Render Removal Yorkshire
Render removal is the process of removing render from brick and stone buildings. Renders have been used since Roman times to protect buildings from the elements. The word “render” comes from the Latin word “rendere,” which means “to make even.” Render is an appropriate name for the process, as renders are designed to create a smooth, even surface on a wall. Render can be made from various materials, but the cement-based render is the most common. The render is applied to the exterior of buildings to create a protective surface. However, render can also trap moisture behind it, leading to erosion. Recently, a movement has been growing to remove renderings like pebbledash and other non-porous materials from listed buildings. The main reason to remove render from a house is that it allows it to dry out and helps to protect the underlying structure from further damage.
Additionally, many heritage experts believe that non-porous render detracts from the appearance of the building and can be detrimental to its value. Render removal is becoming an increasingly popular choice for owners of listed buildings. As a result, removing pebbledash and other cement-based materials from listed buildings has become an increasingly popular conservation method. However, removing render from brick and stonemasonry can be a time-consuming and expensive process. Therefore, consulting a professional before working on traditional buildings is essential. The Yorkshire Lime Company specialise in traditional masonry structure repairs, and we provide render removal services for traditional and listed building owners across the whole of Yorkshire.
At our company, we take pride in our expertise in render removal for both residential and commercial customers. Whether it’s the stubborn cement render or delicate lime-based renders, our professional team specialises in restoring external walls to their former glory. We understand that old render can not only mar the aesthetics of your property but also hide potential issues such as hairline cracks. That’s why we offer a fantastic job when it comes to external rendering and render removal. Our commitment to providing great service extends to cost-effective solutions, helping you avoid unnecessary scaffolding costs while rejuvenating your property with high-quality wall coatings. For residential and commercial customers alike, our render removal services are second to none, ensuring that your property’s external facade looks impeccable.
Removing Pebbledash in Yorkshire
The mention of the word “pebbledash” is enough to make any conservationist cringe. The term is inextricably associated with the worst excesses of the ‘home improvement industry. And as such, its use is confined mainly to council estates and post-war housing developments. However, there was a time when pebbledash was considered a stylish and desirable finish. Pebbledash covered all types of buildings, from grand country houses to modest terraced homes. Indeed, for much of the 19th and early 20th centuries, pebbledash was one of the most popular cladding materials in the UK.
Pebbledash, also known as roughcast, is an exterior wall finish made by throwing pebbles or gravel at a wet cement-based render applied to the walls. It was commonly used in the past as it was a cheap and easy way to finish a building. However, pebbledash can cause dampness and erosion, which causes damage to the structure and can be deemed a health and safety hazard. As a result, many experts now recommend removing pebbledash from buildings. While it may be messy and time-consuming, removing pebbledash can improve the look of a building and prevent further damage.
The main problem with pebbledash is its impermeability. This impermeability means that it does not allow moisture to pass through it. Trapped moisture can lead to damp build-up inside the building. When moisture starts to build up within the masonry, it causes it to decay. Pebbledash is also relatively rigid, so it can be challenging to remove from walls without causing damage. In some cases, it may be necessary to cut decompression lines into the pebbledash to help with its removal. After the pebbledash has been removed, there will usually be some repair work on the masonry, and at a very minimum, localised lime pointing will be needed.
The Damage Non-Porous Renders Cause to Traditional Homes
The modern use of Portland cement render is incompatible with the construction of most old buildings. Old buildings rely on their porous nature (‘breathability’) to allow water absorbed by the fabric to evaporate back out. Using an impermeable cement render instead of a traditional lime-based render restricts evaporation. Hairline cracks form due to the mortar shrinking and being more rigid than the wall. These then draw in water that becomes trapped in the fabric. Timber-framed and earth-constructed buildings, in particular, can suffer significant structural damage if moisture builds up behind a cement render. As a result, it is essential to use a lime-based render on old buildings to allow the building to ‘breathe’ and prevent structural damage.
Trapped moisture causes numerous issues for a traditional building; unfortunately, renders are often overlooked as the cause. Cement-based renders like pebbledash cause dampness in traditional constructions. The trapped moisture freezes in winter and causes cracking. When summer comes, the temperature causes the trapped water to heat up, turning into steam; this steam forces its way out, causing blistering, and accelerating masonry decay. If the masonry starts decaying, the render eventually loses its bond with the wall, and the render cracks and pieces begin to fall to the floor.
