External wall rendering, including traditional pebbledash and modern silicone systems
Rendering and Pebbledash
Rendering is the application of a protective and decorative coating to an external wall — traditional sand-cement, pebbledash (a wet render finished with dashed aggregate), or a modern silicone or monocouche system — to weatherproof the wall and improve its appearance.
Definition
What Rendering covers
External render is applied over brick, block or previous render to protect the wall from weather and give a finished appearance. Traditional sand-cement render is applied in coats and can be dashed with aggregate to create a pebbledash finish; modern polymer-modified or silicone renders are more flexible and resistant to cracking and staining, and are often chosen for a refresh over an older cement render.
Suitable for
- External walls needing weatherproofing or a refreshed appearance
- Repairing or replacing cracked, blown or discoloured existing render
- Properties changing finish, such as removing old pebbledash for a smooth modern render
- New extensions or garden buildings needing an external finish to match or complement the house
Not suitable for
- Solid, older walls needing a breathable lime render rather than a cement-based system
- Render applied over a damp or structurally unsound wall without addressing the underlying cause first
Process
How the work is carried out
- 01
Survey and access
Assessing the existing wall and render condition, and arranging scaffold access for the height and extent of the property.
- 02
Preparation
Removing failed render, repairing the substrate and fitting beading and mesh where needed.
- 03
Rendering
Applying the render system in the specified number of coats, with a pebbledash, textured or smooth finish as agreed.
- 04
Completion
Removing scaffold and making good the surrounding areas, guttering and downpipes disturbed by the work.
Typical timescale
Rendering a typical house elevation takes one to two weeks on site including scaffold erection, with drying time between coats factored into the programme. Whole-house rendering takes longer depending on elevation area and access.
Cost guidance
Rendering typically costs £40–£90 per m² in our area, including scaffold access, with silicone and K Rend-type systems at the top of the range compared to traditional sand-cement. We provide an itemised quotation after survey.
Limitations and exclusions
- Scaffold is required for most render work above ground floor and is included in the quotation for the extent needed
- Render must be allowed to cure between coats and before painting, following manufacturer guidance for the system used
- Older solid-wall properties may need a breathable lime render rather than a cement-based system, assessed at survey
Areas we cover
Rendering across Sussex, Surrey, Kent and South London
Local property styles, planning authorities and neighbourhood coverage for rendering in each town we work in.
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FAQs
Rendering FAQs
What's the difference between traditional render and silicone render?
Traditional sand-cement render is a well-established, cost-effective option but can be prone to cracking and staining over time. Silicone and other modern polymer renders are more flexible, self-cleaning to a degree, and resist algae growth better, at a higher initial cost.
Can pebbledash be removed and replaced with a smooth render?
Yes, this is a common refresh — the pebbledash and old render are removed back to a sound substrate, then a new render system is applied and finished smooth or textured as preferred.
Does render need scaffolding?
Most rendering above single-storey height needs scaffold for safe, even application and finishing, which is included in the quotation. Ground-floor-only areas can sometimes be reached with tower scaffold or podium steps instead.
Discuss your rendering project
Tell us about the property and what you have in mind, and we'll arrange a site visit.
Last reviewed 2026-07-28.