Decoding the Different Methods of Effective Facade Cleaning

May 22, 2023

If you own or manage a building, you know how important it is to keep the exterior clean and presentable. A building’s facade is the first thing people see when they approach it, so it’s essential to keep it looking its best. But with so many different methods of facade cleaning available, how do you choose the right one for your building? In this article, we’ll explore the different methods of facade cleaning and offer some tips for choosing the right one.

What Is a Facade and Why Does It Need to Be Cleaned?

A facade is the exterior face of a building. It includes the walls, windows, and doors, as well as any decorative elements or features. Facades are often made of materials like concrete, brick, stone, or glass. Over time, facades can become dirty, stained, or damaged by pollution, weather, and other environmental factors. That’s why it’s essential to clean them regularly to maintain their appearance and integrity.

The Different Methods of Facade Cleaning (Methods of access)

There are several methods of facade cleaning, and the right one for your building will depend on several factors, including the height and accessibility of the building, the type of facade material, and the degree of soiling. Some of the most common methods of facade cleaning include:

  • Water-fed pole system- This method uses purified water and a telescopic pole with a brush attachment to clean the facade from the ground. It’s ideal for low-rise buildings up to 4 stories and works well on surfaces like glass, metal, and painted surfaces.
  • Scaffolding- This method involves the erecting of metal scaffolding over the façade. Make sure that a certified scaffold erector oversees the setting up of the scaffolding. This is suitable for heights up to 2 to 3 stories and can also be set-up indoors should the space permit.
High level cleaning being done with the use of scaffold
  • Rope access-This method involves certified and trained technicians using ropes and harnesses to access hard-to-reach areas of a building’s facade. It’s a versatile method that works well on all types of surfaces and is suitable for buildings of any height. Suitable anchor points would need to be installed at your building for this method to be feasible.
Rope Access Technicians being deployed at a high rise building
  • Boom and scissor lift- This method uses a hydraulic lift platform to access high areas of a building’s facade. It’s suitable for large commercial buildings, and the equipment can reach heights of up to 185 feet.
Boom Lift
  • Gondola- This method involves using a mobile platform from which the technicians can perform the façade cleaning. This platform enables the technicians to cover larger areas of the façade when compared to the Rope Access Method and is suitable for facades with wide open surfaces. Suitable anchor points would need to be installed at your building for this method to be feasible.
Gondola being used for high-level facade cleaning
  • Pressure washing- This method uses high-pressure water jets to remove dirt, grime, and stains from a building’s facade. It’s suitable for all types of surfaces but may not be appropriate for delicate materials.

    Choosing the Right Facade Cleaning Method for Your Building

    When choosing a facade cleaning method, it’s essential to consider several factors, including:

    • The type and height of the building
    • The type of facade material
    • The degree of soiling
    • The cost and time required for the cleaning
    • The environmental impact of the cleaning method

    It’s also essential to choose a reputable and experienced cleaning company in Singapore  that has the right equipment and training to do the job safely and effectively.

    Do’s and Don’ts of Effective Facade Cleaning

    To ensure the best possible results and avoid damage to your building, here are some do’s and don’ts of effective facade cleaning:

    Do’s:

    • Hire a professional cleaning company with experience in facade cleaning.
    • Choose the right cleaning method for your building’s needs.
    • Test the cleaning method on a small area before starting the full cleaning.
    • Use the appropriate cleaning products and equipment for the type of facade material.
    • Protect surrounding landscaping, furniture, and pedestrians from water or cleaning products.

    Don’ts:

    • Use abrasive cleaning products or tools that can damage the facade material.
    • Use high-pressure water jets on delicate materials.
    • Attempt to clean the facade yourself without the proper equipment and training.
    • Ignore the environmental impact of the cleaning method.

    Maintaining the appearance and integrity of a building’s facade is crucial for its overall aesthetic appeal and longevity. With a variety of facade cleaning methods available, it’s essential to choose the right one for your building’s specific needs. Consider factors like the building’s height, type of facade material, degree of soiling, cost, and environmental impact when making your decision. At Anergy, we are a reputable and experienced cleaning company to help ensure the best possible results and avoid damage to your building. With the right facade cleaning method, you can keep your building looking its best and make a positive impression on all who approach it.

     


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