
Trusted by over 1,100 customers across leading review platforms





ALL TRADES IN-HOUSE, ALL WORK OVERSEEN BY BUSINESS OWNER & COME WITH A WRITTEN GUARANTEE
.jpeg)
EXPERIENCED ROUGHCASTERS IN EDINBURGH
Roughcasting has been used on Scottish homes for generations, providing the distinctive textured exterior seen on properties throughout Edinburgh, the Lothians and Central Scotland.
As well as changing the appearance of a building, correctly installed roughcast provides a hard-wearing protective finish to the exterior walls underneath.
At Probuild Contracts, our roughcasters work on properties ranging from traditional houses and bungalows to larger residential, tenement and commercial buildings.
We can replace tired and failing roughcast, renovate complete elevations and apply new roughcast as part of wider exterior property improvement projects.
Preparation is one of the most important stages of any roughcasting project.
Cracked, loose or hollow existing material should not simply be hidden beneath another coating. Our team will inspect the exterior, identify areas requiring attention and properly prepare the walls before the new system is installed.
This creates a stronger foundation for the finished roughcast and helps achieve a consistent, professional appearance.
ROUGHCASTING, HARLING AND RENDERING – WHAT'S THE DIFFERENCE?
The terms roughcasting, harling, pebble dash and rendering are often used interchangeably, particularly in Scotland.
Technically there are some differences.
Roughcasting is a textured form of exterior render incorporating aggregate such as small stones or gravel. Traditional roughcast has the aggregate mixed into the finishing coat before application.
Harling is the Scottish term traditionally associated with this wet-dash roughcasting method, making harling and traditional roughcast extremely closely related.
Dry dash or pebble dash uses a different application method. The aggregate is cast separately onto a freshly applied render coat, leaving the decorative stone more visibly exposed.
Smooth or silicone rendering creates a much finer and more uniform appearance without the heavily textured stone finish associated with roughcasting.
For homeowners, however, the most important consideration is not terminology. It is choosing the finish that suits the property and making sure the underlying walls are correctly prepared.
Probuild can show you the available finishes and recommend an appropriate system for your home.
ROUGHCAST FINISHES & SERVICES
New Roughcasting
A clean, uniform exterior finish that can dramatically modernise an older property. Smooth rendering can also be painted in a wide choice of colours.
Replacement Roughcast
Modern silicone-based rendering systems provide a highly water-repellent yet breathable exterior finish. They are available in numerous colours and typically produce a clean, finely textured appearance.
Wet Dash Roughcast
K Rend is a popular coloured rendering system used on properties throughout Scotland. It provides a modern appearance without the need to continually repaint traditional exterior render.
Harling
K Rend is a popular coloured rendering system used on properties throughout Scotland. It provides a modern appearance without the need to continually repaint traditional exterior render.
HARLING SERVICES
Dry Dash / Pebble Dash
With a dry-dash finish, clean decorative aggregate is cast onto a freshly applied receiver coat rather than being mixed into it. Different aggregate sizes and colours allow homeowners to choose from a variety of appearances.
Decorative Aggregate Finishes
Different natural aggregates, stone colours, chip sizes and mixtures can significantly change the finished appearance of a roughcast property.
Roughcast Repairs
Where appropriate, damaged areas can be inspected to determine whether localised repair is practical or whether more extensive replacement would provide a better long-term result.
Roughcasting & Exterior Renovation
Because Probuild provides roofing, guttering, masonry and other building services, roughcasting can also form part of a complete exterior renovation. This can be particularly useful where deterioration is connected to leaking gutters, defective masonry, roof problems or other exterior defects.
You can see some of our recent work on Facebook or click here for more
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 ROUGHCAST A PROPERTY?
Weather Protection
A properly installed exterior finish provides an additional layer of protection to the masonry from Scotland's wind and driving rain.
Transform The Appearance
Replacing old, stained or damaged roughcast can dramatically improve the appearance of a property.
Hide Uneven Masonry
The heavily textured appearance of roughcast can work particularly well on older exterior walls where a completely smooth finish may not be desirable.
Choice Of Finishes
Modern aggregates are available in numerous colours, sizes and combinations, allowing the appearance to be matched to surrounding properties or changed completely.
Suitable For Traditional Scottish Homes
Roughcasting remains a popular exterior finish throughout Scotland and complements many traditional houses, cottages, bungalows and suburban properties.
.jpeg)
OUR ROUGHCASTING PROCESS
.jpeg)
Property Inspection
We inspect the walls and existing exterior finish to determine what preparation will be necessary.
Preparation
Loose or defective materials are dealt with and the surface is prepared for the new system.
Base & Reinforcement
The appropriate base coats, beads and reinforcement are installed according to the requirements of the property and chosen system.
Roughcast Application
Your chosen textured finish and aggregate are professionally applied across the prepared exterior.
Detailing
Careful attention is paid around windows, doors, corners, sills, pipework and adjoining surfaces.
Final Inspection
The completed exterior is inspected and the working area cleaned before completion.
ROUGHCASTING FAQs
GET A FREE ROUGHCASTING QUOTE
If your existing roughcast is cracked, loose, stained or past its best, or you are considering roughcasting your property for the first time, contact Probuild Contracts.
Our experienced roughcasters cover Edinburgh, East Lothian, Midlothian, West Lothian, Fife, Glasgow, Lanarkshire, Stirling, Falkirk and Central Scotland.
Arrange your free, no-obligation property inspection and quotation today.

Serving all of Central Scotland including:
-
Glasgow
-
Lanarkshire
-
Perth
-
Scottish Borders































