Cracked coping on gable end, how to fix?

[scottS3]

Hi, in the pics below it shows the cement coping(?) on the gable end of my cottage is cracked/breaking away.

How would I go about fixing this? As I understand I'd need to break off all the loose stuff, clean up the surface underneath, then coat it with water/pva mix, then build up cement layers. Is this correct?

Also when it comes to cement mixing etc I have no idea what I'm doing, my dad suggested to buy a pre-mixed product rather than mix my own as I'd just make a mess of it, has anyone got reccomendations of pre-mixed products to do a job like this?


I would get a contractor in to do it, but I guess I better get it done before the real bad weather comes and learn something about it myself in the process.
Pic 1



Pic 2

TIA for your advice.

[mrmaggit]

Looks like water impregnation and freeze/thaw damage to me. I'd say you were looking at getting a replacement rather than repair, tbh.

[scottS3]

Thanks for the reply, yes a complete replacement would be good but quite expensive? Really what I want to do is make it good for winter, I'm only at home for another 2 weeks then away for a month.

[freecar]

Replace it yourself!

Is the material underneath the concrete lump sound? Would you be able to screw some boards to it?

If so you can make up a frame of wooden planks to act as a mould, put on a lid with a gap at the very top and pour in your concrete!

I've used a "hanson" premixed mortar and it was really good for laying slabs and setting pebbles in! I'm not sure if they do a concrete one as mine was essentially sand and cement.

[andy43]

[mrmaggit]

Agree, but only as a temporary fix, maybe this winter, max.

[scottS3]

Yes thats what my intention was, for repairing it myself - just to get through the winter then probably get it completely redone next year when I have more cash.

[dave_s13]

If it's only temporary then just knock out the bad stuff and fill with mortar.

You can buy premixed bags or just get some sand/cement and mix it 3 to 1 - water until it feels "right" and just gob it in there. It should be reet until you can get it done properly.

It might be worth adding half a cup of plasticiser to the mix too.

Hardest bit will be getting up there to do the job. Are you Ok with heights and do you have some decent ladders? I'm not/don't.

Bear in mind though, you could get it al wrong and 3end up with a leaky roof - it may well still be watertight if the crack is only superficial.

Have you ever used mybuilder.com? Post the job on there, you might get someone offering to do it for not much more than the materials will cost you.

[scottS3]

I,ve never used that site before, is it any good?

[mrmaggit]

Use the flashband for a temporary repair, you should be done in 10-15 minutes. Then make a mould next year and cast a one-piece replacement. Or get someone to do it for you.

Don't prat about lugging mortar up there.

[dave_s13]

It can be yes.

I've used it before, got quotes but then things happened that meant the work didn't go ahead. The chap that came round for one job seemed decent enough.

Costs you nothing to register and put the job up. You'll get a few quotes to give you an idea if DIY is actually worth your while.

The only thing that would put me off your job is the access. I'm not good up ladders, at all.

[blackcab]

That needs doing properly, its heavier than it looks - I would be worried about it slipping on the roof and knocking the mother in law out

Should only be £40/£50 to get a local contractor to do it - not worth you messing about with

[scottS3]

I have been quoted £200 to do the one in the pic and £850 fo all four to be repaird - the other three not pictured just have cracks in them.

[blackcab]

scottS3 said:

I have been quoted £200 to do the one in the pic and £850 fo all four to be repaird - the other three not pictured just have cracks in them.

get some more quotes - I would have said £250 tops to do the lot

Try Mj Wilcocks - I think he is up near you

[mrmaggit]

You'd be better off getting new replacements than trying to fix the existing.