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In the mid-20th century, pebbledash and heavy cement renders were a popular “quick fix” across South London to cover weathered brickwork or war damage. Today, however, these coatings are often the primary cause of internal damp and a significant “curb appeal” deal-breaker. In the competitive South London property market, pebbledash is frequently seen as an eyesore that hides a building’s true value.
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Pebbledash is usually applied with a non-breathable cement render. This creates a waterproof “skin” that works both ways; while it stops rain, it also prevents moisture from escaping the bricks. This leads to penetrating damp, mold, and musty smells in your internal rooms—especially common in South London’s solid-wall period homes.
The gap between the pebbledash and the brick often collects moisture. When this water freezes in winter, it expands and shatters the face of the brick (spalling). By the time you notice a crack in your pebbledash, the bricks underneath are likely already suffering.
A professionally restored brick facade is one of the best ways to increase a property’s valuation. In areas like Richmond, Greenwich, and Dulwich, restoring the original aesthetic can add thousands to the asking price by aligning the property with the neighborhood’s heritage character.
We never use aggressive jackhammers or heavy machinery that can vibrate and damage the internal plaster of your South London home.
Our team uses light-impact pneumatic tools and manual chisels to carefully “pop” the render away from the brick. We work meticulously to separate the cement from the brick face without gouging the masonry.
Once the render is off, the bricks are often covered in residue and “ghosting.” We use the DOFF System at 150°C. This high temperature melts away cement remains and biological growth without the need for damaging high pressure, preserving the delicate “fire-skin” of the brick.
Because builders often “keyed” (hacked) bricks to help pebbledash stick, the revealed wall may need repair.
The final, most important step is repointing with Natural Hydraulic Lime (NHL). This restores the building’s natural transpiration cycle, ensuring it remains dry and healthy for the next century.
Protect Your Building’s Heritage – Speak to a Pebbledash Removal Specialist in South London
Our local restoration teams are active daily in
Restoring suburban family homes and removing 20th-century renders.
Specialist restoration for Victorian and Edwardian residential terraces.
Comprehensive pebbledash removal and full brickwork restoration.
High-end restoration for prestigious period estates.
Heritage-approved render removal for maritime and inner-city properties.
Find clear answers to common questions about our pebbledash removal services in South London, including methods, safety, heritage properties, and what to expect from professional pebbledash removal specialists.
Some surface wear is expected because pebbledash was often applied to hide existing damage. However, our restoration stage (Step 3) is specifically designed to repair the masonry, ensuring the finished result looks like original, high-quality brickwork.
In most South London boroughs, removing pebbledash to restore original brick is seen as an improvement. However, if you are in a Conservation Area (like Greenwich or Richmond Hill) or a Listed Building, you may need consent. We can provide the technical documentation for your local planning office.
A typical terraced front in South London usually takes 12 to 18 working days for the full removal, cleaning, repair, and repointing cycle.
Ready to uncover the hidden value of your home? Contact Tony Wallace today for a professional assessment and a fixed-price quote.