Harl

Harl is a special rough plaster, which is traditionally used in the western areas of Scotland and northern England as external plaster. He has a very high weather resistance and is well adapted to the climate humid conditions in these regions. Usually it is applied to stand-alone buildings or exposed façade surfaces. Due to its large surface area have Harl - plastered facades high evaporation rates and thus avoid the formation of cracks due to moisture.

Harl is a clay plaster, are introduced into the small pebbles. For plastering an area with a layer of clay Harl is first applied to the masonry. By means of a special device the Harl is then cast on this layer, so that the stones to a certain extent in the Lehmfläche sink and a connection is made. Harl is usually applied in a layer thickness of up to 2.5 cm. Pebbles produce this, a rough surface which acts not only ornamental, but also reduces the speed of the front run-down rain and thus reduces the weathering. In addition, it allows compensating for irregularities of rubble stone walls. Harl can be inked before use with pigments, such as lime. For optical harmonization with decorative elements made of red sandstone, a slight pink color is produced by the admixture of sandstone dust, while brownish colors are achieved by displacement with liquid manure.

In particular, in the Hebrides Harl was often used as external plaster. For example, all of the 19th century building along the main street of Port Charlotte are plastered with Harl. Also on the facades of many historical castles, manors and country houses the Harling technique was applied.