How a Swindon pebbledash removal job actually runs
From the first phone call to a clean, finished wall — here's exactly what to expect, in the order it happens.
1. Site visit and quote
We come out, look at the property, and check the substrate condition behind the pebbledash where we can. Some areas of Swindon have softer Victorian brick, some 1960s estates have block. Method changes accordingly. You get a written, itemised quote within a couple of working days — no high-pressure doorstep pricing.
2. Booking and lead time
Typical lead time is 2–4 weeks depending on season. We agree a start date, a deposit if needed, and a programme of works.
3. Scaffold and protection
A certified independent scaffold firm goes up first. We sheet windows, lay down ground protection over planting, patios and driveways, and walk the property with you before we start.
4. Mechanical removal
Pneumatic chisels, set to the right impact level for the substrate, working small sections at a time. No sand-blasting, no chemical strippers, no aggressive impact-hammers on soft brick. We monitor the substrate as we go and stop to assess if anything underneath needs more care.
5. Substrate repair and repointing
Once the wall is clean, we deal with anything underneath — replacement bricks where needed, repointing in lime or cement mortar matched to the original. On older Old Town and Highworth properties this is where the real craft is.
6. Re-render or finish
Optional — see our silicone, monocouche and house rendering pages for the finish options. Or leave the brick exposed if it's come up well.
7. Snag, clean and sign-off
Final walk-round with you, snag list agreed, scaffold down, full site clean. Waste removed under transfer note. Workmanship guarantee paperwork issued.
Our process
A typical pebbledash or render removal job runs through these five stages. We'll talk you through each one before we start.
- 01Inspection
We assess the substrate, identify cracks, hollow sections and any underlying brick or block damage before quoting.
- 02Surface prep
Sheeting goes up, windows and ground are protected, scaffold is erected where needed for upper floors.
- 03Mechanical removal
Pebbledash and render are removed in controlled sections using pneumatic chisels — taken back to a sound substrate.
- 04Repairs & repointing
Damaged bricks are cut out and replaced. Mortar joints are raked and repointed where required.
- 05Re-rendering or finish
Optional silicone, monocouche or sand-and-cement render — or a clean repointed brick finish if preferred.
Process — common questions
How long does the whole process take from quote to clean wall?+
From booking, most domestic jobs run 2–4 weeks lead time and 5–10 working days on site for a standard semi. Larger detached homes or full house re-renders take longer; we agree a programme of works at the quote stage.
Do I need to move out while you work?+
No. The work is all external. We protect windows, ground and any planting, and sweep up daily so you can come and go normally.
Will you cause damage to my windows or guttering?+
Everything is sheeted and protected before any chisel touches the wall. Scaffold is erected by a certified independent firm. We carry £2m public liability for the unlikely event something does get damaged.
What happens to all the waste?+
Pebbledash and render debris is bagged on site, collected under a waste transfer note, and disposed of at a licensed facility. We're registered upper-tier waste carriers with the Environment Agency. Copies of the licence and transfer notes available on request.
Do you do the re-rendering as well, or just removal?+
Both. We're a specialist team across the whole pipeline — strip, repair, re-render in silicone, monocouche or sand-and-cement. Or leave it as repointed bare brick if that's the look you want.
Ready to get the process started?
Tell us a bit about your property and we'll come out, take a look, and send a clear written quote — no hard sell.