Case Study:Transforming Southampton City College: Spectrum's Render Cleaning Expertise

Introduction

Southampton City College, located in Hampshire, is a general further education college with around 3,500 students.  The project involved render cleaning over a three-week period using a cherry picker and Spectrum's patented pole system.

The Project

The project involved cleaning the entire college’s rendered surfaces, which included several rendered blocks. The white render had turned black and green due to dormant algae and rust staining. It's crucial to remove the algae in the spring before it begins to grow more aggressively in the summer. This new client was referred to Spectrum because of our expertise in accessing difficult areas and our proven experience with render cleaning. 

The Challenges

The college's building featured rounded areas and parapet walls with overhanging sections that were difficult to reach using traditional methods. Our expertise in access techniques and experience with render cleaning made Southampton City College an ideal project for Spectrum.

Additionally, CRB/DBS checks were required for everyone on site, which most team members already had, while others obtained before starting the project.

The Solution

Spectrum's advanced access solutions were crucial for this project. Our patented pole equipment and in-house cherry picker saved the client a significant amount of money on access costs. By combining the use of cherry pickers and poles, we effectively reached challenging areas such as overhangs and corners, saving the client about £8-10k on access expenses.

The Process

The process began with applying a biocide to the render using our patented pole system. While the biocide was working, the team conducted gutter cleaning of the rainwater goods. Following this, we used DOFF cleaning to remove the biocide from the render, completing the process section by section. 

During the biocide application, all surrounding surfaces were protected to prevent any damage. In heavily soiled areas, we applied the biocide for a longer duration or used two coats, especially since silicone render tends to hold onto stains more due to its non-porous nature.

The Result

The project was completed successfully, resulting in a clean, white render that was ready for the new term. Our innovative access solutions not only ensured thorough cleaning but also saved the client significant costs, reinforcing Spectrum's reputation for high-quality, cost-effective building maintenance services.