Cement-based renders like pebbledash have been deemed a risk to traditional buildings by chartered surveyors due to the hazards they pose to the building and the public; for this reason, it is essential to remove pebbledash and non-porous renders from your traditional home. Cement render is not flexible, making it more likely to crack and fall off over time. Trapping moisture behind render can cause severe issues for traditional buildings and can eventually lead to their collapse. For these reasons, building conservationists must work to raise awareness of the importance of using porous materials.
How to Remove Render From Your Building
Removing renderings from brick and stone walls can be difficult and time-consuming. The most common way to remove cement-based render from brickwork or stone masonry is by chiselling it off the wall. This can be done using a few different tools, such as a cold chisel, Club hammer, bolster chisel or electric rotary hammer drill. Another way to remove render is using a needle gun, sandblasting, and soda blasting the walls. It is crucial to be careful when removing render, as it is possible to damage the underlying fabric of the building. The best way to remove render is to use a combination of power tools and hand chisels. You start at the top and work your way down the wall.
Hand tools are generally the safest way to remove render from a building, but this is a time-consuming and labour-intensive process; when using hand tools, you may want to cut decompression lines into the render with a small grinder. However, using a grinder can scar the masonry beneath so great care must be taken so as not to go too deep.
Power tools like grinders and a rotary hammer drill make the work more manageable, but a significant amount of care is needed to remove render from brick or stone walls. Power tools can quite easily damage the underlying fabric if not operated correctly.
Sand or soda blasting is used for large areas pasted thinly onto the masonry. However, it can also damage the underlying fabric. As such, it is vital to consult a professional before sandblasting cement-based renderings off a wall.
The remaining parts of the render can be removed using Thermatech or doff. These devices are superheated steam cleaners; this type of cleaning method is chosen in the heritage industry.
Traditional Renders Should Be Used For Traditional Homes
Traditional methods of building preservation, such as lime rendering and lime harling, provide a sacrificial layer to protect the masonry from damage. These layers are vapour permeable, allowing moisture to be drawn from the masonry. The capillary action of lime mortar helps to keep these layers effective. However, it is vital to maintain them with regular lime washing.
If this maintenance is not carried out, the second sacrificial layer will eventually fail, exposing the masonry. By preserving heritage buildings using these traditional methods, we can help to protect our listed buildings for future generations. In addition, conventional methods of building preservation tend to be more sympathetic to the original fabric of the building, helping to retain its character and integrity. Therefore, conserving traditional methods is effective and helps preserve our heritage buildings for future generations.
Modern materials may be cheaper and easier to use, but they can cause severe problems for traditional buildings. The cement render is not breathable. Cement-based render systems can trap moisture inside the building, leading to dampness, mould growth, and structural damage.
Removing Render from Listed Buildings in Yorkshire
Listed buildings are an essential part of our heritage. They can tell us a lot about our history and culture and be a real asset to our society. However, they can also be very vulnerable to damage and deterioration. It is essential to take steps to protect Listed buildings. One of the best ways to do this is to maintain and preserve them. You should regularly check for signs of wear and tear. By doing this, it is easier to repair any damage that is found. In addition, it is essential to use appropriate materials when carrying out repairs so as not to cause further damage. By taking these steps, we can ensure that our listed buildings will be around for generations.
Listed buildings are protected by law, and any changes must be carefully considered. Removing render from your house can uncover hidden damage and cause further damage if not done carefully. That’s why listed building consent is required for any render removal work. And it’s why choosing a professional team with experience in listed building repairs is essential. At The Yorkshire Lime Company, we know how to delicately remove the render using hand tools without damaging the fabric. We can also make necessary masonry repairs, such as replacing lintels or rebuilding gable walls. So if you’re considering removing render from a listed building, Look no further than The Yorkshire Lime Company.
Removing Render From Your House.
While removing render from a house or commercial building may seem like the best thing to do. However, you need to be aware of the repairs removing the render may uncover, especially if wanting to expose the masonry after removal. While removing render can help prevent further damage to the masonry, it can also uncover hidden problems that must be addressed. In addition, removing render can also be a time-consuming and expensive process. As a result, it is crucial to weigh the pros and cons of removing the render before deciding. If you remove the render from your house, consult a professional to ensure the process is done correctly.
Removing render from a house can be a lengthy and complicated process. When you do remove the render from your home, it allows the building to dry out. In most cases, you will also need to lime point after removing the render from your house. Lime pointing is necessary to fill in the joints between the bricks or stones after removing the render. Pointing the building after removing the render helps to prevent water ingress, which can cause dampness and masonry decay. You may also need to do some minor or significant masonry repairs depending on how much erosion has occurred behind the render,
Removing render and lime pointing can be time-consuming and expensive, but protecting your house from further damage is vital.
