Removal of render above dpc level

[Ricparr]

Hi all,

A year or so ago when we moved into our house the survey advised that the render went to the ground when it should stop above dpc level. He said it should be cut back above dpc and finished with a 'bell cast drip'.

I Cant argue with that prescription as its a 140+ Year old property with plenty of damp problems. This is despite in some cases 2 DPC's injected into wall (there was no original dpc). One of the dpcs was injected straight into the render in 2002, which the damp specialist apparently advised was ok because it was a special type of injection (?).

Anyway this post isn't about damp, but I don't have a huge amount of render experience aside for some lime patching. Does anyone know how I can knock the render off without:

A) taking more off than I should
B) ensuring the finish doesn't look messy
C) ensuring the water runs off the right way

I've heard about 'bell cast drips' but I don't know much about them and whether they can these be done retrospecly? Is there a way I can I can do it without using a mould? If I do need a mould do you have a recommendation?

any advice would be very much appreciated.

Thanks

Richard

 

[ree]

Your best bet for sound advice is to post pics of the rendered elevations - confirmation or further suggestions can then be given.

Snapping a chalk line 200mm above GL will give a cut line.
Using a small angle grinder with a masonry blade (a 115mm costing anything from £20 for a one off tool) to cut along the line - chisel behind pipes etc.
Then using a cold chisel, or brick bolster, knock off the render to bare masonry.

Use a plastic or SS bell cast, use galvenised clout nails (or plug and screw) to pin the bell cast, with the lip about 150mm above GL.
Now mix sand & cement and simply "plaster" the render on to the bellcast - shape it back off the lip.
As the render sets up, blend it in at the cut line. Rub with a piece of wood.

FWIW: the only thing the damp guy is specialised in is lying.