Pebbledash repair in Exeter
Professional pebbledash repair services in Exeter and surrounding areas. Local, reliable handyman - no job too small.
Price Guide
£60-210
Typical Duration
1-4 hrs
Location
Exeter, Devon
Damaged pebbledash doesn't just look rough - it lets water in behind the render which can cause serious damp issues if left. We repair damaged areas, match the existing finish as closely as possible, and get your external walls sealed up properly. Based in Exeter, covering all of Devon.
Pebbledash (or roughcast) is that textured exterior finish common on older properties across Devon. When it gets damaged - whether from impact, weathering, or water ingress - it needs fixing properly to prevent bigger problems.
We handle pebbledash repairs of all sizes, from small patches where something's hit the wall to larger areas where the render's failed. The trick is getting the repair to blend with the existing finish, which takes a bit of skill and the right materials.
Common Pebbledash Issues
| Problem | Cause | Repair Approach |
|---|---|---|
| Small cracks | Settlement, impact | Fill and re-texture |
| Hollow areas | Water damage, poor adhesion | Remove loose render, re-apply |
| Large patches missing | Impact damage, render failure | Build up layers, match texture |
| Ongoing cracking | Structural movement | Assess cause, flexible repair if appropriate |
How We Repair It
Assessment: We check what's caused the damage and whether the underlying wall needs attention. No point patching render if there's a damp problem behind it.
Preparation: Remove any loose or damaged render back to sound edges. Clean and prepare the surface for new render to adhere properly.
Application: Build up render in layers if needed, allow drying time, then apply the final textured coat and throw on matching pebbles/aggregate while it's still wet.
Matching: We'll try to match your existing pebbledash colour and texture. This is never perfect - the existing render has weathered for years - but we can get reasonably close.
Pebbledash repair is messier than some jobs. There'll be dust from removing old render and bits of aggregate on the ground, but we clean up properly afterwards.
Why Choose Us for Pebbledash repair in Exeter?
Prevents water penetration and damp
Matches existing pebbledash finish
Stops small damage spreading
Improves external appearance
What to Expect
1. Damage Assessment
We'll look at the damaged area, check what's caused it, and assess whether there are underlying issues. We'll explain what repair approach makes sense and give you a time/cost estimate.
2. Repair Work
We remove loose or damaged material, prepare the surface, and build up the render in appropriate layers. For larger repairs, this might need multiple visits to allow drying time. We finish by matching the texture and applying aggregate.
3. Cleanup and Advice
We clean up dust and debris, and let you know about any drying time needed before painting or if there are related issues to keep an eye on (like checking gutters aren't overflowing onto that area).
🔧 DIY Tips
Don't ignore small damage: A small crack or hollow spot will let water in which freezes in winter and expands, making the damage worse. Catching it early means a smaller, cheaper repair.
Remove to sound edges: If you're doing this yourself, chip back damaged render until you reach solid, well-adhered material. Trying to patch over loose stuff just means your repair will fail too.
Build up in layers: Don't try to fill deep areas in one go. Thick render doesn't dry properly and will crack. Build it up in layers, letting each dry before adding the next.
Throw pebbles while wet: The textured finish comes from throwing the aggregate (small stones) onto wet render. Too early and they sink in completely, too late and they don't stick. Practice on a test patch first.
Accept weathering differences: New render will look different to old weathered pebbledash. That's normal. It'll blend better over time as it weathers.
Rather leave it to a pro? No problem - that's what I'm here for. Give me a call.
Good to Know
Pebbledash gets a bad reputation aesthetically, but it's actually a durable finish when properly applied. It sheds water well and the textured surface hides small imperfections.
The hardest part of pebbledash repair is matching the original. If your pebbledash is painted, that's easier - we repair and you paint the whole wall, hiding the patch. If it's unpainted, expect the repair to be visible initially.
For large areas of pebbledash damage, it might be worth considering rendering the whole wall rather than patching. A full wall looks better than multiple patches, though it costs more.
If the pebbledash is coming away because of damp issues from failed guttering, blocked drainage, or rising damp, fix those problems first. Otherwise your nice new repair will fail for the same reasons.
Some modern pebbledash repairs use polymer-modified renders which are more flexible and less prone to cracking than traditional lime-cement renders. These can be particularly good for properties that experience slight movement.
Weather matters for render work. We need dry conditions and ideally temperatures above 5°C. Very hot weather isn't ideal either as it dries too fast. Spring and autumn are usually best for external render repairs.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does pebbledash repair cost?
Pebbledash repairs cost £60 for the first hour, then £50/hour after. Small patch repairs take 1-2 hours, larger areas 3-4+ hours. The exact time depends on damage extent, access, and drying time between coats. We'll quote based on what we see.
Can you match my existing pebbledash?
We'll do our best to match the existing finish and aggregate colour. Perfect colour matching is difficult with pebbledash as it weathers over time, but we can get close. New repairs often blend in better after a few months of weathering.
Why has my pebbledash come away?
Common causes include water getting behind the render, impact damage, poor initial application, or movement in the wall beneath. We'll assess what's caused it and repair accordingly. If there's an underlying damp issue, that needs addressing too or the repair won't last.
How long before I can paint over pebbledash repairs?
New render needs to dry and cure fully before painting - typically 4-6 weeks depending on weather. Painting too soon traps moisture which can cause the repair to fail. If you're in a rush, let us know and we can discuss options.
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