Multi-Coloured Cladding

Spectrum was approached by an East London-based housing association and asked to clean the cladding on a property they managed. The housing association had seen the work we had done on a similar project and been impressed with the results we had achieved. This prompted the client to get in touch and ask Spectrum to work on a property of their own.

The Project

The main focus of this project was the multicoloured cladding on the façade of the building. This had become stained and discoloured over time and required thorough cleaning.

As well as cleaning the façade on the front of the building, Spectrum was asked to clean the louvered screens and cladding panels on the rear of the property. These panels also showed signs of age and discolouration. There was also some restoration required to the metal caping on the roof of the building.

The Site

The building that Spectrum was asked to clean had over five different types of cladding materials used on its façade. The block itself was made up of multiple units. Our operatives worked to ensure disruption was minimised to the tenants of these units at all times.

The Logistics

Our operatives faced two main challenges on this project. The first was the high number of cladding materials used on the façade. One type of cleaning system would not be suitable for all surfaces. This meant that each variety of cladding required a bespoke cleaning solution in order to achieve the best possible results.

The second challenge that our operatives had to overcome was access. Due to the size, location and shape of the building, access to the rear of the property was restricted. As the back of the building was also finished with cladding, our team needed to reach all areas if they were going to carry out a thorough clean. In order to overcome these access issues, we used fully trained abseilers to reach and clean the cladding on the rear of the building.

However, while rope access was required in order to reach the back of the building, the block was not fitted with abseiling points. To overcome this issue, we used a portable anchorage system. This allowed our operatives to safely and quickly clean the rear of the East London block and carry out a thorough renovation of the building.

Expertise in Multi-Substrate Cleaning

Before beginning cleaning work on the coloured cladding, our operatives had to decide which cleaning methods to use on which materials. Having over five different types of cladding to clean meant it was important to create a detailed cleaning plan before work got underway.

Each type of cladding on the East London block required a specific cleaning method. Using the wrong product or system could have resulted in damage to the cladding, so our operatives took the time to examine each material used in the cladding of the block and chose the correct application and most appropriate cleaning methods for each.

Our extensive experience meant our team had a good understanding of all types of cladding cleaning. This meant they were able to quickly and accurately assess the materials used on the cladding of the block.

When cleaning composite cladding and other materials on the East London block, our teams used a combination of cleaning methods. Large parts of the façade were cleaned using our patented steam cleaning equipment. Specially designed and 3D printed by us, this equipment is able to reach areas that would be inaccessible using other means.

Our patented equipment is also designed so that it can be easily used by abseilers. This allows our rope operatives to clean even the most inaccessible areas of a building quickly and easily.

Using abseilers in combination with our patented steam cleaning equipment meant the project was able to proceed without delay. Using rope access instead of scaffolding or heavy machinery also saved our client a considerable amount of money on access costs.

By drawing on our expertise and experience, our operatives were able to thoroughly clean all of the materials on the building. They used a number of processes to undertake cedral cladding cleaning, and to remove dirt, grime and staining from the other types of cladding used on the block.

Our operatives worked so quickly and efficiently that they were able to complete the project ahead of the four-week schedule. As a result, we carried out a number of works free of charge to provide extra value for the client. These works included:

1. Our operatives cleaned the internal stone face walls in the block’s three communal stairwells. While working inside the building, they also cleaned the property’s internal communal windows.

2. The metal caping around the roof edge was showing some signs of age and discolouration. In order to ensure the entire façade was renovated on completion of the project, our operatives worked to restore and clean the metal caping. This involved working on approximately 200 linear metres of the material.

3. Cleaning the areas around a building helps to enhance the look of the property itself. To this end, our operatives cleaned the alleyway close to the building, removing graffiti, dirt and grime in the process.

 4. The paving stones in the garden, entrance ways and basement were dirty and discoloured. Our operatives gave these areas a deep clean to remove all staining and organic matter.

5. The stone façade of the basement at ground level was also given a deep clean to remove discolouration and built-up staining.

6. Some of the cladding panels on the block had come loose. Our operatives repositioned these panels and fixed them into place, tidying up the look of the property.

7. The lead flashing present on the block was re-fixed and sealed with lead mastic.

By carrying out these works on top of the cladding cleaning, our operatives were able to leave the East London block in excellent aesthetic condition.

Innovative Systems for Effective Results

Throughout this project, Spectrum operatives used innovative and unique systems to save the client time, money and disruption. By working quickly and efficiently, we were able to complete the cladding cleaning well within the allotted four-week schedule. This allowed us to carry out extensive cleaning on other parts of the property and leave all areas of the block in excellent aesthetic condition.

Our approach also saved the client a considerable amount on access costs. What’s more, as the work our operatives carried out returned the exterior of the property to its original aesthetic condition, there was no need to repaint the blocks. As this would have cost the housing association even more money, we were able to help the client keep maintenance costs down even further.

Providing Customer Satisfaction

The client was very pleased with the work Spectrum carried out on this complex project. Our expertise ensured we were able to select the correct cleaning method for each type of cladding and achieve excellent results from the project.