Has the cladding on your property suffered from the effects of weather and time? Is it looking grubby and dull, discoloured by algae, mould, or pollution?
While exterior cladding has many benefits and looks fantastic when first installed, dirt, grime, and organic growth can soon spoil its appearance.
Worse still, it can also damage the cladding and its fixtures, landing you with hefty bills for repair or replacement. Also, broken panels allow water and moisture inside, potentially ruining the walls beneath. This can cause problems with dampness and mould, and higher energy bills due to heat loss through the compromised cladding.
The good news is that Uniwash Team will restore your exterior cladding to like-new condition with our expert cladding cleaning service!
As professional cladding cleaners, we have several specialist techniques available. In fact, cladding cleaning is only part of our overall service: we also specialise in the cleaning of driveways, patios, playgrounds, roofs, and renders, to name a few.
This gives us access to the best and most up-to-date methods and equipment, which we combine with a high degree of training to deliver perfect results.
Here are some of the tools and methods we use to clean cladding surfaces:
This ingenious machine was developed by Stonehealth Ltd as a means of cleaning masonry on older buildings without damaging vulnerable surfaces. It's so effective that heritage preservation organisations, such as the National Trust and English Heritage, regularly request DOFF cleaning for their properties.
Although made to clean stone, DOFF steam cleaning is a versatile system that's ideal for many other purposes, including cladding cleaning.
The machine works by spraying superheated water (at around 150º c) onto the surface at low pressure, where the steam breaks down dirt, organic matter, and other contaminants. It then evaporates, leaving the area clean and dry within minutes!
TORC was created from the earlier JOS system by Stonehealth Ltd who designed the DOFF system above.
This machine differs in that it uses specially designed nozzles that form a swirling vortex of water mixed with fine granules (calcium carbonate, usually) and a mild detergent. Again, the hose is set to low pressure, so there is no danger of damage to the cladding surface.
Both DOFF and TORC are considered eco-friendly options as they don't use harsh chemicals. They also use far less water and energy than other cleaning methods, giving them a lower carbon footprint.
There's nothing like a powerful blast of cold water to shift grime! Even so, if it's too powerful there's a real risk of causing damage, especially when using industrial-grade machines.
Our cleaning technicians receive extensive training in the use of all specialist equipment, including pressure washers, so you can be confident that they will fulfill the task efficiently and without damaging your cladding.
As a pressure washer doesn't use detergents or heated water, it sometimes needs a helping hand to remove stubborn dirt and stains. That's why we often use the pressure washer to rinse down areas that have been cleaned using another method.
This is frequently confused with pressure washing, although the machines and methods are not the same. While pressure washing generally uses cold water, a jet/power washing system relies on hot water.
Once again, high-pressure washing is not recommended for most types of cladding, so the machine must be adjusted to take this into account. Also, the nozzle must never be held too close to the surface and the jet must be set to spray rather than a thin stream.
The soft wash system is fairly complex and takes extensive training to use. This system uses a series of tanks and hoses that combine water and cleaning solutions to form a foam that's sprayed gently onto the surface and left for a while to take effect.
Active ingredients within the solution break down stubborn dirt, stains, and organic growth, which is rinsed away leaving the cladding clean and fresh.
The cleaning solutions we use are non-toxic and safe for use in all environments.
This brilliant device uses purified water that's pushed through long poles and sprayed onto the cladding surface. The long poles allow us to clean cladding from floor level, avoiding the need for scaffolding or MEWPs (mobile elevated working platforms).
Purified water is perfect for pulling out ingrained dirt from cladding surfaces. It gets into the tiniest creases and cracks, flushing out grit and grime that might otherwise cause problems that compromise the lifespan of your cladding.
We will clean any type of cladding, whatever material it is made from.
Our specialist machines, training, and experience enable us to handle all forms of cladding materials and types, including these examples:
These are the most popular cladding types in the UK, and yours will probably belong to one of these groups. However, no matter what type of cladding you have, Uniwash Team has the expertise and the tools to get it spotlessly clean.