What You Need to Know When Removing Renderings From A Traditional Building
If you’re planning to remove pebbledash or other cement-based renders from your building, there are a few things you need to be aware of; first, downpipes and cables will no longer be attached to your walls after removing the render. You’ll need to make alterations to reconnect them once work has been completed.
Removing the render may uncover issues you have not planned for but must address immediately to prevent water ingress. Some of these issues are voids in the masonry units where the lime mortar has eroded and the masonry’s destabilisation. This can also include lintel failures.
Finally, removing render from around windows that have been fitted after the render was applied will create a void. The render used to fill this space, but now that it has been removed, the windows will no longer meet at the edges. Because the windows no longer meet at the edges, they will need to be replaced, or the masonry will need to be altered around them. Your course of action will depend on what finish you hope to achieve. In some cases, it may be easier and less disruptive to replace the windows altogether.
A Building conservator can identify if you have non-porous cement renders on your home and guide you on how to proceed with the removal. Deciding to remove these risky renders will help protect your investment, preserve your home’s value, and keep you and your family safe.
Removing Render from Brick Buildings
Removing render from brick buildings is a delicate process that requires masonry skills to ensure minimal damage to the underlying fabric. The first step is to identify the type of brick used in the construction. Porous bricks need to breathe, and the softer the brick is, the more damage the render will do. Once the type of brick has been identified, the next step is to remove the render. The rendering is removed by chiselling away at the render until it is completely removed from the brick. Once the render has been removed, a wire brush can be used to clean off any remaining bits of the render. Finally, a limewash or lime render can be applied to the brick to protect it from further damage.
If you’re looking for a company that can remove render from your brick building while causing minimal damage to the structure, look no further than the Yorkshire Lime Company. We’re highly skilled professionals with years of experience removing renders from homes and other buildings. In addition, we can undertake any masonry repairs that may be necessary during the removal process. Undertaking these masonry repairs prevents water ingress while the work is being carried out. We take pride in our work and will always endeavour to leave your property in better condition than when we found it. So if you need to remove the render from your home or commercial property, contact The Yorkshire Lime Company today.
Why Choose The Yorkshire Lime Company For Render Removals In Yorkshire
Render removal is a delicate process that requires expertise and care. The Yorkshire Lime Company has the experience and knowledge to remove the render from your building safely and effectively. We remove render from brick and stone walls using specialist tools and years of experience. Removing cause from your building is a crucial first step in preserving the structure’s integrity. Render removal is a delicate process that requires expertise and care. The Yorkshire Lime Company has the experience and knowledge to remove the render from your building safely and effectively. Contact us today to learn more about our render removal services and how we can help preserve your masonry.
Some of the main reasons why we believe that you should choose us for
- We are traditionally skilled masons and have removed renderings from heritage buildings for many years.
- We understand the importance of maintaining your masonry and take great pride in bringing the building back to life.
- We will always do our best to preserve your masonry and explain the process at every step.
- We are competitively priced with other heritage masons across the UK
- We can remove the cement render with minimal damage to your masonry and undertake any rebuilding or pointing work that may be necessary.
The above points are just a few reasons why we believe you should choose us for building restoration services in Yorkshire. Please do not hesitate to contact us for more information about us or any of our building services.
Contact The Yorkshire Lime Company for Render Removal in Yorkshire.
The Yorkshire Lime Company offers a comprehensive building restoration service that removes cement-based render systems. We have a team of highly experienced and skilled craftsmen who have a wealth of knowledge in traditional building conservation methods. We can remove pebbledash and cement-based renders from your house with minimal damage to the underlying fabric. Our team can return your property to its former glory using the same techniques and materials. If you’re looking to remove pebbledash or render from your brick or stone building, we can help. We’ll safely and expertly remove the render, and then we can carry out any necessary repairs. We’re passionate about helping our clients to preserve their historic buildings, and we would be honoured to work on your property. Please don’t hesitate to get in touch to discuss your project.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Can render be removed?
Yes, in most cases, render can be removed from your building. It just takes time and care. Power tools may be necessary when removing the render, so choosing skilled masons who understand the importance of protecting the underlying fabric is crucial.
If you have cement-based render on a traditional building, it will cause damp problems and deteriorate the masonry behind it. Cement-based renders have been deemed a risk to traditional buildings by chartered surveyors due to the hazards they pose to the building and the public. Therefore, removing non-porous renders from your traditional home is essential.
In most cases, if cement or gypsum-based renders have been applied to a traditional building, you will do less damage removing it than it already does to your building. However, if a render has recently been applied to your building, removing it can cause severe damage. You should consult a professional regarding the appropriate way to remove it.
