K-rend cracking and the job isn't even finished

[G jones]

I am in the process of having the gable wall k-rendered. The workmen where supposed to continue with the work today, they where meant to start it a month ago, have it all completed but they have done 2 days and half a day 3 hrs so far. Today they turned up but cleared off, I was showing a friend the wall and noticed so many cracks in the k-rend and when tapped it sounds hollow! Rang the workman, told him, asked why he cleared off today and he said he would turn up on Monday morning to look at all the cracks in the k-rend. I've had enough of all the messing around.  What needs to be done to resolve the k-rend cracking? Knock it off and start again? Any advice would be gratefully appreciated. Thank you 

 

 

 

 

Edited May 21, 2022 by G jones
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[Nickfromwales]

Hi. Sorry to hear of your issues. 
For us to help, we need to know what this has been applied on top of.  Please give as much additional info as you can. 

[Conor]

Is there mesh in the base coat?

What was the weather like? Any direct sun?

[G jones]

21 minutes ago, Nickfromwales said:

Hi. Sorry to hear of your issues. 
For us to help, we need to know what this has been applied on top of.  Please give as much additional info as you can. 

43 minutes ago, G jones said:

I am in the process of having the gable wall k-rendered. The workmen where supposed to continue with the work today, they where meant to start it a month ago, have it all completed but they have done 2 days and half a day 3 hrs so far. Today they turned up but cleared off, I was showing a friend the wall and noticed so many cracks in the k-rend and when tapped it sounds hollow! Rang the workman, told him, asked why he cleared off today and he said he would turn up on Monday morning to look at all the cracks in the k-rend. I've had enough of all the messing around.  What needs to be done to resolve the k-rend cracking? Knock it off and start again? Any advice would be gratefully appreciated. Thank you 

 

 

 

 

[G jones]

Thanks for your replies.

 

Due to the property being old, it had a sand and cement render, there has been a sealant applied prior to the k-rend and a mesh has been used. It's not been overly hot or sunny. The photos of that part of the wall, that render had 2 coats 2 weeks ago, now it looks like a spiders web with all the cracks. 

Some of the cracks have appeared where the wall is shaded.  He was supposed to complete the work today but he just cleared off. 

 

 

[Nickfromwales]

Oh dear! 
That walls does not seem very sympathetic to directly covering with a thin coat render system. 
@nod ?  ( he’s the in-house plaster god, so let’s see what he has to say ).

Edited May 21, 2022 by Nickfromwales

[G jones]

I'm just thinking of sacking this fella and get someone else to do the job. A month in, he's made an absolute mess in the 2 days and 3 hrs he did turned up. Never got an explanation of why he cleared off today. My neighbours are going to have a word with him on Monday over getting the work rectified. He's not getting any £ until he sorts this out. 

[nod]

40 minutes ago, Nickfromwales said:

Oh dear! 
That walls does not seem very sympathetic to directly covering with a thin coat render system. 
@nod ?  ( he’s the in-house plaster god, so let’s see what he has to say ).

As always Nick 

Spot on 

The preparation work on something like this is key

The whole surface must have several coats of R10 K sealer Around £40 a tub So not cheap 

As already pointed out A fibre mesh should also be applied Then 10-15 mil of top coat 

Unfortunately It will all have to be knocked 

Sorry

[G jones]

Many thanks for your reply, he used one tub of sealant before applying the k-rend, he has used mesh, but I am wondering if he's applied it to the whole area. When I have tapped the wall where all the cracks are and it all sounds hollow. Shall see what he says on Monday when he turns up. 

[nod]

The K Rend rep will come out and give his  informed opinion 

[Chanmenie]

8 hours ago, G jones said:

Many thanks for your reply, he used one tub of sealant before applying the k-rend, he has used mesh, but I am wondering if he's applied it to the whole area. When I have tapped the wall where all the cracks are and it all sounds hollow. Shall see what he says on Monday when he turns up. 

If he turns up 

[G jones]

Thanks Nod, how do I contact the k-rend rep? Do you have any contact details please? 

[Makeitstop]

My experience of various people that have ever done any of this kind of work for me tells me this guy has no idea what he's doing.

 

If you've paid him nowt to date, then you are set to bin him and find an alternative.

 

I would categorically not listen to anything he has to offer by way of excuses. Those who know how it's done know how to avoid these problems.

 

Be firm, and good luck in sorting it.