The Do's & Don'ts On How To Clean Cladding | CCC

Cladding may be used internally or externally, but periodically it will have to be cleaned. Below are some best practices on how to clean cladding systems, and which bad habits should be avoided.

Metal

Metallic cladding can be challenging to cleanse, and if done incorrectly might damage its finish or lead to rust. The reason for this is because though metal has a reputation for being tough and durable; its surface is also porous. Those that have aluminum cladding in their building’s exterior won’t have to clean it often, but if so you should always apply a specialized aluminum cleanser. If you use anything else, this might cause the finish to become tarnished. Another option is to coat the metallic cladding, which can be done through either curtain walling or spraying onsite, which results in a protecting layer.

Wood

This material remains one of the most popular, likely because of its natural and earthy appearance. However, it isn’t uncommon for newly installed wooden cladding to begin fading after the first two years, especially in areas known for extreme weather conditions. This is a result of wood’s natural origins and its habit of containing some moisture. Though this allows it to be structurally sound, when regularly exposed to inclement weather it might eventually warp, shrink or swell, which will make it look old or dirty.

To make matters worse, wooden can be difficult to clean for those not experienced with it. This is why it is recommended to hire a cladding cleansing service to ensure that the wooden is cleaned the right way. The material should also be treated so that shrinking and warping no longer occurs, and relevant moisture can be locked within that stops any excess moisture from gaining entry.

Brick

Cladding is sold in numerous materials. Aside from metal and wood, there is also brick. The material that your cladding is made from should determine how you clean it. For example, those that need to clean external building cladding that is made from brick will want to apply the power washer, as this will allow them to get rid of tough spots while reaching every area and returning the brick to its original color.

Sometimes brick cladding might experience algae growth that can be very difficult to eliminate. Even a blast cleaner might not be able to get the job done. When this occurs, you’ll want to consider steam jets, because although they function similar to jet washers, their steam is higher temperature which will eradicate even stubborn algae and grime.

Washing by Hand

Washing cladding by hand is not a popular option, but is the best way to eliminate small pieces of crud and dirt. However, experts advise beginning with the machine to speed up the process, otherwise it could take hours. And when cleaning the cladding by hand it is absolutely essential to wear protective clothing and accessories like masks, gloves and overalls, especially if you’re working with stronger chemicals. During washing it is best to avoid metal to metal contact, as this may damage its finish. Instead you want to apply softer materials like sponges or fiber cleansing mittens.