Restoring the Original Beauty and Value of Your Period Property
Pebbledash was the “quick fix” of the 20th century. Applied heavily across London homes from the 1920s through the 1970s, it was often used to cover weathered brickwork or to follow architectural trends. Today, however, pebbledash is frequently viewed as an eyesore that masks a property’s true character and, more importantly, hides serious structural issues.
At Pointing by Tony Wallace, we specialize in the safe, meticulous removal of pebbledash and cement-based renders. We understand that beneath that rough exterior lies a beautiful Victorian or Georgian facade waiting to be revealed. Our mission is to “liberate” your brickwork and restore the classic London aesthetic that is so highly valued in today’s property market.
Why Should You Remove Pebbledash?
Beyond the obvious aesthetic improvement, there are critical structural reasons to remove pebbledash from a London period home:
- Trapped Moisture & Damp: Most pebbledash is applied with a hard cement render. This creates a waterproof seal that prevents the “breathable” bricks from releasing moisture. This trapped water often travels inward, causing damp patches on internal walls and a musty smell in the home.
- Structural Decay: When moisture is trapped behind render, it undergoes “freeze-thaw” cycles. During winter, the water freezes and expands, causing the underlying brick faces to shatter—a process known as spalling.
- Hidden Cracks: Pebbledash is thick enough to hide structural settlement or lintel failure. Removing it allows us to identify and repair cracks using modern helical bar stitching before they become dangerous.
- Increased Property Value: In London’s competitive market, a restored brick facade can add significant value to a property, often far exceeding the cost of the removal and restoration work.
Our Specialized 4-Stage Removal & Restoration Process
Removing pebbledash from London Stock bricks is a delicate operation. Because these bricks are relatively soft, aggressive hacking can destroy the brick face. We follow a systematic, careful approach:
1. Careful Manual Removal
We do not use heavy-duty jackhammers that vibrate the entire structure. Instead, our specialists use light-duty pneumatic chisels and hand tools to “pop” the render away from the brick. Our goal is to break the bond of the cement while leaving the brick’s “fire-skin” intact.
2. Precision Brick Cleaning
Once the bulk of the render is gone, the bricks are often covered in residue and “ghosting.” We use the DOFF Superheated Steam System to clean the masonry.
- 150°C Steam: Effectively melts away remaining mortar and organic growth.
- Low Pressure: Ensures that the newly revealed, sensitive brickwork is not eroded.
3. Masonry Repair & Replacement
It is a reality of London restoration that bricks underneath pebbledash are often damaged—either from the original “keying” (where builders hacked the bricks to make the render stick) or from decades of trapped damp.
- Brick Reconstruction: For minor damage, we use specialized brick-dust mortars to rebuild the brick face.
- Reclaimed Bricks: For severely damaged units, we source reclaimed London Stocks or Reds that match the era and color of your property perfectly.
4. Traditional Lime Repointing
The final step in bringing your home back to life is repointing. We exclusively use Natural Hydraulic Lime (NHL). This allows the wall to breathe again, ensuring that the damp issues associated with the old pebbledash never return.
Frequently Asked Questions (Pebbledash Removal)
Will my bricks be damaged when the pebbledash is removed? Some degree of surface “scuffing” is common because 20th-century builders often intentionally chipped the bricks to help the render adhere. However, our restoration stage (Step 3) is designed to fix this. By the time we are finished, the bricks will look as though they were never covered.
Do I need planning permission to remove pebbledash? In most cases, no. Removing render to restore original brickwork is usually seen as a positive improvement. However, if you live in a London Conservation Area or a Listed Building, you must check with your local council. We have extensive experience working with conservation officers in boroughs like Hammersmith & Fulham and Islington.
How long does the process take? A typical terraced house front takes approximately 10 to 15 working days for the full cycle of removal, cleaning, repair, and repointing.
Is it a messy process? Pebbledash removal does create debris. We provide a full service that includes scaffolding coordination, pavement protection, and the efficient removal of all rubble from the site, leaving your property clean.
Why Choose Tony Wallace for Your London Restoration?
- Local Expertise: We know the specific brick types used across North, South, East, and West London.
- Specialist Tools: From light-impact chisels to DOFF steam systems, we own the right tools for the job.
- Fixed Quotes: We provide a transparent, fixed price after a site survey so there are no surprises.
- Proven Track Record: Over 30 years of restoring London’s residential heritage.
Request Your Free Site Survey
Is your home hidden under a layer of dated pebbledash? Contact the London restoration specialists today. We will assess the condition of your render and provide a detailed plan to bring your building back to life.
- Call Tony Direct: 07956 393381
- Email: info@pointingbytonywallace.co.uk
- Office: 76A S Parade, London W4 5LF