Removing render from exterior wall (1930's house)

[gbe17]

Our house was recently rendered by the previous owners. This is not to our taste and we are trying to remove this (up to first floor level) to reveal the original red brick (house constructed in 1930's). I have removed the 'top layer' of render easily with a scutch chisel, but the underlying cement bonding is more difficult. I have been removing this carefully with hammer and chisel, but some of the bricks are being damaged. It actually gives them a nice rustic look, but I have 2 questions.

1. How can I best remove the remnants of the cement render (sand blasting?).
2. How can I best weatherproof the bricks once I have cleaned and re-pointed?

Any comments or answers appreciated.

Thanks

 

[WhatDoIknow]

Normally you could sand blast, but I would look at SODA blasting, same effect with less damage to the bricks. Less mess to clean up too. End result could still be a bit messy and re-pointing needed.

Other option is to use a brick effect render finish as just posted on here. StoneFXwalls can re-finish in breathable lime based stuff, with brick colours etc. I have seen there work on yotube and also a local school. Very lifelike in look and feel. Not sure where they are though.

Untitled

• WhatDoIknow
• 8 Feb 2014
• 2