Cleaning Democracy: How Window Cleaners Look After Parliament’s Windows… And How Much It Costs

 

Window cleaning in westminster The Palace of Westminster is also known as the “mother of all parliaments”. It is home to the House of Commons and Lords, and carries with it all the weight of tradition and prestige of rich and lengthy history, at home and abroad. (Though it isn’t as old as one would think, its modern form being constructed in 1840.)

Westminster Palace — also known as the Houses of Parliament — is a UNESCO World Heritage site, a Grade 1 listed building, and is an impressive 112, 475 square meters in size. That puts it at a colossal 1,324 times bigger than the average British household.

As the symbol of the UK’s wealth and, one could say, health, it is important that the Palace at least looks impressive to its subjects, as well as for tourists and visitors from overseas. (Although it is slowly subsiding into the Thames, and has a terrible infestation of mice, that is the subject for another time.)

So how is the Palace of Westminster cleaned? And what does this job entail for a window cleaner?

How much?

It costs the British taxpayer £4 million a year to foot the cleaning bill for Parliament, that’s according to a Freedom of Information request by Pure Freedom addressed to the Palace’s representatives earlier this year.

Because the specifics of the cleaning details are not disaggregated from the overall cost, nobody is quite sure how much the window cleaning bill actually is. Except, of course, the contractors — a cleaning service called Atalian Servest — who must know what they are charging the Government to keep the windows sparkling all year long (but won’t tell us).

How many?

But in our educated opinion, it must be a lot of money. The Palace has over 3,000 windows; including special stained glass windows like those you would find in a church — which makes sense because the Palace was built around the small medieval Church of Saint Margaret.

The external windows of the Palace (and, apparently, no one knows how many external windows there are, at least according to the respondents of the Freedom of Information request) are cleaned four times a year. That might seem reasonable, even perhaps, remarkably restrained. But the internal windows are cleaned every single day. Again, no one knows — or at least wants to bother to count and find out — how many windows the Palace has internally, but it must be a lot because the Palace employs a permanent team of four window cleaners. All four of them are on-site, every single day of the year.

 

Window Cleaning Bills in London

Despite having a window cleaning team working non-stop, every day of the year, like the external windows, the special stained glass windows are only cleaned temporarily.

In fact, the windows are not cleaned regularly, but on an ad hoc basis. These stained glass windows — ancient monuments as they are — also need special care, and so require various unorthodox window cleaning methods, such as ammonia-free solutions, extra soft clothes, and pH-neutral soap. It probably takes an entire day to clean one of them.

The window cleaners also have to use extremely long telescopic poles — in some cases over 100-feet long — to clean the upper echelons of the Palace, into places where ordinary proletarians are not allowed to peer through.

Some reflections and conclusions

The Government is quite ambiguous about the details and the costs of cleaning each of the individual parts of the Palace of Westminster. We were unable to obtain the individual costs of the Houses of Lords or Commons or even a price of just the Palace alone — the total £4 million cost includes the parade grounds and the gardens of Westminster, too.

The Government was certainly ambiguous in that it couldn’t reveal how many windows the Palace had — especially the internal number — and why they needed to be cleaned so thoroughly and so regularly.

What we do know is that the window cleaners of Atalian Servest have requirements that aren’t typical of regular window cleaners, such as cleaning stained-glass windows and using unusually long telescopic poles — a fact which shouldn’t really surprise anyone. And that the job, given the permanence of the team and their requirement on-site, is an unending one. Even calculating for basic wages for window cleaners, the figure total for an always-present team of four must run into the hundreds of thousands every year.

This article was written by Neil Wright, a copywriter and data researcher for Pure Freedom. Pure Freedom manufactures pure water window-cleaning systems for window cleaners all over the UK.

Wet Pour Playground Sanitation & SoftWash Treatment in Cheltenham

SkyLine SoftWash was recently asked to carry out a Playground Sanitation in Cheltenham. As you can see from the pictures these play areas can get very dirty. This dirt is not actually dirt. Its an infestation of mold, moss, algae and all sorts of another fungus. It was truly fungelicious. After initial contact with the school in Cheltenham, it was apparent that the play area was causing problems. Due to the algae growth and mold it was becoming slippy not to mention the number of bacteria that would have been growing in the surface of the wet pour rubber playground.

