Cracked render - repair tips please

[Rocksteadyeddie]

As the photo shows I have a big piece of render which is on the verge of detaching itself from the front of the house. As it is on the corner I'm not quite sure what the best way to repair it is.

So, do I try and stick the piece back on with a bit of mortar, or try and repair the missing bit? If so, how do I get a decent finish on the corner?




Thanks chaps

[B17NNS]

Rocksteadyeddie said:

As the photo shows

Stick the pic up fella and I'll write you a little how to.

[Laurel Green]

I think Thumbsnap must be down again as the photo was there earlier.

[Dogwatch]

Has some parallels with rust under the paint on your p&j. Need to hack back the surrounding render until you find some soundly attached, then re-render.

Or rip it all off.

[B17NNS]

Don't try to re-attach what has fallen off.

Best to check the entire rendered area as if it has blown in one area chances are it has gone in other places.

Tap all over with your knuckles. If the render has blown (lost its key to the brick or block beneath) it will sound hollow. If this is the case hack it off utill you get to an area that has not blown.

Rake out the joints in the brickwork to provide the best opportunity for a mechanical key.

Mix up some PVA with water and cover the area to be rendered. Allow it to dry and give it another coat.

When rendering with sand and cement it's best to build up the desired thickness in a couple of coats.

You will want some plastering sand (available from B&Q) and some cement. Best to add a dash of waterproofer to the mix too.

Mix it 4:1 to quite a loose trowelable consistency. Get a coat on, try for about 5mm. Rule it off with a straight edge using they exisiting render as your guide. Then scratch it and leave it to set.

Next day, wet the scratch coat and apply another coat which should hopefully build you up to the required thickness. Rule off again to remove any high spots and fill any hollows.

You need to allow this to dry a bit until it is ready to be rubbed up. Time will depend on a few things, suction, weather etc. so best to keep checking the area every half an hour or so.

You will need a plastic float to rub up with. Work the float over the area in a gentle circular motion. This will remove any high spots and fill the hollows. Too wet and you will just move the render round and make a mess of it. You want it to be dry enough that powdery render slowly falls from the area.

Once you are happy with the finish try to keep it moist. An occasional spray with a plant sprayer or something will be fine.

Any queries shout up!

[Spudler]

Also check for any movement in the door frame as that may have contributed to the problem.

[Rocksteadyeddie]

Thanks chaps

Top advice.

I shall report back in due course.