Removing ivy "holdfasts"

[Tim Downie]

I don't know if that is what they're called but I'm sure you know what I mean.

seem to be a right b*gger to remove. I've tried wire brushing, pressure washing, pressure washing + wire brush and lastly blowtorch + wire brush.

The last has been the most successful but I'm a bit worried about damaging the rendering and am wondering if there's anything a bit less aggressive that might do the job.

Yes, I know an angle grinder would do it but I'm after *less* aggressive. ;-)

Tim

[The Natural Philosopher]

Just leave then a few years and (pressure) wash off.

Then repaint.

I believe bleach helps the process as well.

[Lobster]

Pressure washing worked for me, but there was still a risk of blasting off the crappy old underlying pebbledash didn't get it all off. TBH though, the Sandtex paint I applied subsequently was absolutely brilliant: covered a multitude of sins and no sign of it coming away even where the odd 'holdfast' (or, as you say, whatever they're called!) remained underneath!

David

[The Medway Handyman]

Pressure washer in't big enough! Hire one with a 3kw motor or a 5.5 hp engine.