 

SoftWash Treatment of Wet Pour Playground in Cheltenham Alex Redworth using the SoftWash System. Application of SoftWash Blended Solution through the SoftWash Shooter Before and after Picture of wet pour playground using SoftWash Treatment

 

Wetpour playgrounds are really colourfull when first installed they are a great safety feature for young people, children, and infants in junior schools and nurseries alike. These wet Pour surfaces are very porous for drainage reasons, This means its an ideal growing space for mold, Moss, Alges and lots of other bacteria. This can become a problem as these microorganisms start to grow they spread and take hold. Over time they can cause damage to the area not to mention the bacteria inside that young people, Students and teachers alike are breathing in.

 

It’s an important part of the maintenance of a rubber wet pour playground to have these areas cleaned and sanitized.

The most efficient way of cleaning a wet pour rubber floor is SoftWash. SoftWash cleans and sanitized the surface without causing damage like a pressure washer could do.

 

for any FREE advice or even a SoftWash demonstration at your school, nursery or play area, please

get in touch on 01452 301342

or

drop us an email : discover@skylinesoftwash.com

Windsor Castle | Render cleaning in Bath, Somerset

Does your render in Bath appear dirty? its NOT dirt! Its infested. SkyLine SoftWash offer a render cleaning treatment & sanitation in Bath, Somerset

Windsor Castle | Render cleaning in Bath

SkyLine SoftWash were asked to Clean Windsor Castle, in Bath yes there is a Windsor Castle in Bath and its not a Quite a Castle, However it is placed in a beautiful spot in Bath next to the valley of the River Avon, 11 miles south-east of Bristol. The city became a World Heritage site in 1987. Set next to an old iron bridge, Winsor castle is constructed with Render and Stone.

Bath is a beautiful city in the county of Somerset, England, known for its fantastic Roman-built baths with beautiful Bath Stone

Many of the buildings in Bath are so close to the water, Many of the buildings are mostly constructed with rendering which traps fungus. Render makes easy growing conditions for fungus, molds etc, Render encourages infestations to grow. Molds, Algae Lichens are a big problem for inner-city and rural buildings.

Fungus takes hold and grows rapidly in all sorts of areas. Making lovely looking buildings look old and dirty.

It’s not dirt on these rendered buildings it’s, in fact, an infestation of micro-organisms.

Cleaning render is an Art and you have to use the right equipment and products.

 

Before and after SoftWash render cleaning in Bath Wall cleaning, Render wall cleaning Render cleaning Bath

 

Cleaning Render in Bath

 

Many of the buildings in Bath are known for their Heritage and have much old stone and modern render buildings

The last thing you want to do is use a pressure washer on render as you will cause extreme damage, blasting renders with a pressure washer will Blast most of the render off your building.

You may think you need to clean your render as its looking dirty but in fact it’s not dirt, it’s a build-up of trillions of micro orgasms. You cannot clean these areas. They need SoftWash treatment and sanitation to kill the fungus at the root.

Render cleaning in Bristol, Bath or somerset is a specialist service that requires Time, Thought and Care.

If you have invested heavily in your building you wouldn’t want to cause more damage by using the wrong equipment or chemicals.

SkyLine SoftWash Use a Specialist SoftWash Systems Blend Rinse 100 that mixes the correct measurements safely that clean and treat render that are heavily infested with growth.

SkyLine SoftWash also use the DOFF Integra which can reach 150 degrease that will kill fungus using heat which is great for Stone cleaning and Brick Steaming and that can also be used and controlled using low temperatures light steam/rinse on the render

 

 

 

If you would like a FREE demonstration of how great your building could look with SoftWash Sanitation and treatment or you would like to have your stone Cleaned using DOFF steam please contact

 

SkyLine SoftWash on: 01452 301342

Roof De-moss, SoftWash Treatment and Sanitation in the Forest of Dean, Gloucestershire

 

What’s eating your roof?

Its not dirt on your roof, its a FUNGUS infestation! 

SkyLine SoftWash was asked to remove the infestation of moss from this roof in Cinderford in the Forest of Dean, Gloucestershire. Whilst the Forest of Dean is surrounded by nature and natural beauty, the trees, and surrounding plant life can cause heavy microorganisms to spread to your roofs quicker than the inner city.

