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Although we specialise in applying wall coatings, rendering and cladding, we
also provide an exterior building cleaning service. This can range from
simply restoring your masonry back to its original glory or removing an
old wall coating in favour of a new application or something new altogether.
Exterior building cleaning usually consists of one of the following:
acid cleaning, chemical cleaning or sand blasting (wet or dry grit blasting).
Each different type of cleaning method produces different results therefore
careful consideration (especially in older buildings) should be taken when
performing any cleaning on buildings.
With over 50 years experience in the industry, we have excellent,
thorough, expert knowledge, able to specify the correct treatment for any
building or masonry surface, regardless of masonry composition, building
age or condition. (Note: It is important that this analysis is performed
by an expert, as an incorrect conclusion in this assessment, could cause
the wrong application to be administered. This could have disastrous
consequences to the property, but worse still have future health implications
for the occupier.)
Acid Cleaning
Exterior building cleaning using acid cleaning is a cost effective way to
restore a building to its original appearance. Acid cleaning is an effective
way to remove surface pollutants, staining and general dirt from walls or masonry.
Cleaning brick and stone with acid can remove soot, other carbon deposits,
dirt and mortar stains usually deposited over many decades. This is a
non-intrusive cleaning method and will not damage any underlaying masonry or
substrate providing they are in a good state of repair. Acid cleaning is
suitable for all types of buildings.
Chemical Cleaning
Chemical cleaning is an effective method of cleaning exterior buildings.
It is generally used for the removal of paints, masonry coatings and graffiti.
With this type of work, we are careful to select the correct chemical product
for the job in hand (by the most suitable supplier) as each product used has
a specified purpose. Chemical cleaning is also a non-intrusive cleaning method
and will not damage any underlying masonry or substrate providing they are in
a good state of repair.
Sand Blasting (AKA Dry Grit Blasting)
Sand Blasting is used to remove the surface of substrates, such as paint,
brick, stone, render or certain wall or masonry coatings. Sand Blasting
uses a range of different sands and aggregates which are sprayed out of a
nozzle using air pressure. This is an intrusive treatment and will destruct
different surfaces at different rates. For example, it may remove paint from
a brick wall but may also damage the pointing between the bricks. Careful
consideration should be taken and continual monitoring is essential when
undertaking sandblasting to make sure that the facing brick or stone is
not damaged or delaminating throughout the process. Damage like this will
unboutedly cause immediate or future problems with the property. Following
a sand blasting treatment, a building will usually need further minor work
such as repointing or sealing window frames.
Wet Grit Blasting
Wet Grit Blasting is a viable option when cleaning or removing unwanted:
paint, wall or masonry coatings, render, pebbledash, tyrolean, stucco, harling,
algae and lichen. The mixture of high pressure water and fine silicate sands
produce an aggressive treatment suitable only when an additional wall treatment
is going to be performed. Wet blasting is an intrusive cleaning method and can
damage certain parts of a masonry wall such as pointing joints, defective render
and soft brick or stone. Wet grit blasting can be undertaken at different pressures
to avoid unnecessary or unwanted damage to the substrate. Obviously a low pressure
wet grit blast will not be as effective as high pressure for exterior building cleaning.
Careful consideration should be taken and continual monitoring is necessary when
undertaking wet blasting to make sure that the facing brick or stone is not damaged
and delaminating as untreated this may also result in future problems.
Waterproofing Walls
Avant Coatings Ltd offer a clear waterproofing system for external walls and masonry.
After exterior building cleaning is performed it is a sensible to apply a clear
waterproofing solution. This protective layer will prevent further staining to
the masonry from water and air born pollutants, but more importantly will also
prevent the building from absorbing thousands of litres of rain water, in turn
saving the occupier literally hundreds of pounds on heating bills over the coming years.
Wall Pre-Treatment
Although we are very confident in our initial assessments, we still always perform
a test when cleaning, on a small inconspicuous area first. This ensures that there
will be no hidden surprises and have confirmation on how this wall, of this
condition and age will react to the chosen building cleaning solution. We don’t
presume anything!
Health and Safety
Health and safety is a huge consideration when undertaking any exterior building
cleaning, not only for the occupants and neighbours of properties but for our work
force and operatives. The containment of the chemicals needs addressing when
specifying any chemical cleaning work, as it cannot be allowed to enter water
courses or drains. We ensure all checks are carried out thoroughly for our staff,
house occupants and surrounding neighbours, animals, possessions and property.
It is imperative, as with all our jobs that we leave the surrounding environment
in exactly the same condition as when we started, not just for the important
health and safety reasons, but as a company, we wouldn’t dream of doing anything less.
We always aim to uphold our well earned, good reputation!
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