Summary: Learn how to make repairs to an exterior wall, patch exterior render and repoint the mortar between the bricks or blocks.
Render is an all-over coating made up of a mix of cement, lime and plasterer's sand. An area of damaged render can be easily repaired and should be applied in two coats.
Apply the first coat of render using a gauging trowel, pushing it firmly into the hole at a level slightly lower than the wall surface.
Pointing is the mortar between the bricks or blocks in a wall. If this mortar is damaged, you should consult a structural engineer to determine whether this is a sign of serious structural problems. If the problem is only caused by settlement, repointing work can be carried out.
Heap the mortar on the back of a pointing trowel and apply to the joints between the bricks using a brick jointer.
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