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Pebbledash and roughcast are forms of render that were popular from the 1890s to the 1930s during the Arts and Crafts movement. They were durable and affordable and used to cover up imperfections.

They are durable forms of stucco, a plastering technique used in ancient times in which locally available materials were used, including pebbles, shells, broken pottery, or glass. Pebbledash and roughcast are used mainly in cold and wet climates, like Scotland and England.

Over the years, pebbledash and roughcast have become less popular and have been criticised for their appearance.

Continue reading to learn more about pebbledash and roughcast.

What is Pebbledash?

Pebbledash is a type of render that was popular during the 1920s. It involves covering an exterior surface with stones and pebbles. It is applied by adding a render mix to a wall and then throwing the stones or pebbles onto the wet render mixture.

What is Roughcast?

Roughcast (also known as wet-dash or harling) is a render that already has the stones mixed in with the mortar before applying it. Despite its name, roughcast generally results in a smoother finish than pebbledash, although it has a rougher texture than other renders.

In Australia, roughcast render comes available without stones, and it is a lot more popular that way.

Benefits of Pebbledash

The benefits of pebbledash include:

  • Low maintenance: Pebble dash render is typically low maintenance and doesn’t need much attention after being applied.
  • Durable: Pebbledash is strong and durable.
  • It conceals low-quality work and imperfections: It easily conceals any imperfections or low-quality construction work.
  • Provides insulation: Like most renders, pebbledash provides an extra layer of insulation and protection from the elements.
  • Different finishes available: There are a variety of different finishes available. The pebbles added to the render mixture come in different sizes and colours, while renders are available in different textures and colours.

Disadvantages of Pebbledash

  • Pebbles falling out: Although pebbledash is weather-resistant because the stones are added after the render, they can sometimes fall out over time, leaving bare areas of render.
  • Moisture: If the pebbles fall off, the render is exposed to the weather, and it can begin to absorb moisture from rainfall, which can lead to cracking and structural damage.
  • Cost: Pebbledash can be more expensive than other types of render.
  • Unappealing: Many people find pebbledash unappealing to look at, which is one of the reasons why it is not as popular as it once was.

Benefits of Roughcast

The benefits of roughcast include:

  • Durable: Roughcast is known for its durability and can last for several decades without much maintenance.
  • Low maintenance: You don’t have to worry about doing too much to keep the roughcast looking good. An occasional clean is all it takes to keep roughcast in top shape.
  • Weather resistance: The thick, rough texture of roughcast provides great protection against the elements, especially rain. It prevents moisture from becoming absorbed and causing structural damage.
  • Appearance: The pebbles and stones used in roughcast add interest and character to a building’s appearance. People can choose from a variety of different pebble sizes and colours to add a personal touch.
  • Energy efficiency: Using roughcast can increase your home’s energy efficiency because its thick finish adds extra protection from the cold.

Disadvantages of Roughcast

The disadvantages of roughcast include:

  • More expensive: Roughcast can be on the more expensive side compared to other render types.
  • Unsightly: Along with pebbledash, roughcasting is not as popular as it once was due to some people believing it is unsightly.

How to Apply Pebbledash and Roughcast

Pebbledash:

  • Mix water and lime: Mix water and lime by following the manufacturer’s instructions and put it aside for one day to hydrate (slake).
  • Mix cement, lime, and sand: Combine 1 part cement, 1 part hydrated lime, and six parts sand.
  • Apply mixture: Apply the mixture to the surface using a trowel, ensuring it is flat and smooth.
  • Dry and create a rough surface: Let the coat dry for about one hour, and then scrape the surface with a serrated trowel to create a rough, lined surface.
  • Wait: Wait for one day.
  • Prepare the pebbles: Rinse your pebbles and dry them, placing them into a bucket or container.
  • Prepare the topcoat: Mix five parts sand, 1 part cement and 1 part wet lime.
  • Throw the pebbles: Throw the pebbles at the wall until you have an even layer. Gently push the pebbles in with a trowel so they are secure.

Place a plastic sheet under the surface to collect any pebbles that fall.

Roughcast

  • Prepare the surface: Clean the surface thoroughly to remove dirt and debris. Repair any holes or cracks.
  • Apply the base coat: Apply a base/scratch coat consisting of cement, sand and lime.
  • Apply the roughcast: Throw the roughcast mixture onto the wet base coat.
  • Drying and curing: After the roughcast is applied, let it dry and cure over several days.
  • Final touches: Ensure the roughcast is the right thickness and colour, and clean up any excess mess.

Sydney Cement Rendering takes pride in being Sydney’s trusted rendering experts, providing our customers with the highest-quality rendering services. Contact us at 0402 704 984 or visit our website: https://sydneycementrendering.com/ to find out more about what we offer!