Yes, and this is an extremely important point!
For example, when we are booked for an aluminium cladding cleaning project, we would generally avoid pressure washing the surface as this could damage the metal panels.
For metal cladding cleaning, we would recommend the DOFF or Soft Wash method.
Likewise, with timber cladding, you need to be very cautious when using a pressure washer or jet wash system. This is particularly so if the wood has been treated or coated, as the jet of water will strip away the coating.
For composite or UPVC cladding cleaning, we would probably select the Soft Wash method. A branded UPVC cladding cleaner might be fine for general washing, although do check the label for any harmful ingredients, especially bleaches or harsh chemicals that might discolour or eat into the surface (zinc cladding is especially vulnerable to discolouration from harsh cleaning products).
You also want to avoid anything that is hazardous to health, particularly if there are children or pets around. All the cleaning chemicals we use are safe, but we still recommend that pets and children are kept away from the area until the surfaces are dry.
Soft Washing is also a preferred option when we clean stone cladding or brick slips (although DOFF and TORC are equally good) as it is gentle but highly effective.
Uniwash Team cleaning technicians will always assess your cladding carefully and choose the best method of getting it spotless.
Anyone who has exterior cladding on their building can take advantage of our specialist cladding cleaning services!
Here are some examples of our areas of expertise:
From a business perspective, you need to make a positive impression on clients, customers, and staff. This means that all exterior surfaces on commercial properties have to be clean and well-maintained.
Whether it's shops, offices, or industrial units, we offer cladding cleaning services for all kinds of commercial buildings. It's vitally important to keep your external cladding panels free from dirt, pollution, and organic matter to maintain a positive image and protect your building from the elements.
Cladding on modern buildings looks crisp, smart, and appealing - but only when it's kept clean!
Residential building cladding is also popular because it offers improved insulation and protects the structure from adverse weather conditions. Dirt, grime, and organic growth can attack the surface and damage the fittings, which is why it's essential to give your cladding a thorough clean.
Clean cladding increases kerb appeal and boosts your chances of a quick sale when your property is on the market.
And even if you're not selling your home, keeping your cladding looking fresh sets your property apart from the rest. It also lengthens the lifespan of your cladding, reducing the amount you spend on repair and replacement.
It's a well-known fact that local authorities are often strapped for cash. Each year, budgets are slashed and services have to be trimmed back. Still, they are expected to maintain the buildings in their care, and some of these have exterior cladding that is exposed to airborne pollutants, algae, moss, etc.
Uniwash Team offers a cost-effective solution that will restore the look of these buildings without breaking the budget.
These tend to be on a grand scale, so they require more work. They are very visible because of their size, and the massive surface area will attract all kinds of dirt.
Metal cladding is a popular choice for covering these buildings, although other cladding types are used. Rust can be an issue with metal cladding, particularly on unfinished cut edges or around the fittings. This can leave unsightly orange or brown stains and will eventually cause the fittings to fail.
Uniwash Team cleaning technicians will take all this in their stride and will get the cladding cleaned to a high standard. We will check each panel during the inspection and keep a careful eye on things throughout the cleaning process.
Aside from small industrial units, we also handle large factories and warehouses, applying the same level of skill and dedication to get your cladding clean to a high standard.
While many of these buildings are on industrial estates, you still want them to present a professional image that makes a positive impression on clients, business partners, and staff.
You also need to ensure that the structure is protected against weather damage for years to come, and that means keeping your building cladding clean and well-maintained. For more information check out our post “What is industrial cleaning”.
Uniwash Team will assist you with this with our professional cladding cleaning service.
Before cleaning cladding, we like to inspect the site carefully to ascertain its condition and to identify any potential challenges or health and safety issues.
This helps us to plan carefully, choose the appropriate cleaning method, and work quickly and efficiently. It is always our express aim to cause minimal disruption, whether working on residential or commercial buildings.
If we come across any damaged panels we will advise you and recommend a course of action. All significant damage must be repaired before cleaning commences.
