How to clean a single-layer façade
Maintaining an impeccable image of the facades and facilities of the buildings and enjoy environments 100% free of dirt and infections is crucial in any property, whatever type it is. It is undeniable that the cleaning of buildings always has a very relevant weight in the daily life of each community;
In this article, we are going to answer all your questions about how to clean a single-layer façade, one of the most common types of cladding that we can find today.
What is single-layer mortar and does it need maintenance?
The monolayer mortar is a waterproof cement that is used to coat facades;
This option is in high demand due to its high capacity for protection against atmospheric phenomena, and because it is applied directly to the surface of the work, which results in significant savings in time and money. In addition to offering a wide range of colours, it guarantees the personalisation of the work with different types of finishes.
As for its maintenance, and as it has the same colour throughout the thickness of the product, its tone cannot be lost in the event of a possible detachment of the surface layer. This is the big difference with paints.
How does this translate? This means that single-layer facades do not need to be renovated every few years, but they do need to be maintained. Especially to prevent and eliminate the absorption of moisture, dirt and stains.
What maintenance should be carried out? From Rodríguez Ros, as an expert company in façade cleaning in Málaga, we explain everything you need to know about how to clean a single layer façade.
Does cleanliness depend on the types of finish?
The main types of finishes for single-layer facades are:
- Shot stone or aggregate
- Scraping
- Gota
- Chafado
- Trowelling
- Rustic
The important thing is to know that it is possible to clean a single-layer facade regardless of its finish;
Why do the spots appear? Why do they appear?
Basically, the stains and dirt on the monolayer are the result of the pollution and contamination of the cities, the brown stains that fall from the roofs due to rainwater, a bad arrangement of the guttering and because they are porous materials.
¿Cómo limpiar una fachada monocapa?
The accumulation of dust, different meteorological agents and the simple passage of time mean that, in the long term, façades deteriorate, become dirty or lose their original colour. In this regard, it is essential to carry out optimal maintenance, also with a view to avoiding the proliferation of fungi, dampness and mites..
Both in large and tall buildings and in single-family or smaller homes, it is essential to have a team of professionals such as Rodríguez Ros to achieve the best facade cleaning;
As a façade cleaning company specialised in single layer, we would like to tell you step by step how the cleaning process works: .
- The first thing to do is to remove any solid residue encrusted on the facade. This is achieved by using a medium-hard bristle brush and being very careful to scrub gently so as not to damage the façade.
- Afterwards, we will prepare the solution to remove mould stains and other elements. If you are wondering how to clean the limestone facade, you are in luck: it is the same solution if we are talking about single-layer mortars. Here we can use specialised products, such as anti-mould or biocides. And if we want to remove soot stains or blackening, we will use an alkaline degreasing product.
- After spreading the product over the entire facade, we will leave it to act (10 to 30 minutes) and outline the last details, even removing any remaining dirt that needs to be dissolved.
- Finally, the cleaning with pressurised water is carried out to remove the remains of the product and the dirt. If once is not enough, the operation is repeated until the stains are completely removed.
As you can see, cleaning the single layer facade takes a very specific process that, to do it optimally, it is advisable to have the help of a facade cleaning company.
Is it necessary to waterproof the single-layer façade? Does it need to be waterproofed?
The monolayer mortar, referring to its name, can be applied with a thickness of more than 1cm in a single coat;
The main characteristics of these coating mortars are breathability, good grip and durability, as well as a wide variety of colours and different finishes. In addition to this, there is waterproofing;
Its impermeability does not lie in the fact that it is a water-repellent material, but in its high capacity for water evaporation. However, due to this water absorption, it can become saturated with humidity as a result of constant and continuous rainfall. This can lead to crossing the mortar layer and reaching the substrate on which it is installed. Or, in times of heavy rainfall, it may darken. Therefore, the question is: Do we have to waterproof the façade single-layer?
At Rodríguez Ros we strongly recommend it. With what objective? To prevent the penetration of water through the porosity of the mortar and prevent the single-layer façade from getting dirty again. Thanks to certain liquid and colourless products applied on the mortar, the pores can be covered and absorption can be avoided;
In this case, it has to be a waterproofing that is breathable, that is to say, that does not allow water to pass through, but allows air to pass through so that the walls can breathe and dampness does not condense;
One of the best solutions is to apply a water-repellent coating. This is a kind of invisible varnish that repels water;
In general, it is usually done with a sulphating machine or with a brush and roller. This water repellent also delays the possible appearance of fungus and lichen as much as possible;
It is also possible to apply waterproofing elastic coating, this with any colour of paint if you want to change the colour of the facade, revive the existing colour and even cover complicated stains that we have not managed to clean.
These products will also prevent many problems of dampness and condensation in the interior, as the water, being repelled, will not seep into the interior of the walls and will not form unpleasant stains.
In any case, and if you have any doubts, contact us so that we can advise you and find the ideal solution for your property;
Tricks for cleaning single-layer facades.
- Particularly with cotegran, china or cast stone facades, great care must be taken when cleaning. For this purpose, the force and pressure should be reduced to avoid detached stones, hard bristle brushes should not be used and the distance between the water pressure and the surface should be increased.
- Never use salfuman and other acidic products.
- In the case of having to clean a single coat façade with graffiti and graffiti, it may be necessary to use products such as paint strippers and solvents.
- It is best to clean the single-layer facade on a sunny day.
In any case, and given the characteristics and specifications of the cleaning products that can be used or not, the types of brushes and pressure washers, it is more than advisable to entrust the cleaning of your single-layer façade to a specialised company;
If you have any questions or want to request a quote, do not hesitate to contact us. From Rodriguez Ros we advise you in a personalized way to offer you the budget that best suits your needs and the most appropriate services for the cleaning of your building.
