Cracked Render thats just been applied

[topskull]

I am currently renovating our home which was built in 1835 from a local porous stone.
Having carried out plenty of research we decided to rerendered using a 6:1:1, being six sand, 1 cement, 1 hydrated lime. The top and final coat used a white cement for a rough cast finish, so hopefully no painting would be required.
I employed a local builder and the results have been disappointing in that the agreed sample work has not been reproduced on the rest of the build and cracking has also occurred.
I feel that this is a result of a lack of discipline in everything from keeping equipment clean, inconsistent mixes, and three different people having ago at roughcasting!
I am at the point of writing to the builder and any suggestions on how to resolve the matter would be appreciated!

 

[noseall]

many 'builders', even experienced all rounders are of the opinion that external renderings/coatings are a specialist product. and to be honest it is the first thing people see when looking at your house.

a very large part (visually) indeed.

i am skilled at float and set plastering but tackling external sand and cement jobs are highly specialist.

i'm not saying i can't render, or that if i did it day in day out that i would become competent. but i'm certainly not up to the standard now where i would be happy if i had to live with it.

 

[topskull]

I agree, but I employed a local builder and now 'we' must find a solution. My first step isto send a letter explainning my dissatisfaction.............

 

[noseall]

My first step isto send a letter explainning my dissatisfaction.............

excellent start.

 

[janz70]

would have thought the cement finish was a no no, as your defeating the point of the lime sand mix, it wont allow the walls to breath

Im no expert but the underlayer has probably expanded and contracted faster than the outer cement finish coat so causing cracks

PS Have you paid the builder yet - as your within your rights to withhold a percentagre until it is completed to your satisfaction.

I would contact a speacialist tell them what the builder has done and materials used and see if they were incompatable - use this as evidence for remedial work

 

[roughcaster]

PS Have you paid the builder yet - as your within your rights to withhold a percentagre until it is completed to your satisfaction.

This post is nearly 4 and a half years old Janz,,,, i think the builder would have been paid long ago, and spent the lot by now!!

 

[janz70]

oops - didnt see that