It is commonplace for building managers to overlook the importance of cleaning façades of high-rise buildings. Oftentimes, the maintenance and cleanliness of a building’s interior is given precedence over its exterior. This can be for a multitude of reasons, from budget constraints to oversight of its importance. However, it’s important for building managers to gain a basic knowledge of facades and understand the benefits of maintaining their cleanliness.
‘Façade’ when translated from French means ‘front’. Generally, the façade will refer to a particular side of a building, most commonly its front. It’s important to understand that when it comes to high-rise buildings, each of the building’s four sides are considered to be facades. Whereas for most residential buildings, only the front of the building is visible to the public, high-rises are visible from all sides.
Types of facades
The materials used for high-rise facades can be separated into two key categories: glazing, which is any part of a wall that consists of glass, and cladding, in which one part of a building is covered with a separate material.
Within these two categories, there is a range of features that will be unique to the way each building has been planned and constructed. With this in mind, it’s important to seek the services of professionals who specialize in high-rise façade cleaning. In doing this, it guarantees the maintenance of these materials and helps avoid any damage or defects.
The importance of a clean facade
The appearance of a building’s exterior is just as important as the appearance of its interior. If a building’s windows are unclean, it will affect the amount of light coming into its interior. Dirty windows will also make the exterior of a building look neglected and lackluster. It’s also important to consider that maintenance of a building’s overall condition and cleanliness impacts the wellbeing of anyone who spends time in the building, whether it’s their workplace or their home.
Maintaining clean windows is an essential component of a high-rise building’s upkeep. As time goes on, glass facades are becoming more and more frequently implemented in high-rise architecture. With the design of high-rise buildings becoming more intricate and refined, the process of cleaning and maintaining their facades must be carefully considered. However, despite its clear benefits, the proper upkeep of high-rise building facades is often disregarded. Maintaining clean high-rise facades reduces deterioration of the building over time and allows regular inspection of any potential defects that may have developed in its structure. By identifying small defects and addressing them, it avoids the development of larger structural problems and the expenses associated with them.
It’s also obvious that a clean, aesthetically attractive façade is beneficial for the building. A façade that is visually appealing affects the judgment of potential tenants and the neighborhood’s appearance to potential investors. Put simply, a clean façade improves a building’s value.
Procedures for cleaning high-rise facades
Water-based cleaning methods are popular for high-rise facades, particularly because they are non-invasive. Pressure washing, one component of water-based cleaning, involves spraying the surface of the façade with water at a low to medium pressure then potentially brushing difficult areas of the building. Soaking, another water-based method, is done to remove persistent dirt and coatings. Soaking is often performed on parts of the building that require more careful treatment or aren’t exposed to rain. Steam cleaning utilizes hot water and high-pressure to eliminate the presence of mud or plant life.
Chemical cleaning methods are also utilized, more so for specific surfaces. For example, acid-based cleaners are suitable for terracotta and granite, whereas alkaline cleaners are suitable for limestone and marble.
Maintaining a clean façade on high-rise buildings improves their overall appearance, prevents their deterioration, and ensures that they continue to operate effectively. Professionals who specialize in high-rise façade cleaning will be able to assess the most suitable methods for cleaning a high-rise building and complete the necessary procedures without disrupting the businesses or tenants within the building.
