Research has shown that the certain paints used on the exterior of buildings can stop the circulation of air which allows buildings to breath; trapping moisture, causing damp and damage to the building. Where the wrong paint has been left on for extended periods significant damage can be caused to the pointing and eventually the bricks themselves.

Margaret from Malvern had this issue when moving to her dream home at the foot of the Malvern Hills, a designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and a conservation area (in recognition of the special architectural and historic interest of the area).

Margaret’s surveyor recommended the removal of the paint from the house as soon as possible, to allow the property to breath, with the added benefit of bringing the home back to its former glory. Had the paint been removed at an earlier date less damage would have been caused to the building. As it was the whole house had to be repointed, but at least the paint was removed before the bricks were compromised.

So What did Margaret have to say about the paint removal service she recived? 

“Al came to remove all of the paint from the exterior walls of my house. A huge job with lots of challenges. Al and his team worked hard to deliver a great job. Always friendly and considerate I would happily recommend them.” – Margaret From Malvern

There are two schools of thought when it comes to paint removal from Brickwork

• Mechanical cleaning removes soiling by breaking the physical bonds between the soiling particulates and the surface. ABRASIVE CLEANING (WET & DRY) If done incorrectly, abrasive cleaning can irreversibly damage terracotta, eroding the surface. This erosion can affect the appearance of the terracotta or faience by altering the way light is reflected off it: changing the colour and lustre of the surface finish, or making the glaze appear dull. Abrasive cleaning can also blur arrises of corners and decorative details. Furthermore, if the surface is broken through, exposing a more porous underbody, it may be vulnerable to weathering and decay. It should only be carried out by experienced specialists.

• British Standards PRESSURE CLEANING BS 8221–1:2000 Code of practice for cleaning and surface repair of buildings. Cleaning of natural stones, brick, terracotta and concrete Reference is often made to ‘low’, ‘medium’ and ‘high’ pressures; these refer to the indications on the pump gauge. BS 8221–1:2000 defines the pressures ranges as:  • low pressure: 17 bar or less • medium to high pressure: 17–69 bar. Even small devices for the do-it-yourself market operate at pump pressures in the range of 80 to 100 bar, at flow rates of 10–30 litres per minute. These are more than capable of causing damage. For conservation work the lowest effective pressures should always be used.

further Information can be found: (https://historicengland.org.uk/images-books/publications/earth-brick-terracotta-conservation/earth-brick-terracotta-marketing-spread/

As you can see both schools of thought can cause damage to the surface. This then bring us along to the heritage approved DOFF system which is recommended by surveyors and conservation officers alike for cleaning and paint stripping of grade listed buildings and heritage sites.

So what makes the DOFF so different and unique?

Whilst the temperature in the system is high, the pressure on the surface being cleaned is very gentle and the volume of water is low. The surface is therefore not saturated and will be dry within minutes.

The superheated water vapor will remove paint, moss, algae, fungi and other biological matter and will also kill off spores. This means there’s then no need to use a chemical biocide during the removal process or as a protection against further biological activity.

The DOFF System is unique in achieving a 150 degree temperature at the nozzle end – making it a ‘superheated water system’. Designed and developed to effectively remove paint, dirt and grime without causing harm or shock to the substrate.

We recommend the DOFF for paint removal on surfaces such as brick, stone, concrete, tiled (glazed and encaustic), wood, faience and terracotta.

If you would like a paint stripping sample give us a call on: 01452 301342

Or email: discover@skylinesoftwash.com

Can you pressure wash your roof? And is it safe?

We have posed two questions for this blog because many people have asked us the first one, but few actually consider the second.
Many people assume that because the main purpose of a pressure washer is to blast away dirt, they can be used to clean a multitude of surfaces.
In actual fact, pressure washers, with a high-pressured nozzle, can do more damage than good if used on certain surfaces or for certain tasks.

So, what are they good for?

Entry level or mid-level pressure washers, up to a maximum of 120 bars, are good for cleaning dirty bikes, cars and giving your garden furniture a quick spruce up before the summer or after a particularly crazy garden party.

What about dirty paths, patio, walls and roofs?

If you want to tackle moss, lichen, algae and mould growth on surfaces, such as roofs, walls, patios and paths, a pressure washer might make them look cleaner, but all it’s really done is move it around the surface without killing the growth at the ‘root’.

