Brick restoration after pebble-dash or render removal

Exposing the original brick is the most satisfying result – and the riskiest. At best the brickwork needs cleaning and repointing; at worst, removing the pebble-dash uncovers substantial damage or causes damage that wasn't there before (Checkatrade).

1. Start with a trial patch

Remove a small test section first to see what's underneath – you don't want to strip a whole wall and find blockwork rather than brick (Homebuilding). SPAB also recommends a trial removal, and warns that levering off large sheets of render damages soft materials (SPAB).

2. Repoint with the right mortar

Historic England advises using a lime mortar that's slightly weaker and more permeable than the brick. Hard, impermeable cement mortar can trap moisture and speed up frost and salt damage to soft bricks. Only repoint joints that need it (Historic England).

3. Repair or replace damaged bricks

Expect some bricks to need replacing, especially where the render was keyed into them. Cleaning, repointing and replacing bricks can add about £1,000–£2,000 to the job (Homebuilding).

4. Know when to re-render instead

If the brick is badly damaged, re-rendering may be the better answer. On older solid walls, SPAB generally recommends a breathable lime render, ideally after the wall has had time to dry out (SPAB).

Typical costs

• Strip to brick, including making good: £80–£190/m² (JobPrices)
• Brick repointing: £50–£60/m² on average; lime mortar costs 20–30% more than cement (MyBuilder)
• Full repoint of a semi-detached house: £4,000–£5,500 (MyBuilder)

Questions to ask a specialist

1. Will you do a trial patch, and will you show me the results before going further?
2. How will you remove the render without damaging the brick faces?
3. What mortar will you repoint with, and why?
4. If the brick isn't good enough to show, what's the re-render price?