Should I remove or render over pebbledash?

It's a fair question. Removing pebbledash is more work, more cost, and more disruption than just rendering over it. So when does removal actually make sense?

Render over the top — when it works

• Existing pebbledash is sound, well-bonded, no hollow sections
• No signs of damp behind the wall
• You're not doing external wall insulation
• You're willing to add 20–30mm of thickness around windows and doors

Remove first — when it makes sense

• Pebbledash is hollow, cracked or has lifted in places
• There's damp showing inside the property
• You want a long-term, low-maintenance finish
• You're upgrading to EWI
• The existing dash is an awkward thickness or has bay window detailing that won't work over-coated

The honest answer

For a lot of Swindon homes, render-over works fine and saves several thousand pounds. For others — particularly anywhere the dash is failing or there's an underlying issue — removal is the right call. We'll tell you straight which way makes sense for your wall when we come out to quote.

See our render removal page or cost guide for more.