Mould, Algae, Moss and living microorganisms that are in plants, soil, trees and they grow everywhere including on your building!

When you are surrounded by woods and trees in the Forest of Dean the wind, rain, and weather cycles will help spread theses spores and micro-organisms even faster, they can spread rapidly when left un-treated and start to eat away at your roof!

 

Can roof tiles really be damaged by Moss?

The answer to this is an ongoing debate which has been going on for decades! The true answer to this is YES! Absolutely

MOSS is a microorganism that has a root system and when left to grow and duplicate these roots need to be strong to keep the moss where it is happy living.

Most times moss can be found living on your house roof, Patio or even window ledges. The Moss will find a nice place to live where it can spread and grow in comfort!

The root system is strong, even though you may not be able to see these microscopic roots they are there. you can certainly see the damage caused after you remove the moss.

Moss root can cause damage such as pitting in many structures such as to render, roof tiles, concrete and, much more!

SkyLine Soft Wash has seen this time and time again! Often when cleaning these areas you may find damage that has been uncovered from years of fungus eating away at the surface you were not even aware of!

Its amazing how much damage these tinny little micro-organisms can cause.

 

How do you to prevent damage from MOSS?

Moss as you know is a fungus that grows so in order the prevent moss damaging your roof or render its best not to let it grow in the first place, You can get sprays or anti-mold liquids from your local DIY shop, If you spray this down its best to treat these areas every few years or if you see Algae start to grow you know there is potential for moss so its then time to treat.

 

When do i know when is the best time to treat these areas?

The general rule of thumb is Read the label. Many people buy products from shops and wonder why it does not work. Every product you can buy will have different PPE requirements (personal protective equipment) . Many roof cleaning solutions or anti moss chemicals will have different dilution rates and even ideal temperatures that may be required for the active ingredient to work.

Be very careful when handling chemicals, Even if it says its safe to use on the bottle you need to double-check what PPE you will need. Often it will only be safe if you follow the exact guidelines, PPE such as breathing masks, Clothes, Clothing, and footwear do need to be considered.

You may be putting your friends, family, neighbors or even their pets at risk by spraying chemicals your not familiar with.

 

How do i clean my own roof?

Roof cleaning can be very dangerous, you need to think about if this is really something you are comfortable tackling. Do you have a head for heights? how will you get the chemicals up to your roof? What chemicals will you use to clean your roof?

SkyLine SoftWash is trained in the safe way of cleaning roofs using the SoftWash Systems Blend Rinse modules.

Our staff has gone through the correct training in working from heights, IPAF and PASAM licenses so we can erect scaffold tower safely and use cherry pickers and MEWPS to get up to those higher areas.

SkyLine SoftWash has gone through a 50 point program to enable us to use chemicals safely and have all the right equipment, training and knowledge to clean your roof in a safe way.

Moss removal no problem. SoftWash Santiastion and treatment to kill the moss easy!

SkyLine SoftWash use the alternative to pressure washing SoftWash!  Safer cleaning with longer-lasting results.

Yes, you can try to clean your roof on your own but really think about if this is something you can do safely without putting yourself or others at risk.

Many roof problems in Cheltenham and Gloucester are often caused by Weather and Climate and over a period of years the damp climate in Gloucestershire can have an adverse effect on roof tiles and creates the perfect conditions for moss, algae, and lichen to grow which can lead to a number of problems that can be very expensive to put right.

If your roof is covered in moss, dirt, grime and you want to know the cost of roof cleaning in Gloucestershire, Birmingham, Bristol or Bath we can certainly help. We have a nationwide network of Authorised SoftWash Professionals roof cleaning contractors that cover the whole of the UK. This means that affordable roof cleaning moss removal services are now available to homeowners wherever they live. SkyLine SoftWash operate in the Midlands, South of Wales and the South West

If you live in Gloucester, Cheltenham, Bath, Bristol, Stroud, Tewkesbury and Gloucestershire or all areas of Southwest and the Midlands, South Gloucestershire or even Birmingham area and are looking for roof cleaning and moss removal. We can be of help as we provide a FREE no-obligation quote for a Roof Clean and Restoration Service for any domestic, commercial or industrial property

please call us 01452 301342

or email: discover@skylinesoftwash.com

 

Bums on Bikes, Rolling hills of Wales & England ALL in aid of the MS society

Bums on Bikes, Rolling hills of Wales & England ALL in aid of the MS society

 

Every year we set out to raise vital funds to aid the MS society, every year we do this we are amazed at the true genuine support the MS have.

