How to Safely Clean K-Render

                                                              

                                           How to safely clean: -
      K Render, Monocouche and other through colour Render Coatings

The Correct Method for Both Effective Treatment and Removal of Algae and Moss Cleaning

ALWAYS consult experienced cleaning contractors and K Rend cleaning specialists to avoid future problems. We have seen several cases recently where the local property management companies or budget holders have directly instructed local builders and contractors to pressure wash or high-pressure jet wash K Render on schools, public building, managed commercial and residential block properties (See example case study below).

This is not a recommended or recognised safe cleaning method as K Render surfaces should first be treated with an effective algae killer to kill off the algae spores to stop the growth. The render then needs to be washed and cleaned down using ONLY superheated, low-pressure high-steam to remove the surface dirt and remaining algae staining.

Note: The use of high pressure jet washing, simply put, is like using sledge hammer to crack a nut. Jet washing is not an effective method as it can drive water deep into the render and can easily damage the render surface. Simply jet washing the render DOES NOT kill off the algae spores, it will not remove all the algae staining and it allows the algae to continue to grow back within a brief period.

Furthermore, high pressure jetting can also lead to the water penetrating behind the render surface and some of these water droplets can become trapped. This can cause devastating problems in subsequent years when these trapped water droplets freeze in sub-zero winter periods and then expand to cause cracks, spoiling or blowing of the render surface leading to extremely costly render repairs or full panel replacements.

                                   Case Study

We were contacted by a local authority regarding a K Render cleaning project at a local school in South Wales that was suffering from three types of algae staining that had built up over a period of 15 years. In South Wales it often rains and there were lots of trees surrounding the school making it ideal conditions for the growth of algae. The local authorities’ survey initially stated and budgeted for both cleaning and repainting over the K Render coating after trials of jet washing by a local contractor had failed to deliver any results and was deemed to be breaking down the render.

After contacting APT we carried out our initial site survey and put forth recommendations to the client for render treatment. The client accepted the proposal and APT Commercial Cleaning Services carried out treatment and safe cleaning of the render works. As you can see from the photos below the results speak for themselves.

Our Client Had This To Say:

“APT were very professional in their approach to this project and throughout, overcoming many obstacles and safely managing the movement of staff, parents and children during the works. The results were outstanding, and they achieved a ‘back as new’ finish saving us and the school thousands of pounds. By removing the proposed repainting costs, the school were able to utilise the funds in other areas.”

Matthew Touhig – Property Surveyor – Torfaen County Borough Council

The Wrong Approach

You should not be required or be pressured into re-painting or decorating the through colour render – an experienced specialist can bring the surface back to near original state.

However if paint is decided upon, then consider the fact it may break your warranty.

If it is not first cleaned and treated effectively to kill the algae or moss, the applied paint coatings will simply start to peel off in several months or few winters later and any algae staining not treated correctly can quickly show up through the paint coating.

Example?

We recently received this from a very concerned resident of a large prestigious apartment block in Brighton whose management company engaged the services of a local contractor/builder and instructed them to simply power wash the K Render. After they failed to deliver any positive results they were instructed to re-paint the render as shown in this photo.

Request Received from Worried Resident:

“John I am writing to ask for your advice/help with regard to the cleaning/maintenance of our residential block with coloured K Render.

The property is only nine years old and rendered with Webber through-colour rendering product which the managing agents have decided to paint. I understand that they did a patch test with jet
washer and some detergent and deemed that it had not come up sufficiently clean to continue washing and have opted for painting with Dulux Trade Weathershield masonry paint. This is currently being applied with minimal prepping of the area other than high pressure jet washing and scrubbing.

I am very concerned that this approach is not only unnecessary as proper cleaning with manufacturer recommended products would be preferable; moreover, this could cause future problems if algae have been left untreated.

I am very worried if future problems arise with render as this will be left for residents to pick up the repair costs.

Please could you advise how maintenance should be handled and any information the managing agent and contractors should be aware of.

Many thank indeed for any help you can give”

APT have over 25 years of chemical knowledge and managing building cleaning projects, both very large and small, throughout the UK.

We are here to help and advise on any building cleaning projects an that’s why many of our clients rely upon us to help at the early planning stages of their specialist cleaning projects including historic buildings and monuments, commercial, retail outlets and industrial buildings.

why not visit our website at www.apt-icc.co.uk or email us at sales@apt-icc.co.uk and see how we can support you.

Winter Maintenance Programme - Snow and Ice Clearance

WINTER MAINTENANCE PROGRAMME- SNOW AND ICE CLEARANCE

We are now moving into the winter period which brings additional challenges with keeping safe to, from and whilst at the workplace.  Cold weather and shorter periods of daylight mean there is more potential for accidents to happen.  With a little planning, these can be avoided.

Businesses and Public organisations have a “duty of care” and are required to keep areas safe for staff and all public users.  Below are some simple but effective strategies that believe it or not many people take for granted….but when the weather hits they wished they’d put a plan in place!

Adverse Weather

Monitor weather conditions often, (www.bbc.co.uk/weather) as changes may well impact on the decision to remain open for business or close.  If the decision is to remain open, snow and ice clearance should be carried out safely.  Last year there were incidents where highway traffic lost control on ice and slid into work areas; office and works staff slipped and fell on ice in car parks and individuals slipped and fell on ground that was frozen during early mornings and dark evenings, all of these could have been prevented with adequate planning.

What is APT Ice Break - Extreme?  This Revolutionary New Product Help You Reduce Risk and Safeguard your Staff and Clients http://www.aptcleaningsupplies.co.uk/products/92-ice-break.aspx

Ice Break

In this blog, we will be profiling our very popular and very effective ice removal and ice melting product, Ice Break.

