Pronunciation: [hˈɑːlɪŋ] (IPA) 
The spelling of the word "harling" may be confusing to some because the pronunciation is not immediately obvious. In IPA phonetic transcription, it would be spelled /ˈhɑrlɪŋ/. This breaks down to the "h" sound at the beginning, followed by the "ah" vowel sound, then the "r" consonant sound, and finally the "ling" ending with the "ih" vowel sound. "Harling" may refer to a building technique or a rough-cast material used in construction.
Harling is a term used in the realm of construction and architecture, predominantly in Scotland and some parts of northern England. It refers to a technique of external wall covering that involves applying a layer of roughcast or render to the surface of a building. Harling can be seen as a protective and decorative coating that helps to weatherproof and insulate the walls.
The process of harling typically begins with the application of a base coat, known as a scratch coat, which is a mixture of cement, sand, and water. This initial coat is spread over the wall with a specialist tool, often a trowel or a float, and roughed up with a harling comb to create a rough texture. Then, a second coat called a top coat, which also consists of cement, sand, and water, is applied over the scratch coat. The topcoat can be finished in various ways, such as a smooth texture or a pebble-dash effect, depending on the desired aesthetic.
Harling not only serves as a protective layer against the elements, including rain, wind, and UV rays, but it also enhances the appearance of buildings. It provides a rustic and traditional look, particularly suited for rural or traditional-style architectures. Furthermore, harling helps to conceal imperfections of the underlying wall surface and prevents the growth of algae or moss.
In summary, harling is a technique of external wall covering involving the application of a roughcast or render finish. It acts as a protective and decorative layer, providing weatherproofing and insulation while enhancing the visual appeal of buildings.
The word "harling" is primarily used in Scottish architecture, referring to a traditional method of exterior plastering or roughcasting. The etymology of "harling" is believed to be derived from the Middle English word "herling", which means "to whirl" or "to throw with force". This root word can be traced back to the Old English "hurlan", meaning "to whirl" or "to roll". In the context of Scottish construction, "harling" involves throwing or applying wet mortar onto a surface, usually with a trowel or a brush, followed by a rough texture created by flicking stones or other aggregates onto the surface.