These incredible riders, some who even have MS themselves travel from the top of England to the bottom, I thought I was making an impact by riding a small 80-mile segment we managed to raise over £500 with your support which is fantastic.

The people we rode with were a true inspiration. They fundraise at least £1 per mile and on their rest days their not resting they’re going out supporting and helping people living with MS! Helping & supporting on their rest days.

I only did a small segment of around 82 miles and my legs were shafted.. These guys do this every day and in their spare time/rest days they go and help!! I am truly humbled and inspired by these superheroes! Champions of their own destiny they were in their element of helping others! That’s the joy of true happiness that many don’t find in their lifetimes.

These Lovely, friendly riders are truly inspiring, Many with their own incredible stories. One chap called Fanze even rode back to back both ways he is a 69-year-old beer drinking, cigar smoking young German!! His secret to life “ never take anything to serious” Also a chap I rode with actually had MS himself one of his symptoms was lack of vision, but he didn’t let that affect him from helping others!!

 

The Ride for UK guys are truly  Inspiring,  Traveling the Uk seeing wonderful sites, We really do live in a beautiful country, Volunteer on rest days lending a hand to those who need it most. They challenge themselves physically and mentally. They Hand deliver funds to MS research and treatment projects across the UK.

If you would like to get involved next year please get in touch with James who runs the Bike the UK for MS or visit their site  to learn more:

http://biketheukforms.org/?gclid=Cj0KCQjw-b7qBRDPARIsADVbUbUWqDiZF-NzqavjX1AGZ-UXQfJ-eCXcDafYfuhuU8R8ixXl0Jhjsj4aAgijEALw_wcB

Commercial step cleaning and patio cleaning at brunswick square in Gloucester

SkyLine SoftWash were asked to DOFF steam clean & SoftWash these lovely steps & patio area in Gloucester today

Patio cleaning in Gloucester before and aftre pictures using SoftWash and DOFF steam cleaning a stone heratige product (1)

As you can see in in the picture to your right, this patio had a heavy infestation of algae growth, Mould, Lichen.These stubborn infestations are extremely hard to deal with if you haven’t got the right training, knowledge and equipment.

Many people would attempt to pressure wash these areas but in fact, by pressure washing, all you are doing is feeding the infestation with more moisture. Moulds, algae live and grow in wet conditions so you need to make sure these areas are treated in the right way.

Pressure washing these areas basically gives it a hair cut, but leaves the root to grow back and with all the added water!

SkyLine SoftWash uses a mixture of specialist cleaning techniques to Kill the funguses at the root to make long-lasting cleaning that lasts 4-6 times longer than pressure washing alone.

Fantastic results once again for our Lovely Clients in Gloucester

If you would like a FREE demo or estimate get in touch today on 01452 301342 

is the exterior of your building letting the rest down?

Building cleaning in Cheltenham DOFF steam cleaning on a cherry picker

Cheltenham is a thriving town of beautiful historic structures. From Michelin star restaurants and top-notch hotels to the famous horse-racing festival, it truly is a beautiful place to reside.

Many of the beautiful period buildings in Cheltenham are well kept internally, but often times owners find that their beautiful white stucco and ornate roofs attract discolouration at an alarming rate.

Don’t fear! Skyline SoftWash specialise in the treatment of external surfaces from mould, moss, lichen, grime and dirt. The patented system which we use inhibits future micro-organism growth long term; we recommend a treatment every 3-5 years.It’s important to have a building cleaning service every 3 – 5 years to keep on top of these problems.

If you don’t treat your building the growths can cause long term damage which can lead to (very) expensive repairs!

Areas which you may need to think about 

  • Stone Pillars / Columns
  • Roofs
  • Render
  • Cladding
  • The facia of the building
  • Gutters
  • Brickwork
  • UPVC
  • Stone
  • Patios / Parking Areas
  • Flat Rubber Roofs

Having us create a bespoke building care package, will give you peace of mind that your building is well looked after.