Those unsightly microorganisms will simply grow back.

What’s more, since you’ve spread them around with a pressure washer, they’ll grow back in more places than before!

But what about roofs?

Roofs are one of the worst surfaces that you could possibly use a pressure washer on, especially tiled roofs.

Why?

Most roof tiles are designed and laid to overlap one another, creating a channel for rainwater to run off into the gutter. As rain doesn’t fall upwards, there is little to no risk of it penetrating past the overlapped tiles and flooding the roof cavity, unless the tiles are damaged.

When you use a pressure washer to clean your roof, the water is ejected at such high speeds that it can spray into the overlapping tiles and penetrate the roof space.

This can soak into the insulation in your roof, which will reduce its insulating quality as well as potentially causing it to travel to the bottom of the insulation, causing mould, which could turn into a serious health risk, and wood decay within the interior.

Flooding isn’t the only risk to using a pressure washer on a roof either.

Most concrete tiles, the most common type of tile in the UK, are designed to last 80-100 years of normal weathering before needing replacing, with the fines on the surface of the tile wearing away gradually over time.

When you use a pressure washer to clean your roof, you can remove the fines on their surface, decreasing their lifespan significantly.

Pressure washing can damage the construction of the roof, as well as the tiles.

Along with the tiles, pressure washing roofs can also cause considerable damage to the pointing on the roof, especially where there is considerable moss, lichen and other growth on them. Moss particularly will grow and force itself in cracks within the pointing, allowing water in. Once water gets in the cracks in the pointing, it can freeze in cold weather and expand those cracks even further, loosening the pointing considerably.

When you use a pressure washer to get rid of the moss on the surface of the roof, the huge amount of pressure that the water is ejected at can blast the loose pointing away, causing further damage to the roof and increasing the risk of flooding in the roof cavity.

So, pressure washers are no good for cleaning roofs. What should be used instead?

At SkyLine Softwash, we use a specialist treatment to kill the fungus, moss, mould and algae growing on the roof at the root after clearing away any particularly problematic areas gently by hand, if required. We then let the natural weather cycles wash away all the dead microorganisms over a period of 6-12 months.

Within a year, your roof is 100% moss free.

At Skyline Softwash:

• We do not use high-pressure water jets on your roof.
• We are fully trained to work at heights, if required
• We provide a 5 year spot-free warranty on our roof cleaning services.
• We are fully insured.

We also work from the ground up, doing as much of the work as we can from ground level, to keep costs down by reducing the need for access equipment.

If you’d like to have your roof cleaned safely, leaving it cleaner for longer in the process, get in touch with the SkyLine Softwash team on 01452 899341.

Have your business premises been closed to the public, or even staff, these past couple of months due to lockdown?

If so, take advantage of the final leg of this current closure and get ready for reopening.

We can come to your premises and clean your buildings, awnings, decks, patio area, patio covers, fences or hardscapes (concrete, pavers, pavements, etc) – basically anything that has been tarnished due to mildew, mould, or algae build-up, or are just plain dirty.

The softwash service isn’t just about cleaning either, but disinfecting and sanitising, which is very important during these current times.

Our eco-friendly and 100% biodegradable treatments and our professionally trained and insured team are guaranteed to make your property look like new; cleaning nearly any size job with the type of care and attention to detail your business property deserves.

Don’t delay – get in touch with us today and book us in before restrictions ease.

We have a guest blog this month from Redfin, which we thought was really interesting. They’re an American company, so please forgive them any incorrect spellings and references to American states, but it is a good read and very relevant to this time of year.

It covers all areas of the home, including external areas such as roofs, windows and guttering.

While many home cleaning projects can be easily carried out yourselves, with a couple of materials bought on the high street, some are quite substantial and require specialist equipment and chemicals – and, of course, a professional skilled in handling them.

7 Reasons to Hire A Cleaning Service: Your Home Will Thank You

Sooner or later, dust, dirt, crumbs, dander, hair, and other nameless debris builds up on the surfaces of your furniture and begin to linger in the air of your home, requiring a deep and thorough clean. While many home cleaning projects can be addressed using standard supplies and a little elbow grease, others can be a more substantial undertaking that requires the need to hire a cleaning service.

