Why shouldn’t external rendering touch the ground?
When applying rendering to the exterior of your property, it’s crucial that the finish stops just above ground level.
❌ It should never run all the way down to meet the ground.
If rendering touches the ground, it traps moisture. This creates a bridge for water to wick upwards into the wall via capillary action, a process known as rising damp.
Over time, this trapped moisture can lead to:
💧 Damp patches on internal walls
💧 Damage to plaster and decorations
💧 A breakdown of the render itself
✅ Correctly finished rendering should stop cleanly just above ground level. This is a small detail that makes a big difference in protecting your home.
If you're unsure about your property's render or suspect moisture problems, it’s worth getting it checked by a qualified surveyor: https://www.timberwise.co.uk/request-a-survey/