Scaffolding will be erected if necessary, although MEWPs will be used whenever possible as they are quicker.
We will arrive on the scheduled day to begin cleaning using the chosen method.
Most of the equipment is relatively quiet, with high-pressure washing probably being the noisiest option. If you are concerned about disruption to staff or customers, we can arrange for work to take place outside of normal working hours.
The cleaning work is usually straightforward - the team is highly-skilled and fully trained to use all the equipment. They are also insured and up to date with relevant health and safety guidelines.
The size of the project will dictate the amount of time it takes to complete, but most residential building cladding can easily be cleaned within a day or two. The actual time taken will depend on how dirty the cladding is and whether we need to focus on stubborn stains.
Commercial properties will take a little longer, around three or four days, and large projects (like distribution centres) may take a week or more.
Once the work is completed, the team will clear away all of the equipment and ensure that the site is left clean and tidy.
We are confident that you will be delighted with the results! For more information check out our post “How to clean external cladding”.
Setting an exact figure isn't easy without knowing the full extent of the job, and offering a vague price range isn't helpful.
As we deal with industrial, commercial, and residential buildings of all sizes, the project can be very small or extremely large - no two jobs are ever the same! We need to account for many different factors, such as the scale of the project and any challenges or obstacles to be overcome.
We also need to determine the condition of your cladding and decide which is the best cleaning method to use.
Once we have the full details, we can provide a free, no-obligation quote, so call us today or contact us via our website.
A regular cladding cleaning schedule is the best way to preserve the cladding on your property.
So, how often should cladding be cleaned?
At Uniwash Team, we recommend professional cladding cleaning at least once a year, although every six months would be better. Always hire a reputable cladding cleaning company for the best outcome.
The frequency of your cleaning sessions depends on the local climate and your location; urban buildings are exposed to higher levels of pollution, and coastal regions increase the chance of bird droppings and damage from sea spray (especially to metal cladding).
Also, the warranty requirements provided by your cladding manufacturer or installer may stipulate that you must have your cladding cleaned properly by a professional cleaning company on a regular basis.
Why should you use a cladding cleaning company? And why Uniwash Team?
There are several reasons why!
Your cladding was probably a sizable investment. If you want to protect that investment, you need to commit to proper maintenance. And that means you need to regularly clean your cladding. Neglecting it will allow dirt, moss, mould, etc. to ruin its look and eventually lead to further damage and expense.
Once it gets to a certain stage, replacement is the only solution and your investment will have been wasted.
For residential properties, you want your cladding to look its best, making your home a building to be proud of. You might want to try cleaning it yourself, and that's great. However, it's not as easy as it looks and you can easily damage the surface using incorrect methods. Also, you are unlikely to achieve a perfect finish without the specialist equipment that a professional cleaning company has access to.
It isn't really practical to clean industrial and commercial buildings yourself due to their size, but our team has the tools, skills, and experience to deal with this without fuss.
That's why it makes sense to hire Uniwash Team to do the job for you.
Get in touch with us to discuss your cladding cleaning needs and requirements and to obtain your free quote today. We'll put together a plan of action that will tackle your dirty cladding and restore it to like-new condition.
We'll also be happy to arrange a regular cladding cleaning schedule with you to ensure that it stays in pristine condition for longer.
We can clean metal, aluminium, composite panels, stone, brick, and PVC as part of our comprehensive cladding cleaning service. Our team has the knowledge and instruments necessary to provide optimal care for each type of cladding.
Yes, our cleaning methods are suitable for all types of cladding. To guarantee that no harm is done, we carefully inspect the cladding material before deciding on a cleaning approach.
The frequency at which cladding should be cleaned is determined by various criteria, including the material, location, and exposure to weather conditions. In general, we recommend a yearly professional clean to maintain the longevity and look of your cladding, but in some circumstances, more frequent care may be required.
We can clean the cladding on buildings of various heights. Our team is qualified and certified to operate at heights, and we have the appropriate tools, such as cherry pickers and scissor lifts, to complete the job securely and efficiently.
