Home Improvement Advice for Alarms

Exterior Decor, Stucco & Pebbledashing Do it Yourself Tips for Alarms

Exterior decorations will include all of the exterior elevations to your property ( i.e. front, sides and rear). There are three main ways to decorate the exterior of your property, they are:-

Stucco

Stucco is generally speaking an external job but can be done to the interior walls. Externally, designs and patterns can be added this is known as 'Pargetting' or Essex plastering. It has many finishes, normally smooth.

Stucco is basically a sand and cement mix that is applied to the walls of your property. It can be used as a means of covering up blockwork on a new extension to your property so that everything blends in.

If the exterior of the property is in a very poor condition, Stucco could be applied as a means of improving the appearance for a reasonable cost. It would also strengthen and waterproof it.

Pebbledashing

Pebbledashing is a coloured stone effect. It is produced by dashing or throwing pebbles or spar ( a small stone) on to a rough rendered finish ( known as a scratch coat). The pebbles need to be clean and free of dust. It is a two man job at least. The two men will start to apply the scratch coat and one will drop back to start the dashing.

When all material is applied, the loose and dropped pebbles which naturally occur, will be collected on a plastic sheet that has been laid out before starting work, then washed and applied, so that most pebbles are used to save on waste. When finished a wooden float can be used to lightly push the pebbles into the mix.

There are many different mixtures available to give variations in colour and size of particles. Speak to your tradesperson , tell him the overall effect and colour you want to achieve.