Keeping your home’s exterior clean is crucial for maintaining its appearance and structural integrity. The render, the outer layer of your building which gives it its aesthetic appeal, is particularly susceptible to dirt, grime, and weathering. If left untreated, this can lead to a range of issues, including cracking, water damage, and even insect infestation.
Regular cleaning of your render can protect it from these problems, prevent costly repairs, and add years to the lifespan of your home. Don’t overlook the importance of this simple maintenance task and ensure your property’s render stays in pristine condition.
What is render and why do people choose it?
Render is a material made of cement, lime, sand, and water that is applied to the exterior walls of buildings. It is used to give a smooth and uniform finish to the outer layer of a structure, and it can come in a range of textures and colours to suit the design preferences of homeowners.
Render is highly durable, weather-resistant, and can be used to enhance the insulation properties of a building, making it a popular choice among homeowners.
Render is also highly versatile, used in various construction styles like traditional, modern, and minimalist styles. Homeowners choose render not only because of its durability and insulation properties but also because of the aesthetic value it provides to their homes.
What Causes Staining of Render?
There are several causes of staining on render, the most obvious being dirt, grime, and general debris. Pollution and traffic can also contribute to the buildup of dirt and other contaminants on the surface of the render over time.
Staining can also be caused by the growth of algae, moss, or lichens on the surface, particularly in areas that receive little sunlight. Moreover, poor-quality render can cause staining, (We will cover different types of biofilm growths that can occur in the next section). The use of inferior materials and poor application techniques can lead to the development of unsightly cracks or discolouration, particularly in areas exposed to harsh weather conditions.
When it comes to the staining of render, gutters can be a major contributing factor too, particularly when they are poorly maintained. A build-up of dirt and debris in the gutters can lead to the growth of moss and other organic matter, which can then cause drips and leaks. As a result, dirty water can easily spread down the exterior walls of a building, leading to unsightly staining
Bird droppings can cause significant damage to the render on a building’s façade. If left unattended, the acidic nature of the droppings can lead to staining and even cracking.
Different types of biofilm growths on render
Have a look below at some of the most common biofilm growths that you will find on your render:
Black Algae
Black algae is a type of biofilm growth that commonly appears as dark patches on render. It can spread rapidly and thrive in wet, humid conditions, causing irreversible damage if left untreated.
Green Algae
Green algae is a common type of biofilm growth found on render that appears as green or brown slime-like patches. It thrives in damp and humid conditions and can spread rapidly if left untreated.
Lichens
Lichens are a composite organism of fungi and algae that commonly grow on render, appearing as a crusty/ leathery, textured growth. Lichens attach tenaciously to surfaces and cause permanent staining. They require special treatments to be removed.
Liverworts
Liverworts are a type of biofilm growth that commonly appear on render as green, flat or leafy patches. Liverworts can grow in moist environments but can cause significant damage to the render’s surface as they penetrate the exterior.
Mildew
Mildew is a type of fungus that grows on damp surfaces, including render. It appears as a white or grey fury growth and can cause discolouration and staining.
Mould
Mould is a common biofilm growth found on render that appears as fuzzy, black, green, or brown spots. It thrives in areas exposed to moisture and can penetrate deep into the render’s surface, causing significant damage to the building’s exterior.
Moss
Moss is a type of biofilm growth that appears as a green, fuzzy or velvety growth on render.
Red Algae
Red algae is a type of biofilm growth found on render that appears as reddish, rust-like patches. It thrives in warm and damp environments and can be challenging to remove due to its tenacious attachment to surfaces.
Why should you use a professional render cleaning company?
Using a professional render cleaning company to clean your building’s exterior is a wise choice for many reasons. Firstly, these companies have the necessary equipment and experience to clean your render safely and effectively. They have specialised tools and chemicals to remove biofilm growths and stains, as well as the proper protective gear to stay safe while cleaning at height.
Secondly, a professional cleaning company’s expertise can save you money in the long run. DIY cleaning methods often cause damage to the render, leading to costly repairs, whereas professional render cleaning can lower maintenance costs by preventing damage in the first place. Professional cleaning can allow for a survey of potential problems and prevent bigger issues from occurring, preserving the building’s structural integrity.
Thirdly, using a professional render cleaning company can save you time and hassle. Instead of attempting to clean your building yourself, they take care of all aspects of the cleaning process, from equipment to finishing. This can free up time for you to focus on other important activities without having to worry about cleaning tasks.
Finally, regular professional cleaning of the render can help prolong its lifespan for up to 20 years, as it can remove any existing damage and prevent future issues from occurring.
Conclusion
Professional render cleaning companies offer several benefits that make hiring them a wise choice. Not only do they have the necessary equipment and experience to clean your building’s exterior safely and effectively, but they can also save you money in the long run by preventing damage to the render.
