Dave Sung's Rendering Ltd
Pebble Dash
Pebble dashing is a traditional rendering technique that involves applying a coloured render coat, which is then covered with a layer of decorative pebbles.
With the advent of polymer render and a variety of decorative pebble options, pebble dashing has experienced a resurgence in popularity in recent years.
At Dave Sung's Rendering Ltd, we specialize in all aspects of pebble dash rendering, providing a cost-effective, durable, and weather-resistant finish that transforms your property with a classic, traditional look.
Choose from smooth pebbles or jagged spa chippings, available in a range of colours, to give your home a distinctive and standout appearance, or to seamlessly blend into the local environment.
See below for our pebble dashing process.
Our Pebble Dashing Process
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Scaffolding Installation
To ensure full access to your property, we typically will arrange for scaffolding to be installed before work begins, collaborating only with reliable, professional companies to manage this process efficiently.
Protecting Your Property
Once scaffolding is in place, we take steps to safeguard your property. This includes taping up windows to protect the glass and frames from scratches or staining. Rainwater pipes are detached and, if necessary, redirected to prevent wash-offs during rendering. Waste pipes remain connected to the drainage system but are securely taped for protection. Additionally, driveways, patios, flagged areas, and gardens are fully sheeted to prevent any damage.
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Surface Preparation
Depending on the condition of the existing render, it may need to be removed down to the bare brick or breeze block. We will assess this using various techniques. If the existing render is solid, removal may not be advisable, as it could loosen the underlying bricks or blocks and cause structural issues. In such cases, a keying technique will be applied to enhance the adhesion of the scratch coat.
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Applying the Scratch Coat
If the surface has been stripped, it will be brushed and washed down to remove dust and debris. A 10mm layer of high-polymer render is then applied by trowel, with fiberglass reinforcement mesh embedded throughout. This creates a durable, crack-resistant base layer. Additionally, 300mm x 300mm stress patches are placed at the corners of windows, doors, and openings to prevent hairline cracks caused by expansion or settlement over time. The scratch coat is the foundation of any rendering system, ensuring longevity and durability. A light key is then applied to enhance adhesion for the topcoat.
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Beading & Joint Reinforcement
Powder-coated steel beads (optional, based on customer preference) are installed around doors, windows, and building corners to create sharp, clean edges. A bell cast bead (drip bead) is fixed horizontally along the damp course, and expansion beads are installed over vertical movement joints to minimize cracking from natural building movement.
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Dash Receiver & Pebble Application
A 10mm coat of dash receiver (high-polymer dashing mortar) is applied over the scratch coat and trowel-finished to create a smooth, level surface. Once a sufficient area is prepared, pebbles are applied using the traditional bucket-and-shovel method to achieve the desired pebble dash effect.
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Final Clean-Up
After the pebble dashing is completed, all protective coverings will be removed, and windows will be thoroughly cleaned. The scaffolding and surrounding areas will be swept and washed down to ensure a clean, tidy finish.