Lime render is the only one that should apply to stonework and traditional brick masonry. This is then limewashed, not painted, to allow the capillary action to take place throughout the individual layers of the building.
How much does it cost to remove render from a house?
Generally, the cost to remove render from a house is between £65 and £75 per square metre. However, there are a few key factors to consider when pricing up the cost to remove the render from your house or commercial building. Firstly, if your building is listed, it will need listed building consent and a skilled craftsman to carry out the work so minimal to no damage occurs to the underlying fabric of the building. Unfortunately, where cement renders have been applied to traditional buildings, a lot of damage behind the render has already occurred.
Secondly, If you remove the render and keep the masonry visible, you would likely want to have it cleaned before any pointing work takes place. Masonry cleaning would incur extra costs, and possibly a specialist masonry cleaning company would be needed. This would depend on the method of cleaning required for your building. Listed building owners must follow strict guidelines, and the use of chemicals or abrasive methods like sandblasting is not suitable. A Doff or ThermaTech superheated steam cleaner is used; these types of masonry cleaning are acceptable for Listed buildings.
Finally, Scaffolding costs, waste removal and protective measures need to be taken into consideration. The placement of the skip and distance to travel with the waste has to be factored in. If your windows need boarding or the conservatory needs protecting. Your live wiring would also need disconnecting and needs to be made safe for work to be carried out.
With all these factors and more to take into place, estimating realistic costs would be difficult, but for the render removal, waste removal and hot lime pointing costs on a traditional or listed building, you would be looking between £75.00-£225 per m2. This price varies depending on the masonry type and if any pointing work or resetting of any masonry is required.
How do you remove render?
Render removal is a process that requires the use of various hand tools and power tools. You start from a corner if possible so you can get between the render and masonry surface, a hole can also be created with hand tools which can then be worked into with hand tools or an SDS hammer drill, and decompression lines can then be cut with a grinder however you must ensure not to go too deep using the depths of the holes created as a guide. It can be pretty physical and dangerous work, as the render can be quite unstable.
In addition, render removal can be pretty messy, as render can easily break into small pieces. Render removal is a process that experienced professionals should only undertake. Those not experienced in render removal can quickly put themselves, the building, and others at risk. Render removal can be difficult and dangerous, but it is essential to take the necessary precautions to ensure the safety of all involved.
What is the best tool to remove render?
Hand tools are generally the safest way to remove render from a building, but this is a time-consuming and labour-intensive process. You may want to cut decompression lines into the render using hand tools with a small grinder. However, using a grinder can scar the masonry beneath so great care must be taken so as not to go too deep. Power tools like grinders and a rotary hammer drill make the work more manageable, but a significant amount of care is needed to remove render from brick or stone walls. Power tools can quite easily damage the underlying fabric if not operated correctly.
Sand or soda blasting is used for large areas pasted thinly onto the masonry. However, it can also damage the underlying material. As such, it is vital to consult a professional before sandblasting cement-based renderings off a wall. The remaining parts of the render can be removed using Thermatech or doff. These devices are superheated steam cleaners; this type of cleaning method is chosen in the heritage industry.
Should I remove cracked render?
If cracks have started to appear in your render, excess water is now making its way through those cracks. Non-porous renders allow water to flow through cracks and trap the moisture behind them. The moisture builds up, causing more cracking through freeze-thaw cycles. During summer, this moisture turns into steam, accelerating masonry decay. When the masonry starts to decay, the render is no longer bonded to the wall in those areas.
Further cracking can cause destabilisation, and pieces of render can fall from the building. As well as destabilising the external rendering, the erosion caused can also cause destabilisation to the masonry walls, meaning rebuilding work would be required. To repair cracks in the render, it is necessary to remove all the existing render and start again with a new render. This will ensure that cracks do not reappear in the future.
Is render easy to remove?
Render is a popular choice for finishing the exterior of a building, as it provides a protective layer against the elements. However, over time render can deteriorate and come loose from the masonry beneath it. When this happens, the render must be removed to prevent further damage to the masonry. The difficulty of removing the render depends on how much it has decayed and debonded from the masonry.
Generally, when render has been applied over render, and it is pretty thick, the weight of the render eventually pulls it away as the masonry decays due to the moisture trapped behind it. If you are planning to remove the render and keep your masonry visible, it will be labour-intensive work getting it to the point where it can be cleaned or acid-washed. If you are planning to re-apply the render, removing every little bit of the old render is unimportant. Still, if you are working on a traditional building, you would want to remove as much as possible before applying a new lime render.