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TRADITIONAL HARLING FOR SCOTTISH PROPERTIES
Harling is one of Scotland's most recognisable exterior wall finishes and has been used to protect buildings from the Scottish climate for generations.
The traditional technique creates a rough, textured exterior by casting a wet mixture containing aggregate onto a prepared wall.
This produces the distinctive appearance commonly seen on houses, cottages and traditional buildings throughout Edinburgh and across Scotland.
At Probuild Contracts, we provide professional harling services for homeowners, landlords, property managers and commercial clients.
Whether you are replacing deteriorated harling, renovating an older property or looking to create a traditional textured finish on a complete exterior, our team can inspect the building and recommend an appropriate approach.
Correct preparation is crucial.
Before applying new harling, the underlying wall and existing coatings need to be assessed. Loose materials, cracking and defective masonry can all affect the finished result if they are not dealt with beforehand.
Our experienced building and rendering team can identify these issues and prepare the exterior properly before the new finish is installed.
IS HARLING THE SAME AS ROUGHCASTING OR PEBBLE DASH?
Harling, roughcasting and pebble dash can look similar from a distance, and the terminology is frequently mixed together.
Traditional harling is the Scottish form of wet-dash roughcasting.
In a traditional wet-dash finish, aggregate forms part of the wet finishing mixture before it is cast onto the prepared wall. This creates an irregular, heavily textured appearance where the aggregate and binding material become one finish.
Roughcasting is the broader term frequently used for this type of textured exterior and is often used interchangeably with harling in Scotland.
Pebble dash or dry dash differs in the way the stone is applied. Decorative aggregate is thrown separately onto a fresh render coat, meaning the individual stones remain more exposed.
Modern rendering generally produces a much smoother or finely textured surface and includes systems such as silicone render and K Rend.
If you aren't sure whether the existing finish on your property is harling, roughcast or pebble dash, don't worry. Our team can inspect it and explain the most suitable repair or replacement options.
HARLING OPTIONS WE OFFER
Traditional Wet Dash Harling
The classic Scottish harled appearance, created using an aggregate-containing finishing mixture cast onto a properly prepared exterior.
Lime Harling
Traditional lime-based harling can be particularly appropriate when working with older masonry where breathability and compatibility with historic construction are important. The correct specification should always be selected according to the individual building.
Cement-Based Harling
Different modern substrates and buildings may require different materials. We can assess the existing construction before recommending an appropriate system.
Coloured & Decorative Aggregate
Different aggregate mixtures can alter the colour and texture of the finished exterior, helping the harling complement the style of the property.
Re-Harling Existing Walls
Old harling can deteriorate after years of exposure. We can inspect defective areas, assess the underlying wall and advise whether repairs or more extensive replacement are appropriate.
Harling Repairs
Cracking or isolated damaged areas can sometimes be repaired, although the condition of the surrounding finish and the ability to match the existing texture and colour must be considered.
Harling For Older Properties
Harling is strongly associated with traditional Scottish architecture. When work involves an older, listed or conservation-area property, the existing materials and original appearance need to be carefully considered, and additional permissions may sometimes be required.
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We're proud of our excellent customer feedback
Colin Reid
Used Probuild for a repair to my guttering. They came out to give an estimate within a few days, were polite and professional and very reasonable. The work was carried out a few weeks later when I was at work. The repair looks great and blends in with the original guttering. A few days later I received the invoice. No hesitation in recommending this company.
Life Rau
Very professional and quick. Very easy to communicate with them and arrange quotes and invoices. The person that fixed our roof was polite, respectful of our house and friendly with our dog. He also made no mess and left everything clean and tidy. Very happy to recommend them.
Ange Johnston
The job and communications were carried out very professionally. We were happy with the price and all of the staff were very friendly and courteous. I have already recommended them to family without hesitation.
Tracy Parker
Quickly responded to our enquiry and provided a comprehensive inspection with photos and a very competitive quote. Work commenced quickly and the job was completed on time. The job was reasonably large - chimney stack repair and render, gable end wall repair and render, rear wall strip, repair and render. All six residents (block of flats) happy with the work and the 10 Yr guarantee supplied.
WHY CHOOSE HARLING?
Traditional Scottish Appearance
Few exterior finishes are as closely associated with Scottish buildings as harling. It can retain the traditional character of a property while refreshing a tired exterior.
Weather Protection
Harling has historically been used on exposed buildings because it provides a protective sacrificial coating to the masonry beneath.
Breathable Options
Traditional lime-based harling can allow moisture vapour to move through the wall, which can be particularly important for certain older forms of construction.
Covers Irregular Masonry
The textured surface can complement older stonework and uneven walls where a modern smooth finish would look inappropriate.
Different Textures & Finishes
Aggregate type, colour and application can all influence the finished appearance.
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HARLING, ROUGHCAST OR MODERN RENDER?
If you are deciding how to renovate your exterior, appearance is one of the biggest differences.
Choose Harling if:
You want a traditional Scottish wet-dash appearance or need a finish sympathetic to an existing harled property.
Choose Roughcast if:
You want a robust, strongly textured exterior and would like a choice of wet-dash or decorative aggregate finishes.
Choose Modern Render if:
You prefer a cleaner, smoother or finely textured contemporary exterior with systems such as silicone render or K Rend.
Not sure?
Our team can assess the exterior and help you compare the finishes before you make a decision.
HARLING FAQs
ARRANGE A FREE HARLING QUOTE TODAY
Whether you need repairs to existing harling, complete re-harling or advice on the best exterior finish for your property, contact Probuild Contracts.
We work throughout Edinburgh, the Lothians, Fife, Glasgow, Lanarkshire, Stirling, Falkirk and Central Scotland.
Arrange a free property inspection and no-obligation quotation today.
Serving all of Central Scotland including:
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Glasgow
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Lanarkshire
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Perth
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Scottish Borders
