Pointing, Harling & Cement Work in Aberdeen
Specialist repointing, wet and dry harling, roughcasting and cement rendering for homes and commercial properties across Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire. Free survey — estimate within 24 hours.
Protecting Aberdeen Homes from the Scottish Weather
At Aberdeen Broomhill Roofing we carry out all aspects of external masonry work: repointing joints, applying cement and render coatings, and finishing with traditional wet harling or modern dry dash roughcasting. Every job is done to last, using nylon-reinforced mixes where appropriate to reduce cracking, and all work is fully guaranteed.
Whether you have a crumbling chimney stack, weathered granite walls or a render coat that’s seen better days, we’ll assess the situation honestly and recommend the right solution for your home.
Why Choose Broomhill?
SERVICE 1
Pointing
Pointing fills and seals the joints between stones or bricks with fresh mortar. Over time these joints crack, shrink and erode, allowing rainwater to penetrate and cause damp, frost damage and structural deterioration. Repointing restores a weathertight seal, strengthens the masonry and improves the appearance of the building. We carry out pointing on chimney stacks, gable ends, walls and pier columns.
Recess Pointing
The mortar is finished slightly set back from the face of the stone or brick, creating a shadow line that enhances the natural texture of the masonry. A popular choice on granite and traditional stone buildings where character is important.
Pier Pointing
Specialist repointing for gate piers, boundary pillars and freestanding masonry columns, where all four faces are exposed to weather. We ensure a durable, consistent finish all round that stands up to the elements.
Flush Pointing
Mortar is applied level and flat with the face of the stone or brick, giving a smooth, even appearance. This is a hardwearing and low-maintenance finish, well suited to high-exposure areas where a clean, uniform look is preferred.
Key Pointing
A slightly concave or V-shaped profile is pressed into the mortar joint, helping to shed rainwater efficiently away from the wall face. An effective and neatly finished option for exposed elevations and chimney stacks.
SERVICE 2
Cement Work & Rendering
Cement rendering provides a protective coating over masonry walls, guarding against rain penetration, improving insulation and giving a fresh, clean finish. We use the right mix and technique for each situation — whether that’s a thin skim coat to restore a tired surface or a full scratch-and-render system on a newly built or repaired wall.
Skim Coat
A thin, smooth finishing coat applied over an existing render or plasterwork surface to restore a flat, even appearance. Ideal for walls where the underlying structure is sound but the surface has become worn, cracked or patchy.
Scratch Coat
The first coat in a two-coat render system, applied to the bare masonry and scratched while still soft to create a key for the topcoat. Essential on new blockwork, repaired sections or any surface that needs a strong mechanical bond before the finishing coat is applied.
Flush Render Coat
A smooth, flat topcoat applied over a prepared surface, giving a clean contemporary finish. Suitable for both traditional and modern properties where a neat rendered appearance is required. Can be left plain or painted once cured.
Roughcasting
A tough, textured finish achieved by throwing a mix of cement and coarse aggregate against the wall. Roughcasting is a traditional and highly effective external coating for Scottish homes — it handles Aberdeen’s wind-driven rain well and requires minimal upkeep once applied correctly.
SERVICE 3
Harling
Harling is the traditional Scottish method of finishing external walls, and it remains one of the best ways to weatherproof a home in this climate. Mortar is thrown onto the wall in a technique that creates a naturally textured surface with excellent weather resistance. We offer both wet harling and dry dash harling, with a wide selection of colours and stone chips to suit your property and personal taste.
Wet Harling
The traditional method — coarse aggregate or chips are thrown into a fresh wet render coat, where they partially embed and partly protrude to create a distinctive rough texture. Wet harling has been used on Scottish homes for centuries and remains an excellent, long-lasting finish for exposed elevations.
Dry Dash Harling
Pre-washed stone chips or aggregate are thrown onto a freshly applied adhesive render coat while it is still wet, then left to harden proud of the surface. Dry dash produces a consistent, heavily textured finish with good weather resistance and is a popular and practical choice across Aberdeenshire.
WIDE CHOICE OF COLOURS & STONES
Harling is available in a broad range of colours and stone types, from natural granite chips to a variety of coloured aggregates and dashes. We provide samples before work begins so you can see exactly how the finish will look on your property — no surprises, just the result you expect.
HOW IT WORKS
Our Simple, No Pressure Process
Getting started is simple. There’s no sales pressure and no cost to find out where you stand.
1. Get in touch
Call us or use the contact form to describe the work you need. We’ll arrange a convenient time to visit.
2. Home Survey
We visit your property, assess the condition of the masonry, pointing or render, and give you honest, practical advice on what needs doing and why.
3. Written Estimate
Within 24 hours of the visit you’ll receive a clear, itemised estimate with no hidden charges. No obligation to proceed.
4. Work begins
Once you’re happy to go ahead, we schedule the job and carry out the work to a high standard, with everything left clean and tidy.