[Lardman]

When I moved in here there was ivy growing on the front of the house. I managed to get rid of most of it but unfortunately the suckers have left an awful mess.

The problem is its a rough render painted with textured paint rather than brick work, I've read all the wire brush, scrapper and blow torch tips but I either destroy the render / paintwork or leave most of tendrils behind. 

Anyone have any really clever solutions, chemicals or techniques they would share with the class?

[JayG]

If the roots have penetrated the paint surface the damage has already been done; if not I would suggest a pressure washer is the least damaging technique to use.

[stompy]

Can you not use a scraper to get the thick of it off and then paint over it with the textured paint?
I've seen what your on about on other houses and in some respects the fact that yours is rendered and painted is better, as like i said you can paint over it to hide it mostly.

Andy

[RichardA]

if avoiding doing damage is the priority just leave them to dry through the summer and freeze thro a winter and then brush off. Anyother method risks damage that will have to be repaired.
Sorry.
R