A facade is the front or face of a building where the facility entrance will be located. It is the exterior part of the building that is visible from the outside and it is usually the first thing potential customers see when they approach the building. So, to keep good impressions, facade cleaning is essential. Facades can be made from many materials such as glass, stone, wood or metals such as stainless steel and aluminium, all of which will need to be cleaned using different cleaning methods and agents.
In this blog, we will provide you with everything you need to know about how to keep your facade clean.
What is Facade Cleaning?
Facade cleaning refers to the process of cleaning and maintaining the facade of a building, this can include cleaning the windows, walls and roof. It is essential to maintain the aesthetic appearance of a building and to prevent the build-up of dirt and grime.
The facade of a building will be exposed to several environmental factors such as pollution, weather conditions and dirt. Also, pollutants on your facade such as bird mess can be corrosive and any damage to brickwork can cause serious structural damage so having regular cleaning can reduce the risk of needing to pay for repairs.
Regular maintenance of a building facade serves as a proactive measure in prolonging the life of a building whilst also minimising the risk of the exterior deteriorating, leading to corrosion of materials and further damage. If facades are left untreated with issues, this can lead to permanent damage and costly repairs, so it’s worthwhile to book in for regular cleaning.
Why is it important to Clean Facades Regularly?
Aesthetics of the building
The appearance of your building is very important when it comes to inviting potential customers. A well-maintained facade can be a show of professionalism and high quality which will entice customers. The look of the building represents the business and a clean building gives the impression that the owners care about their image and not just money, which may be more appealing to customers.
Health and Safety
A dirty facade can be a breeding ground for harmful substances such as mould and bacteria. If the facade is not regularly cleaned these substances can accumulate and create an unhealthy environment.
Furthermore, if the facade is close to an air vent, nasty substances can affect indoor air quality. A variety of health issues can arise due to these contaminants including respiratory problems such as asthma and allergies. So, regular facade cleaning will lead to a healthier building environment, fewer sick days and better productivity!
Maintenance
Regular facade cleaning will prevent damage caused by dirt and grime on the facades. Pollutants can degrade the surface of the facade over time, so cleaning regularly means the contaminants can be removed before they have a chance to cause any significant damage.
Restoration
Regular cleaning of facades can also help to restore the original appearance of a damaged facade.
Damaged facades can be a safety risk to occupants and passersby, as loose materials can fall from the facade and this can cause injury. So getting rid of debris that has built up over time and replacing features of a facade that are rotting away is essential.
Methods of facade cleaning
There are many facade cleaning methods that professionals use, here are some of the common types:
Pressure Washing
Pressure washing is a cleaning method that uses high-pressure water to clean facades. The high pressure is particularly useful for removing stubborn stains and loose paint ready for restorative work.
Chemical Cleaning
Chemical cleaning is a method of facade cleaning that involves the use of chemicals to dissolve dirt, stains and other contaminants on the surface of the facade. The chemicals used for cleaning are formulated to disintegrate the surface contaminants without damaging the facade material
Steam Cleaning
Steam cleaning uses high-temperature steam to remove dirt and grime. Steam is delivered through a nozzle and is sprayed onto the facade. The steam can get into small crevices of the facade, deeply cleansing the dirt. The steam and contaminants are then removed by a vacuum system.
What method of facade cleaning do I need?
The type of material used for the facade will determine what cleaning method can be used. Delicate materials will require a less abrasive cleaning method such as steam cleaning, whereas more durable materials such as brick are suitable for pressure washing.
The accessibility of the facade and the height of the building is also a factor in what cleaning method is best suited. Difficult-to-reach facades will require specialised equipment such as cherry pickers as they can safely reach heights up to 300ft. Whereas with smaller buildings, facade cleaning professionals are more likely to use water-fed poles to pressure wash.
Why hire a facade cleaning professional?
To ensure your facade is cleaned safely and efficiently, you should hire a professional facade cleaning company.
Professional facade cleaners know to determine the most suitable cleaning method for your specific facade, and they can identify any risks or hazards. Facade cleaning can be a dangerous task, especially when cleaning facades at heights, professionals will have access to specialised equipment and will ensure the job is completed safely.
Cleaning facades can be a time-consuming task. Hiring a professional company who have access to equipment and techniques, can save time for you, the business owner.
Here at All Clean London, we offer a regular facade cleaning service which is hassle-free and you will have access to a client portal to check on your bookings and documents. Contact us today if you need help to maintain your facade!