Many times algae, mould and grime are covering up the damage on your building, so by having these areas steam cleaned and SoftWashed, we will uncover damages that might need to be repaired. Things like Damp can soon be rectified once the underlying cause is uncovered.

Tell tail signs your building may need attention

  • Water overflowing from Gutters, Downpipes or gutter joints.
  • Black streeking running down the side of your building from a gutter or roof area
  • A heavy build-up of moss on the roof or heavy moss falling onto the ground around your building
  • Greed, Red or Black Algae growing on your building
  • Mould spores or black spots appearing in spots on the walls of your building
  • Yellow, Green and red Lichensthick mould looking growths attached to your walls or render
  • Green Algae growth on your walkways flat services, or hard standings
  • Moss growing in the cracks of your patio / Driveway areas

Many times all these things can be treated and killed.

Treatment of Infestations on your building 

if not treated the infestation of microorganisms can and will cause damaged to your building. over the years we have seen this first hand. If you can keep on top of these things by having a pro-active treatment to kill the infestations before they take hold of your building. SkyLine SoftWash has a unique way of sanitizing and treating the surfaces which will make your building look fantastic. By having a SoftWash service or DOFF steam cleaning on your building will make your building look brand NEW!

SkyLine SoftWash has specialist building cleaning training that can clean your building in a safe way using proven and unique techniques. The SoftWash & DOFF steam process has been specifically formulated for soft washing building surfaces and targeting stains and infestations at the root!

If you would like a FREE Demo on the sort of fantastic results you can expect to Get in touch today on 01452 301342

Attack on Longlevens Rugby Club in Gloucester

Graffiti removal in Gloucester, Gloucetershire

Graffiti Removal in Longlevens, Gloucester

Longlevens Rugby Club in Gloucester is a thriving Family rugby club that supports a huge range of teams.

From young people in the various age groups ranging from fro 7 to 18, Colts and even their own Mixed Abilities Rugby Team

When there are so many young people, vulnerable people and family’s around it’s important to keep that lovely family club vibe.

Unfortunately, Longlevens rugby Club was attacked with unwanted graffiti

The Director of SkyLine SoftWash (a specialist exterior building cleaning company), Alex or as most know him as Al, is a big part of the rugby club being both in the Mixed abilities team and rugby coach for the under 7s. Also, Al’s Daughter plays for the under 9s. being a family club having such grotesque graffiti was not a good look for the club, it’s not something you want your little ones looking at. Also being next door to milestone school it was essential to get these areas looking clean again before It encouraged more anti-social behavior. The Club is a huge part of Longlevens it’s the beating heart of Longlevens community.

Graffiti can not only devalue property when it takes to hold it can spread! it’s important that once you have one graffiti tag you get rid of this hastily as it can bring future unwanted unsocial behavior to the area

Being a family club it was essential to nip this in the bud early So Al and his team at SkyLine SoftWash got on the phone to Anna the manager at the clubhouse offering their services free of charge to make the place look like new again.

Using the Proven DOFF Entegra and its 150-degree steam made short work of the unwanted graffiti on the walls at the club making them look like NEW!

If you have any unwanted Graffiti, Grime or dirt on your building get in touch for a FREE estimate or demo to make your building look like NEW

Call: 01452 301342

https://skylinesoftwash.com

Roof, Render & Exterior Cleaning Specialists

Gravestone cleaning in Gloucester, Cheltenham & Stroud Gloucestershire

Although it’s a sad time when you lose a loved one it’s important that you keep their memory alive and have a special place to visit pass your respect and have those wonderful memories return.

Gravestones look wonderful when new but when left unattended they can start to look worn and decades of growth can make a gravestone unrecognizable

SkyLine SoftWash can clean all stone & marble gravestone surfaces removing infestations that have taken many decades to grow. These stone areas are not dirty they are infested with micro orgasms. BY using the DOFF and SoftWash means more sensitive and safe stone cleaning. All without causing damage to the gravestone

This Family Gravestone had a SoftWash treatment it was so infested with a fungus and mould that we didn’t even realize it was marble underneath all the grime.

