How to repair rendered wall and options for paving?

Said01

Hi Everyone,

I'm looking for some help with a couple of issues for the house and I have limited DIY experience. I have noticed a long horizontal crack develop gradually over the last two years over the front facing rendered wall leading to the front door (long grey wall in the pic).

I suspect it was related to settling of the house and moisture seeping in and expanding the cracks further. It was patched up by the builder but has been left as is and doesn't look great for the house aesthetics. I am looking to repair this but not sure how to best approach it or whether it would be best to get a professional rendering service done.

The second issue is that I am thinking of creating a paving path starting from the front of the house that wraps around the large rendered wall that is about half a meter wide - I thought this may also help to prevent further issues with moisture as the soil and grass comes right up in contact with the rendered wall (I was thinking something similar to the last photo example with stepping stones+pebbles).

However, I was not sure what the best paving option would be that would give the best water/moisture protection for the wall (stepping stones with pebbles, pebbles only, stackbond etc) - if anyone has any recommendations it would be greatly appreciated!

Smaller cracks adjacent to the main wallCrack along rendered wall patched up with silicone and plasterSecondary cracks along renderSome weathering and paint cracksFront facing rendered wall

Example of stepping stone and pebble path

EricL

Hello @Said01 

Welcome to the Bunnings Workshop community. It's sensational to have you join us and thanks for sharing your question about your rendered wall.

It sounds like you're dealing with a couple of common home maintenance issues, and it's great that you're looking to address them thoughtfully. For the horizontal crack in your rendered wall, it's likely due to natural settling and moisture intrusion, as you've suspected. Given that the builder's patch hasn't held up aesthetically, you might consider redoing the repair yourself, especially since the crack has been stable over the past two years.

A product like the Poly Exterior Brick and Render Masonry could be suitable for this task. It's designed for exterior use and can handle cracks in render, providing a durable finish that's paintable to match your existing wall colour. Before applying, ensure you clean out any loose material from the crack and dampen the area slightly to help the filler adhere properly. After the filler has dried, you can sand it smooth and apply a matching exterior paint for a seamless look.
 

However, if you feel that the repair is just out of reach especially the long-damaged section above the entrance. I suggest engaging the services of a professional to patch the damage for you.  

Regarding the paving path to mitigate moisture issues, creating a barrier between the soil and your wall is a smart move. Using stepping stones surrounded by pebbles can be both functional and visually appealing. Products like the WestStone 30 50cm Natural Schist Stepping Stone offer a natural look, while Ki Carma Garden Products River Pebble Landscape Stones can provide excellent drainage around the stones. This combination helps prevent water from pooling near your wall, reducing the risk of further moisture-related issues.

If you're looking for a more structured paving solution, permeable pavers like the Strol PebbleLock Permeable Pavers or Strol SurePave Plastic Pavers are designed to allow water to drain through, which can be beneficial in managing moisture around your home's foundation. These systems are relatively straightforward to install and can be filled with gravel or pebbles for an attractive finish.

Remember to ensure proper grading away from your home when installing any paving to direct water flow away from the foundation.

If you need further assistance, please let us know.

Eric