue lime was still extensively used. This would make a pebbledash repair in lime an option. Another option if it's not cement would be to lime render over the sound pebbledash.

The one thing not to do is to ever paint it - a mistake my parents' made!