Slate restoration with a Roughcast twist!

Once all the scaffold was erected, all roof ladders and platforms were setup for works.

All the mortar was removed from under ridge cappings, picket ridge and Dutch gable wall render removed.

The slate in valley gutters was carefully removed and new metal was installed before slate was reinstated with care once more.

All nominated chimneys were cleaned, sealed and painted to match the front façade, along with all lead flashings.

All slates around chimneys were removed, metal chimney trays replaced and slate reinstated.

The Dutch gable end wall structure (small protruding wall atop valley, with air vent in centre)  was rebuilt, due to rotten timbers. The wall was replicated to suit the application of roughcast render like original, new timber fascia was installed along with new timber trims.

Then the remaining slate atop Dutch gable was reinstated and new metal slits installed for air vent opening to mirror the original.

All ridge capping and picket ridge where rebed and pointed, using the traditional method of application.

The final touch was thoroughly enjoyed, which was the rough cast render on the Dutch gable. This is an old method of render application in Australia, it is still quite common in the UK and Europe. Render is applied using a sand and cement mix and then stones are thrown at the wall while render is still wet, thus creating the roughcast effect.

Lot’s of fun was had learning the old art of rough cast render, it is satisfying to do.

After it had set it was sealed and then painted to look like it was original.