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Need Any Help?
While Hampstead Garden Suburb was designed with high-quality brickwork and traditional roughcast, many properties were covered in heavy, modern pebbledash during the mid-20th century. Today, pebbledash is increasingly seen as a detriment to the aesthetic harmony of the Suburb. Beyond the visual impact, these heavy cement-based renders often trap moisture against the original masonry, leading to structural decay and internal damp.
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Pebbledash is usually applied with a non-breathable cement render. In the Suburb’s solid-wall period homes, this creates a moisture trap. Removing the pebbledash allows the brickwork to “breathe” again, which is the most effective way to cure persistent internal damp and mold.
The Hampstead Garden Suburb Trust prioritizes the preservation of original materials. Removing unsympathetic modern renders and restoring the original brick facade is one of the most significant ways to enhance the heritage status and market value of your property.
Moisture trapped between the pebbledash and the brick undergoes freeze-thaw cycles, which shatters the face of the brick (spalling). By the time you see cracks in the pebbledash, the bricks underneath are often already suffering. Early removal prevents further structural loss.
We never use heavy jackhammers or aggressive machinery that could damage the fragile masonry or vibrate internal plaster.
Using light-impact tools and manual chisels, our craftsmen carefully “pop” the pebbledash away from the brick. We work with extreme patience to ensure the render is separated without gouging the original brick face.
Once the render is removed, the bricks are often covered in residue. We use the DOFF System at 150°C. This high heat melts away cement remains and biological growth without the need for damaging high pressure, preserving the delicate “fire-skin” of your HGS bricks.
Because builders often “keyed” (scratched) bricks to help pebbledash stick, the revealed wall will require repair. We rebuild damaged brick faces with specialized mortars and source reclaimed period bricks to replace any units that are beyond repair, ensuring a perfect match.
The final, vital step is repointing with Natural Hydraulic Lime (NHL). We match the original color and profile required by the HGS Trust, ensuring your home is breathable and visually stunning.
Protect Your Building’s Heritage – Speak to a Pebbledash Removal Specialist in HSG London
Find clear answers to common questions about our pebbledash removal services in HSG London, including methods, safety, heritage properties, and what to expect from professional pebbledash removal specialists.
They will look authentic. While the bricks may have some weathering from their time under the render, our restoration process (Step 3) is designed to repair and tint the masonry so it looks like high-quality, original brickwork.
Yes. Any alteration to the external appearance of a house in the Suburb generally requires Trust consent. Because we use heritage-approved methods (DOFF cleaning and lime mortar), we can provide the technical details you need for your application to the Trust.
For a typical Suburb property, the full cycle of removal, cleaning, repair, and repointing usually takes 15 to 20 working days, depending on the size of the elevation.
Ready to uncover the hidden value of your Suburb home? Contact Tony Wallace today for a professional site assessment and a fixed-price quote.