Where Is Render Used
Render is applied to external walls to achieve a smooth or textured surface. Traditional render is cement based and can be tinted or painted after application. Cement render can also be modified to incorporate acrylic - a mixture of plastic polymers and petroleum, to create a more water resistant and resilient surface.
The primary cause of the discoloration of render is the growth of a biofilm - a mixture of moss, algae and lichens. Many factors influence the growth of a biofilm including; the direction of the building, the ph of the surface, moisture levels and temperature. As a result different facing rendered facades may have a different type of biofilm growth.
We clean amongst others:
- StoRend
- Parex
- K Rend
- Weber
- Wetherby
- Monocouche
Cleaning Render - The Method
We usually follow a three-step cleaning process on render cleaning projects. We start by cleaning the surface using our steam cleaning technology - using pressurised steam at 150°C with pressures as low as 40 Bar. This delivers an impressive yet gentle clean and ensures that all the surface based dirt and algae deposits have been effectively removed.
We then treat the surface with a special Render Wash which is particularly effective at killing the algae and moss that has become ingrained into the render. It also contains a fungicide which helps ensure eradication of spores. A final clean, again using steam cleaning, leaves the surface looking as good as new.
By using steam cleaning the render dries quickly which means that moisture is not driven deep into the render. If water penetrates it can become trapped and subsequently freeze and then expand during the winter months. The frozen moisture expands and causes cracking or blowing which can lead to costly repair work.
Because steam cleaning produces steam at 150°C it kills the surface based spores along with any other living organic materials.
Steam cleaning cleans gently and so does not cause the scarring and damage that is frequently associated with traditional jet washing methods.