If you’re a property owner or manager, cleaning and maintaining your render is essential for keeping your building looking its best. For this blog post we spoke to the owner of Right Wash, a specialist render cleaning company to discuss the best methods for cleaning render and how to ensure it stays healthy and clean. We’ll also provide tips on how to clean render using the least amount of effort so that you can save time and energy. So whether you’re responsible for cleaning render regularly or need some advice on a specific technique, read on to learn more about the best ways to clean render.
Definition of Cleaning Render
Cleaning render is a paint used to render buildings and other structures. It is often used in architectural and engineering applications, providing a smooth, matte finish that is resistant to weathering and fading. Cleaning render is also less likely to require special cleaning or maintenance than other paints, making it a preferable option for applications where frequent cleanings are not necessary.
Types of Render
Several different types of renderings can be used to create a final product. They include but are not limited to the following:
- Traditional Render
Traditional render is a type of coating applied to the exterior of buildings to provide a decorative finish and protect the underlying surface from weather damage. It is made from sand, cement, and lime and is typically applied in two or three coats. The first coat, known as the scratch coat, is applied to the surface to provide a rough surface for the second and third coats to adhere to. The second coat, known as the brown coat, is applied to give the final skin a smooth surface. The final coat, known as the finish coat, is applied to provide a decorative finish to the surface. The color and texture of traditional rendering can vary depending on the materials used and the application technique.
- Synthetic Render
Synthetic render is a coating applied to the exterior of buildings as an alternative to traditional render. It is made from a mixture of acrylic or silicone-based resins, pigments, and fillers. Synthetic render is designed to be more durable and weather-resistant than traditional render and is often used in areas prone to extreme weather conditions. It is also more flexible than conventional render, allowing it to expand and contract without cracking, cracks can be difficult to repair. Synthetic render can come in a wide range of colors and textures and mimic the look of traditional render, brick, or stone. Some artificial render systems are also designed to be applied in a single coat, which can save time and labor costs.
Tools and Materials
There are a lot of different tools and materials that can be used in cleaning render. Here are some of the most commonly used:
- Soft Brush. A soft brush is a tool that is used in the cleaning and maintenance of render. It is typically made from a soft, pliable material such as natural or synthetic bristles. Soft brushes are used to remove dirt gently, grime, and other debris from the surface of the render without causing damage.
- Hard brush. A stiff brush is a tool that is used in the cleaning and maintenance of render. It is made from rigid, durable materials such as wire or plastic bristles. Stiff brushes are used to remove more stubborn stains and dirt from the surface of the render and can be used to clean surfaces that are heavily soiled or have been exposed to the elements for a long time.
- A power washer, also known as a pressure washer, is a cleaning tool that uses high-pressure water to blast away dirt, grime, and other debris from surfaces such as render, concrete, wood, and more. It uses an electric or gas-powered pump to pressurize the water, which is forced out of the nozzle at a high velocity.
- Detergent is a cleaning agent that is used in the cleaning and maintenance of render. It is a chemical solution designed to remove dirt, grime, and other surface stains.
- Water. Water is an essential component in the cleaning and maintenance of the render. Water is used to wet the surface of the render before cleaning, and it is also used to rinse away dirt, grime, and other debris that has been removed from the surface.
Steps for Cleaning Render
Steps for cleaning render can include the following:
- Preparation: Before cleaning, it is essential to protect surrounding areas by covering them with plastic sheeting or tarps. Gather all the necessary tools and materials, including a soft brush, stiff brush, power washer, detergent, and water.
- Initial Cleaning: Begin by removing any loose debris, such as leaves or twigs, from the surface of the render using a soft brush. Use a soft brush and water to remove dirt and grime from the surface gently. A power washer can also be used at this stage to remove dirt and grime that is more difficult to remove with a brush.
- Application of Detergent: Mix detergent and water according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Use a soft brush to apply the detergent to the surface of the render, being careful to avoid getting detergent on surrounding areas. Allow the detergent to sit on the surface for 10-15 minutes to allow it to break down and remove stains.
- Rinsing: Use a power washer to rinse the detergent off of the render, being careful to avoid directing the water jet too close to the surface. Use a stiff brush to remove any remaining stains, if necessary.
- Final Inspection: Inspect the render for any remaining stains or dirt, and repeat the cleaning steps if necessary.
- Maintenance: Regular cleaning and maintenance of the render are essential to keep it looking good and protect it from damage. Consider sealing the render to protect it from water damage and stains.
It’s important to note that the steps and methods may vary depending on the condition of the surface, the type of render, and the surrounding environment. It’s always recommended to follow the manufacturer’s instructions and to test a small area before cleaning the entire surface.
Render cleaning is essential to ensure your house looks its best. By using the correct methods for cleaning render, you can remove any dirt, dust, or debris that may have gathered over time. This will help restore your render’s appearance and functionality and make it look more professional and modern.
