Preparation and finish belong in the same brief

Render repair and replacement

A package can include inspection of accessible surfaces, removal of agreed defective areas, background preparation and installation of the specified render finish. Confirm corners, reveals, plinths and the interfaces around openings.

Patch repairs and a complete new elevation will not necessarily look the same. Talk to us about texture, colour and how old and new work will meet before the extent is fixed.

Exterior repairs and decoration

Related work can include making good around alterations, local masonry repairs and exterior decoration where included in the quotation. Gutters, sills, flashings and other junctions may need attention as separate items.

If insulation is part of the proposed system, it needs its own design and detailing. A render finish alone should not be described as an external wall insulation package.

Choose the system for the building

Cracks, hollow areas and staining can point to different problems. Movement, moisture sources and defective junctions should be investigated before anything is covered over. Older solid-wall construction can need different repair materials from a modern cavity wall.

We discuss sand-and-cement, lime or proprietary render options once the substrate and required system are understood. Agree the specification, sample finish and any relevant permissions, because listed buildings and conservation areas may need particular advice. Access, weather and curing conditions also affect the programme.

Rendering in cold weather: product, protection and programme checks

What affects rendering costs?

An elevation’s area is only part of the calculation. Removal, preparation, access and the number of openings can change the work considerably.

Quotation item	What to make clear
Existing condition	Extent of removal, repairs to the background and treatment of agreed defects.
System and detailing	Specified render build-up, finish, beads, reveals, sills and junctions.
Access and protection	Scaffolding, entrances, windows, neighbouring areas and waste handling.
Related work	Decoration, gutters, flashings, insulation or masonry repairs expressly included.

The written quotation identifies inclusions, exclusions, supply responsibilities and any provisional items. Confirm VAT treatment and payment stages for the agreed package.

Compare quotation scopes

Questions before you start

Can you render over the existing finish?

That depends on its condition and compatibility with the proposed system. The background and the manufacturer’s requirements need checking before that approach is agreed.

Will rendering solve damp?

Not necessarily. The source of moisture must be understood, and defects may need separate repairs. We do not promise that covering a wall will resolve an unidentified damp problem.

Can you match an existing colour or texture?

We can discuss samples and available products. Ageing, exposure and existing materials can make an exact match difficult, so agree the appearance before extending the work.

What to send for a useful quotation

Send the postcode, photographs of the whole elevation and problem areas, approximate dimensions and access details. Tell us about previous repairs, known damp or movement, the finish you want and any survey or system specification.

Related work

Brickwork and repointing

Roof and rainwater-related repairs

House extensions

Further guidance

Director’s project: Islington lightwell render repairs

Historic England: older wall repairs ↗

Planning Portal: external wall alterations ↗

Rendering and exterior repairs in London

Tell us about the wall and the finish.