Every building, regardless of what material it was made of, requires cleaning or washing after some time. If the concrete has already been impregnated, dirt or settling dust is very easy to remove. Usually, a strong stream of water and a small amount of chemical agent are sufficient for a specific type of surface. Before deciding to clean the facade, it is a good idea to get familiar with the properties of the material that covers your house.
What makes a facade dirty?
Rain and snow cause streaks and settling dust on our façade. Stains and dirt can destroy the appearance of external walls. Regardless of whether the wall is part of your house or your fence, keeping it clean will certainly improve the whole look of the property. The permeable surface of concrete absorbs colouring factors, which is why water and brushing alone may not remove impurities from a previously unprotected surface. However, thorough cleaning with the help of appropriately selected cleaning agents will make the stains brighter or remove them completely.
Facade cleaning – the most important rules
- Spray the entire surface with cold water to rinse away the dust and dirt accumulated there.
- Dissolve trisodium phosphate – TSP – (or any other cleaning agent intended for cleaning concrete) in hot water according to the proportions given on the package.
- To clean the concrete surface, use a brush with a stiff bristle dipped in the solution. Whenever the solution gets dirty, prepare a new one.
- After cleaning the entire surface, thoroughly rinse the wall with clean water.
Professional cleaning and maintenance of facades
There are many types and elements of a facade – concrete, brick, wooden elements, metal or even synthetic materials. However, we have to remember that each of the materials mentioned requires a different approach. The most commonly used cleaning methods are spraying, cleaning under high pressure and with the use of steam.
One of the most common causes of damage and quality deterioration of concrete facades and later pollution is moisture. To make the facade resistant to dirt caused by humidity, it can be preserved, painted or hydrophobized. Hydrophobization is a kind of surface impregnation – hydrophobic components penetrate deeply without leaving a trace. Thanks to this treatment, the facade remains dry, the walls become less polluted, and the insulation helps to counteract possible damage caused by low temperatures.
