The facade of a building is like a business card of the owner. Over the years, exposed to the elements, pollution and rust, it needs to be refreshed. To properly renew its appearance, it is necessary to properly prepare the surface. This task requires precision, knowledge and skill. So how to go about it?
Why clean the facade before painting?
Preparing a facade for painting involves cleaning its surface, as well as protecting it from future problems. Properly carried out cleaning removes all kinds of contaminants, including algae, fungi and residues from old paints. The cleaned surface gains better adhesion to a new coat of paint, which ensures the durability of the painting effect. A clean and properly prepared facade also has an impact on the health of the building’s occupants. Dirt can be harmful to health, causing various allergic ailments.
The variety of dirt on facades is impressive, but fortunately there are effective methods for removing it.
Sediment and scale
One of the most common problems is scale deposits. Removing them is possible by using appropriate chemicals and high-pressure cleaning techniques. It is advisable to use professional products designed for facade cleaning. Regular cleaning of the facade from deposits and scale prevents their accumulation and facilitates future maintenance work. When using the high-pressure cleaning technique, however, care should be taken. Too much pressure can damage the facade or its joints.
Fungi and algae
Fungi and algae are the veritable bane of many facades. Their removal requires the use of biocides. It is worth consulting an expert in this field to select the most appropriate preparations. Ignoring the problem of fungi and algae can lead to permanent damage to the facade and the need for comprehensive renovation. Some biocides can be hazardous to the environment – they should be handled very carefully.
Rust and metal dirt
Rust and metallic dirt can be difficult to remove. In many cases, it is necessary to use specialized anti-corrosive agents. Metal facade elements, hardware and railings, can corrode and contribute to rust stains on the facade surface. In addition to removing the rust stains themselves, it is worth identifying and removing the sources of corrosion to prevent a recurrence of the problem.
How to properly clean the facade?
Facade cleaning is a multi-step process. First, it is useful to carefully assess the type and degree of dirt. Then we choose the appropriate methods and cleaning agents. Remember to always follow the recommendations of the manufacturer of the preparations and tools. Let’s also be careful not to damage the surface of the facade when cleaning it. Facade cleaning requires patience. Too violent actions can lead to permanent damage to building materials. Safety is the priority here. During the work, it is worth taking care to properly secure the work site to avoid accidents and damage to adjacent building elements.
Protecting the facade from future staining
Cleaning the facade is only the beginning. To keep it looking perfect for a long time, it is worth using specialized impregnants and protective coatings. They will make the facade more resistant to weathering, UV and other contaminants.
Regular use of impregnants and protective coatings can significantly extend the life of the facade, saving time and money for future renovation work. When choosing them, check their technical parameters, including UV resistance, air permeability and water drainage capacity.
When to have the facade cleaned by a specialist?
Although many measures can be carried out on your own, in some cases it is recommended to use the help of specialists.
If the facade is badly damaged, covered with difficult-to-remove contaminants, or if we are unsure about the choice of appropriate means – it is worth turning to RS-MAL – experts in this field. They have specialized equipment, skills and knowledge of what will work best in specific situations. Using their services guarantees satisfactory results.