Can You Do Your Own Roughcasting or Hire a Professional?
Roughcasting, sometimes called pebbledashing or roughcast, provides a durable and decorative textured finish for exterior walls. But is it a DIY project for a keen homeowner or best left to the professionals? There are pros and cons to both approaches.
Advantages of doing your own roughcasting
- Cost savings – You’ll avoid labor fees which can be £100 or more per day for professionals. DIY roughcasting costs just a fraction of that in materials.
- Customization – You can take your time experimenting with different layering techniques and aggregate mixes to achieve the exact look you want.
- Satisfaction – Some homeowners enjoy the hands-on process and take pride in transforming their own exterior walls.
However, there are also some significant challenges
- Steep learning curve – Proper roughcasting technique takes practice. Without experience, it’s easy to make mistakes in application and finishing.
- Hard work – Mixing mortar, hauling buckets, and troweling material onto walls is physically demanding. Reaching high areas requires scaffolding.
- Specific tools needed – A plasterer’s hawk, trowels, float, and other specialty tools are required to do the job right.
- Weather dependence – Roughcast must be applied in dry conditions with moderate temperatures. This can delay or interrupt projects.
- Quality concerns – The finished result often displays lap marks, uneven textures, and other flaws without professional skill.
- No warranty – Any problems due to poor DIY application are your responsibility to fix.
Hiring a certified roughcasting crew eliminates these problems. Professionals like those found at www.roughcastingglasgow.co.uk have years of experience and access to specialized tools for a flawless finish. Key benefits include:
- Efficient application – They know techniques for achieving complete coverage rapidly. The job gets done faster.
- Ideal textures – Smooth uniform finishes or distinctive patterns are no problem for skilled roughcasters.
- Proper curing – Professionals properly mist and monitor walls as the roughcast sets for maximum durability.
- Warranties – Reputable companies guarantee their roughcasting workmanship for 5-10 years or longer.
- Safety and cleanup – Licensed crews handle messy preparation, materials, and cleanup leaving your property neat.
- Total project management – They coordinate any necessary repairs, priming, scaffolding, and related tasks.
For most homeowners needing roughcasting on their exterior walls, hiring a professional service is worth the investment. You benefit from expert results and avoid the hassles of doing it yourself. Be sure to get multiple quotes and check references to find the best local roughcasting company.