Plasterers and Renderers in Hillside
Between Birkdale and Ainsdale, where most of the walls we are called to have already been rendered once.
Second and third coats, one on top of another
Hillside is largely substantial inter-war and post-war housing, and a lot of it was rendered decades ago. That is the thing that makes the work here different: we are rarely looking at a bare wall. We are looking at a wall that has had one finish applied, then a coat of masonry paint, then sometimes a second render skimmed over the top of the first when it started to look tired.
Every layer hides the one underneath, and the one underneath is usually the one that failed. So the job starts with finding out what is actually on there — tapping the elevation for hollowness, opening up a small area at a junction, and working out whether the substrate is sound enough to take anything at all.
Strip it, or coat over it?
That decision is the whole price of the job, and it is the one people most want a quick answer to. Sound, well-keyed render that is simply dated can often be prepared and overclad, which keeps the mess down and the cost sensible. Render that sounds hollow when you tap it, that has cracked in lines rather than a map pattern, or that has lifted at a bellcast, is already off the wall in the places you cannot see and has to come off.
We would rather lose a job at estimate stage than take one on the wrong basis. Putting a new system over a failed one buys perhaps three winters, and when it lets go it takes the new work with it — so the second job costs more than doing it properly the first time would have.
Big roofs, and the rooms people put in them
The other Hillside constant is roof space. These houses were built with generous, steep roofs, and a lot of them now have rooms in them or are about to. Once the structural work and the windows are in, the finish is what people actually live with: coombed ceilings that have to run true into knee walls, apex angles that show every millimetre, and reveals around Velux windows that are the first thing the eye lands on.
New timber also moves as it dries out. Taped joints, beaded angles and proper fixings absorb that; skipping them is why so many finished loft rooms crack along exactly the same lines in their first year.
What we are asked for most in Hillside
External Rendering
Re-rendering tired, cracked and blown elevations — including stripping off failed pebbledash first.
Read moreSilicone Rendering Systems
Breathable, through-coloured render built up over Atlas basecoat and mesh. No paint film to fail.
Read moreLoft Conversions
Coombed ceilings, dormer cheeks and roof-light reveals boarded and skimmed to a straight line.
Read moreInternal Plastering
Skimming, float and set, ceilings and repairs. Flat walls that take paint evenly and stay that way.
Read moreQuestions from Hillside customers
Can you render straight over the render that is already on our house?
Only if what is there is genuinely sound. We tap the whole elevation first, because hollow render is off the wall whether it looks it or not. Overcladding a failed coat buys a couple of winters and then takes the new work off with it, so we will tell you honestly which of the two your wall is.
How do you know what is under the existing finish?
By opening a small area up at a junction or a reveal before pricing, as well as tapping it. It takes half an hour and it is the difference between a written estimate that holds and one that changes once the scaffold is up.
Do you cover Hillside?
Yes, and constantly — it sits between Birkdale and Ainsdale and we are working on one side of it or the other most weeks. We are based on Sheepfold Close in Southport, so it is a few minutes away.
Can I see work you have done near Hillside?
The gallery on this site is all our own work across Southport and the coast, grouped by service. If you want to see something specific — a silicone render, a media wall, a restored ceiling — ask when you call and we will point you at the relevant photos.
What customers say
4.7 out of 5 from 12 reviews on Google. Every review below is verbatim from that profile.
Anthony's just finished skimming the lounge. He prepared it all thoroughly and was so conscientious throughout. He arrived punctual in the mornings and never stopped until it was finished. He's done a brilliant job the room looks immaculate. He left it so clean and tidy afterwards. We would recommend him to anyone.
Anthony has done a fantastic job on our rendering. Excellent communication from start to finish and has always been responsive. He has turned up every day early and has left the place spotless. Couldn't fault the service and would use again and recommend to others. Thank you so much.
Anthony rendered the gable wall and single storey kitchen of my house. He did an excellent job of the work. Anthony fully explained the process and where he was up to as it progressed. He made sure that surrounding area and walls were protected from any debris or render during the process and did an excellent job of cleaning up both as it progressed and at the end. Anthony was also a pleasure to deal with as a tradesman. In addition his price was really competitive compared to other renderers who quoted. When I get the rest of the house re-rendered I will certainly be using Birkdale Plastering and Rendering.
I recently had the front of my house rendered by birkdale plastering and rendering, and couldn't be happier with the results. From start to finish Anthony was professional, friendly and highly skilled. The quality of the rendering is outstanding, giving my home a fresh, modern look. Anthony paid great attention to detail, kept everything tidy and completed the job on time. If you're looking for expert rendering services I highly recommend birkdale plastering and rendering. Fantastic workmanship and excellent customer service. Thank you Anthony!
Anthony did an amazing job re-rendering our bungalow. The finish is flawless, and our home looks brand new! Professional, tidy, and efficient from start to finish. Highly recommend Birkdale Plastering and Rendering. Thanks again!
Anthony is prompt, professional and friendly in nature. He arrived when he said he would and completed all plastering work to an excellent standard. He also did an amazing job with my coving. I would 100% recommend him for all plastering work 😊 ...
Get a free written estimate
Tell us what the walls are doing and we will come and look. You will get an honest assessment and a written price, with no obligation and no pressure.
Get in touch
Tell us what the walls are doing and we will come and look. Free written estimate, no obligation.
- Phone 07923 545449
- Email anthony9thompson@yahoo.co.uk
- Address 2 Sheepfold Cl., Southport PR8 6RL
- Opening hours Every day, 7am – 8pm