FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Q. How much does exterior wall coating cost?
A. Every property is different, so the cost depends on factors such as the size of your home, the condition of the existing walls, access requirements, preparation and repairs needed, and the coating system selected. SmartShield provides a free home survey followed by a clear, no-obligation written quotation.
Q. How is exterior wall coating different from normal masonry paint?
A. Specialist exterior wall coatings are designed to provide a thicker, more durable and longer-lasting protective finish than conventional masonry paint. The SmartShield process also includes thorough preparation and any necessary repairs before the coating is professionally applied, rather than simply painting over the existing surface.
Q. How long does exterior wall coating last?
A. When correctly specified, prepared and professionally applied, specialist exterior wall coatings are designed to provide many years of protection. Our primary Andura coating systems are available with guarantees of up to 15 years when installed in accordance with the relevant manufacturer requirements.
Q. Will you repair cracks and damaged render before applying the coating?
A. Yes. Proper preparation is one of the most important stages of the SmartShield process. We assess cracks, loose or damaged render and other surface defects before coating, and the preparation and repairs required will be detailed as part of your proposed works.
Q. Can exterior wall coating be applied over pebbledash?
A. In many cases, yes. Specialist wall coatings can be used to protect and transform tired, weathered or discoloured pebbledash. During your free survey, we will inspect the existing surface and recommend the most appropriate preparation, coating system and finish for your property.
Q. Is the coating waterproof and breathable?
A. Our specialist coating systems are designed to provide excellent resistance to the British weather while allowing the underlying walls to breathe. The exact performance characteristics depend on the product and substrate, so we specify the most appropriate system following an assessment of your property.
Q. Can wall coating help with penetrating damp?
A. Exterior wall coatings and specialist water-repellent treatments can help protect suitable walls against rainwater penetration. However, damp can have several different causes. Our survey will assess the exterior condition of your property and determine whether a wall coating, waterproofing treatment or another solution is appropriate.
Q. How long does the installation normally take?
A. Many residential wall-coating projects are completed within approximately 4–5 working days. The exact timescale depends on the size and condition of the property, the amount of preparation required and weather conditions. We will give you an estimated programme before installation begins.
Q. Do I need to be at home while the work is being carried out?
A. Usually not. Most of the work takes place externally, so customers do not generally need to remain at home throughout the installation. We will discuss any access requirements with you before work starts and keep you informed throughout the project.
Q. Access to the side of my property is very narrow. Can you still coat the walls?
A. In most cases, yes. Our surveyor will assess access during your free home survey and recommend the safest and most practical solution. This may involve scaffolding or alternative access equipment depending on the layout of the property.
Q. Can you coat three-storey or taller properties?
A. Yes. SmartShield can undertake work on multi-storey properties, subject to a site survey and suitable access arrangements. We will assess the scaffolding, safety and application requirements before providing your quotation.
Q. I’m planning new windows, doors or a conservatory. Should I wait before requesting a quote?
A. No. We can still survey your property and advise on the best order in which to complete the work. If new windows, doors or a conservatory could affect access, preparation or the coating area, we will take this into account when preparing your quotation.
Q. My home is on a busy road. How will the coating cope with traffic dirt?
A. Our exterior coating systems are designed to provide a durable, weather-resistant finish that is easier to maintain than many conventional painted surfaces. Light surface dirt can often be removed with gentle cleaning, helping the exterior of your home retain its appearance for longer.
Q. Do I need to arrange a skip or dispose of waste myself?
A. No. Where waste removal is required, SmartShield will normally arrange the necessary collection as part of the project, so you do not have to organise it yourself. Any specific waste or access requirements will be discussed before work begins.
Q. Will I need to repaint my home after the coating has been applied?
A. One of the principal benefits of specialist exterior wall coating is reducing the need for frequent exterior repainting. The coating is designed to provide a long-lasting, colour-stable protective finish, provided it is correctly maintained and remains within the conditions for which it was specified.
Q. What happens when I request a free quote?
A. We will contact you to discuss your property and arrange a convenient home survey where required. We will assess the existing walls, access, preparation and appropriate coating system before providing a clear written quotation. The survey is free and there is no obligation to proceed.