What to expect from a Gravestone cleaning service

  • Lettering should really pop out after a SoftWash, it really makes reading easy
  • Flat memorials always weather more quickly due to grass cutting around them and also any plant life which helps spread alga and fungus onto the gravestone
  • Artificial or plastic flowers make a great long lasting lovely looking grave and work well with a Gravestone cleaning
  • Memorial stones that are very old can be deeply ingrained with fungus and thick layers of growth which can take time to treat and sanitize using SoftWash

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If you would like to restore the look of your loved one’s stone call: 01452 301342

Sensitive Stone SoftWash with Care

Your gravestone cleaning experts

Stone Cleaning in Cheltenham, Gloucestershire, DOFF & SoftWash

SkyLine SoftWash were asked to carry out Specialist Stone Cleaning in Cheltenham. As always by offering a FREE sample clean to see what sort or results DOFF steam cleaning and SoftWash can give is always best.

This allows you to see the kind of results you can obtain when cleaning stone.

Stone comes in many forms we live in a unique part of the world with many different types of stone ranging from Triassic rock – Sandstone and conglomerate, interbedded in the forest of dean to the great Oolite group – sandstone, limestone, and sandstone in the Cotswolds.

Stone comes in many shapes, sizes, and density levels and this needs to be considered when having a Stone cleaning service in Gloucestershire

Cotswold Limestones, perhaps the only one to reach the national markets. It has been used since the Roman period, and widely exported since medieval times to various abbeys, cathedrals and other notable buildings. Stone is useful for many different things such as paving in Tewkesbury and Gloucester Abbeys and at Windsor Castle. Used in conjunction with Minchinhampton Weatherstone, it creates some of Gloucestershire’s best table-top tombstones, for example, those in Elmore and Painswick churchyards and Pittville Pump Room

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Many soft stones cannot cope with high pressure or sandblasting, as a result, can cause damage to the stone such as pitting and wearing away from the corrosive abrasion of the cleaning methods used.

DOFF is a steam based stone cleaning system. It’s unlike any other steam system and can achieve temperatures of up to 150°C at the nozzle end – making it a ‘superheated water system’. The operator is able to vary the temperature and pressure to remove many different types of paint and biological matter.

SkyLine SoftWash offers an alternative to sandblasting and pressure washing using the DOFF steam Integra system which is English heritage approved for specialist stone cleaning in Cheltenham, Gloucestershire

By using a mixture of DOFF steam cleaning and SoftWash achieving phenomenal proven results in a sensitive way. Giving you the highest cleaning results without all the mess and damage sandblasting or pressure washing can cause. Saving you money from damage repairs.

DOFF steam cleaning & SoftWash is the Easiest, Environmentally responsible, Safe way to clean stone! Make your stone look like NEW!

SkyLine SoftWash Have you Covered:

  • Stone Health Rossette DOFF Approved
  • Safe Contractor accredited
  • SoftWash Authorised
  • IPAF/PAZMA Licenced (Cherry picker/scaffold tower licensed)

If you live in Cheltenham, Gloucestershire and would like a FREE sample clean of your stone please get in touch!

We would love the opportunity to serve you!

Call : 01452 30134

Or email: discover@skylinesoftwash.com

Specialist Stone Cleaning Cheltenham, Gloucestershire

DOFF steam 150-degree super-heated water system is highly effective for gentle cleaning and restoration of all historical or conservation projects. The cleaning of Limestone, Bath stone, York stone, Portland stone, sandstone and cleaning of all masonry brick cleaning. SkyLine SoftWash can clean all stone and brick surfaces removing infestations that have taken many decades to grow. These stone areas are not dirty they are infested with micro orgasms. BY using the DOFF and SoftWash means more sensitive and safe stone cleaning. All without causing damage to the substrate.

DOFF and SoftWash is ideal for?

  • To safely remove and kill fungus, microorganisms such as Algae, miss, and fungi
  • Cleaning all stone including marble gravestone cleaning
  • Paint coatings (most oil and plastic types)
  • Wax coatings
  • Bitumen, Oils & Grease
  • Restoring masonry and brick cleaning
  • bird fouling
  • Remove light calcium staining
  • Roof SoftWash & Moss removal treatments
  • Graffiti removal
  • Fire damage residues
  • Cleaning all metals including aluminum
  • Roof cleaning
  • Commercial cladding cleaning

Call for a FREE Sample clean : 01452 301342