Bigger projects, like roof and exterior window cleaning, can require equipment, time, and safety precautions better left to professional cleaners. Likewise, delicate or valued items such as antique rugs or draperies, which may seem like easy cleaning tasks to undertake, can easily result in damage or fading if cleaned improperly. Whether you’re looking to get a jump-start on some spring cleaning or increase your home value by tackling these general home maintenance projects, here are 7 reasons why you should hire a cleaning service for these household items.

1) Black or green areas are overpowering your roof’s appearance

Have you noticed dark stains or green areas appearing on your roof? These substances are more than likely caused by algae, fungus, lichen, or moss, which can lead to shingle deterioration and wood rot if left unattended. Roofing generally doesn’t need regular cleaning, but when mould, algae, or soot residue starts to build up, it’s best to call in a professional. Proper cleaning extends the lifespan of your roofing materials or shingles and can even improve your home’s curb appeal.

However, spending time on a roof can be very dangerous without the right safety equipment. According to the National Roofing Contractors Association, the chemicals used to clean these substances off your roof can be caustic, meaning they can cause burns. Most roof cleaners contain sodium hypochlorite and occasionally zinc sulfate, so this is a job best left to the pros. Roofs should be cleaned as needed, generally once every few years. However, homes in areas with a harsher climate may need more regular attention.

2) Rainwater is overflowing from your gutters

Gutters are often forgotten in our maintenance routines, but they play a crucial role in preventing water damage in a home, and neglecting them could have serious – and costly – effects in the long run. Efficient gutters will collect and divert rainwater or melted snow, preventing it from damaging walls and the foundation. However, leaves, sticks, dirt, and even birds nests can quickly clog gutters, compromising their functionality. One of the reasons to hire a cleaning service is that a professional cleaner has the necessary equipment to prevent the outlet from getting clogged by clearing leaves, soil, or organic debris that frequently collects in gutters.

Standing and climbing up and down a ladder while rooting around in the gutters can also be a dangerous task for a homeowner, especially on larger homes with substantial gutter systems. Professional cleaners have the industrial-strength equipment needed to effectively clear out clogs and inspect your gutters to ensure no repairs are required. Gutters should be cleaned at least twice a year and potentially more frequently for homes under large trees or in seasons with heavy rainfall and high winds.

3) There’s a lack of natural light coming through your windows

Windows are easy enough to clean on the inside, but outside can be another story. This is especially true for exterior windows in larger homes with multiple stories or condos that are part of a larger building. It might seem like a relatively simple job to clean your home’s exterior windows on your own, but it comes with its own set of challenges. Using too much detergent or not rinsing that detergent off properly after washing can cause more dust and grime to stick to windows over time, making the glass dirtier than before.

Moreover, if you live in an area with frequent rainfall like Seattle, WA, or New Orleans, LA, getting your windows professionally cleaned before a rainstorm prevents dirt and dust residue from scratching up and sticking to the glass. In these cases, hiring a professional is the best way to guarantee clean windows. Regular cleaning of your home’s exterior windows will not only keep them looking their best it also protects the window glass from long-term damage. Exterior windows should be cleaned annually at a minimum, but ideally, twice a year in parts of the country with high pollen counts.

4) A whistling sound is coming from your furnace

A furnace system is ultimately best left to the professionals, from installation to cleaning. Dust and dirt can accumulate on any surface over time, and furnaces are no exception. A definite reason to hire a cleaning service is that the average homeowner might miss places where grime and dirt can build up and may not have the proper tools to give furnace systems the thorough cleaning they need. High pitched whistling or scraping noises are signs that dust, dirt, hair, or, if you have pets, dander could be clogging your furnace, indicating that it’s due for a filter change or cleaning.

A dusty furnace can also cause breakdowns in your heating system by restricting airflow and lead to higher energy bills even when you’re not using your furnace more than usual. Furnace cleaning, which includes cleaning the combustion chamber and replacing the oil filter, should be performed at least once a year and is best handled by a pro. Getting a professional to clean and maintain your furnace annually will not only save you money on expensive repairs in the long run but also remove the dust and debris that will inevitably build up throughout the year.

