Pargeting, also known as pargetting or roughcasting, refers to the decorative plastering of exterior walls. This technique dates back to medieval times when it was used to protect buildings from the elements and to display religious or political symbols. Synonyms for pargetting include stucco, render, coating, plasterwork, and ornamentation. While each of these terms may have slightly different connotations, they all refer to the same basic process of applying a decorative layer of plaster to the exterior of a building. Pargetting can add texture, color, and interest to a home's façade, and is a popular design element in many architectural styles, including Tudor, Victorian, and Georgian.