5) You start to notice the high traffic areas in your carpets

Carpets are a major component in your home and are subjected to heavy use daily, so we naturally want them to look as pristine as possible. While vacuuming is a good intermediary to remove loose particles on the carpet’s surface, it may not be enough to keep carpets truly clean. Soil that is inevitably tracked in and left in the carpet for too long can work its way into the fibers, making their removal highly difficult. And, over time, carpets and area rugs can become perfect traps for bacteria, allergens, pollens, and other pollutants that are naturally in the air. A professional carpet cleaner extracts the hidden particles from your carpet, from caked-in stains to debris, and goes above and beyond what even at-home carpet cleaners can do. Plus, regular cleaning prolongs your carpet’s performance and is key to maintaining a tidy home.

High traffic areas may need cleaning as often as twice a year, while lesser-used areas of a home may need cleaning once a year or whenever stains or spots are visible.

6) Your antique or expensive rugs are beginning to show some wear

Antique or luxe rugs, such as Persian or oriental rugs, aren’t a good fit for a DIY carpet cleaner. In most cases, these rugs are delicate and easily destroyed, making their care a reason to hire a cleaning service. Plus, improper drying could result in a moldy rug. Pros know how to best clean fibers without causing damage, altering color, or leaving stains. Plus, you’ll be extending the lifespan of your rugs by ensuring it’s getting the necessary care by a professional rug cleaner.

Since antique rugs don’t need regular cleaning – every year or two is fine – you can maintain your rugs with regular vacuuming unless spills or other messes occur.

7) Your drapery appears discolored

Decorating with drapery is a great way to quickly add visual interest to your space and block out sunlight. However, over time, drapes naturally start to collect dust, odors, and allergens and may pose a health issue for people with allergies. Simple curtains, like those made of cotton or polyester, can go in the washer, but others made of sensitive fabric, such as silk or linen, might require more significant attention. At a minimum, dry cleaning may be necessary to clean without causing damage. Another reason to hire a cleaning service is that if the proper treatment method isn’t listed clearly, a professional cleaner can provide guidance on the appropriate cleaning required to remove dust, dirt, mold, or mildew.

Lighter drapes more prone to dirt should be cleaned every six months, while heavier window treatments need care at least once a year to remove dust or dirt. In between professional cleaning, you can keep your drapery clean by regularly dusting them.

Originally published by Redfin

If you’re interested in reading more from Redfin, you can find this blog and others on their website here https://www.redfin.com/blog/reasons-to-hire-a-cleaning-service/

 Let’s face it. It’s that time of year when our focus shifts from the interior of our property, to the exterior. The exteriors of our home, such as the house itself, our front and rear gardens, our patios and driveways, they all look a bit sorry for themselves after a winter of neglect. They’ve been subjected to the elements over the winter and are a far cry from what they looked like during the summer, when we were spending more time enjoying them and took better care of them.

Over time, dirt, dust, and debris will have encouraged the growth of microorganisms like bacteria, algae, mold, fungus and lichen, which can shorten the lifespan of your exterior – not forgetting the fact that it gives it an unsightly appearance – but all is not lost. With a Skyline Softwash treatment, we can restore and breathe new life into your exterior, so it looks like new! Ready for you to begin spending more time enjoying the beautiful outdoor areas of your home in the warmer months.

We can help transform your:

• Patio
• Driveway
• Garden furniture
• Wooden structures, like pergolas
• Stone statues
• Child’s play equipment
• Exterior walls

A soft wash doesn’t just clean, it gets rid of the microbes that are responsible for the staining and discoloration and the results last much longer than traditional methods –between four to six times longer, in fact! Plus, unlike when you use a pressure washer, there is no chance that a soft wash will cause any damage to your property.

In addition to the above, we can also clear your gutter of the leaves and moss that will be clogging it. Full gutters and rainwater are not a good mix; water can creep in and cause problems. Clearing them just in time for April showers is a smart move.

If you are a customer looking to find out how we can help, please give us a call. Or if you are a gardener, lawn expert, landscaper, window fitter or cleaner, working at a customer’s house and you feel that your customer’s property would benefit from our services, let us know.

With treatment from SkyLine Softwash, outdoor spaces that were looking tired are transformed, leading the way for real kerb appeal. Why not take a look at some examples of the incredible property transformations that our customers have experienced through a Skyline Softwash.

Don’t just take our word for it – while you’re here why not read some of the reviews from our happy customers?