‘Now is the winter of our discontent’. That’s how some of you might be feeling when the ice and snow hits again this winter. The country has been getting better in preparing for the weather we now seem to get regularly, with increased gritting and early warnings, but there’s only so much local councils can do to make sure you can get around easily and safely. If you live in an isolated area, away from the main roads, you’re usually just left to fend for yourself. And if you own a business that is located on an industrial estate or business park it ends up being your responsibility to clear the way for your workers to get in.

So how do you do this? You could get in early and break out the shovel to dig the snow out yourself, but try using that to chisel away at the compacted ice that will no doubt be underneath all that snow. You could use rock salt, a popular product for ice clearing, but this isn’t always that effective, and you’re still left with the remains of the ice/slush that have to be cleared. So what other option is there? Well, there’s Ice Break.

Ice Break is without a doubt the most effective way to remove hardened and thick ice. It works eight times faster than rock salt and covers twelve times the area. Rock salt lasts around four to five hours, whereas Ice Break lasts an incredible 48 hours, which also prevents the formation of new layers of ice. The 100% pure graded granulated pellets (Ice Break contains no fillers whatsoever) begin reacting and melting the ice upon contact and dissolve completely, meaning there is nothing to clean up afterwards, unlike other ice melting products.

Ice Break can be used wherever it is needed, including stairwells, ramps, pavements, loading bays and cold storage areas. It has been used and trusted for many years by organizations included the MOD, the NHS and the Royal Mint, as well as numerous local council organizations.

If you need more proof that Ice Break really works, click here to see a video of it going up against grit to see which is the best ice melting product (spoiler – it’s Ice Break). If you are interested in our other winter products, please visit our website at www.aptcleaningsupplies.co.uk.

Call us today on 0800 0723 773

Winter Maintenance

Winter Maintenance Programme - Snow and Ice clearance

We are now moving into the winter period which brings additional challenges OF keeping safe to, from and whilst at the workplace.  Cold weather and shorter periods of daylight mean there is more potential for accidents to happen, With a little planning, these can be avoided.

This time of year, many business owners, organisations, local authorities, property managers and building service providers have to deal with the problem of snow and ice problems. The job entails removing and clearing snow and ice from pathways, loading bays, fire exits and building key access points. Businesses and Public organisations have a “duty of care” and are required to keep areas safe for staff and public use.  Below are some simple but effective strategies that many organizations take for granted.

Adverse Weather

Monitor weather conditions often (www.bbc.co.uk/weather) as changes may well impact on the decision to remain open for business or close.  If the decision is to remain open, snow and ice clearance should be carried out safely.  Last year there were incidents where highway traffic lost control on ice and slid into work areas; office and works staff slipped and fell on ice in car parks and individuals slipped and fell on ground that had become frozen during early mornings and dark evenings, all of these could have been prevented with adequate planning.

Preparing for winter working

Snow and Ice clearance

Have you adequate arrangements in place to move snow, de-ice walkways, steps and vehicle routes.  Do you have the tools or adequate specialist products for the job? 

If de-icing is to be undertaken locally make sure you have carried out a risk assessment and communicated the requirements to individuals so they are competent to undertake the task and able to use manual grit spreaders.  Plan what area you will move snow to as this may well cause a secondary hazard if not placed correctly.

Who is going to carry out the work, what resources do you have available, what is the cost of that resource? Sometimes there is no one to do or even willing to take this task on, so you may need to think about alternatives or easier methods!

After the snow has fallen, the ice becomes the biggest problem; as the snow melts it is essential to remove the water quickly from the surface, to drain it away in order to stop it refreezing thereby causing a bigger risk. If temperatures remain low or drops during the night the problem will persist and prolong the situation, remember ice is much more difficult to remove when bonded to the surface. The snow should be removed completely from the affected key areas ensuring a clear passage, this must include all drains.

Many locations were caught out last year when there was an unprecedented demand for grit, salt, specialised ice melting products and snow shovels. Stay on the safe side, be prepared – get stocked up now.

Drains & Drainage

It is recommended that drain & gully clearance is carried out early to ensure excess water is free to drain off.  

Remember to de-ice the drain pots & check periodically for clearance during long periods of adverse weather.

NB: Last year there were several issues registered when ice and water got under pavers and refroze causing expansion of joints. The damage required pathways to be closed and subsequent costly reinstatement works for the business…

NEVER de-ice drains with grit or clay based products as they will cause blockages and prevent water dispersing.

Gutters

Make sure gutters are free from leaves and debris.

A number of locations last year closed walkways around buildings where icicles had built up around gutters; these subsequently fell to ground during warmer spells only to re-freeze later; plan alternative routes.  

Lighting

Adequate lighting around walkways both inside and out is particularly important at this time of year.  Existing lighting needs to be checked to ensure it still works correctly after the summer months and new or amended walkways and pedestrian crossings need to be assessed to determine if additional lighting is required.

Water and Heating

In winter it is important to ensure that water supplies do not freeze by ensuring that exposed pipes are correctly lagged. If a burst does occur, do you know where to isolate the supply?  Boiler maintenance should be carried out if necessary to ensure these run efficiently and are free from leaks and other problems ahead of the winter period.  Any gas heaters must have adequate ventilation - Carbon Monoxide is a silent killer.

Building Maintenance

Last year we had a number of incidents where either materials or the fabric of the buildings became dislodged due to snow build up and fell to ground.  Ensure that housekeeping standards are maintained, that items are secured and report any damage such as cracked window panes, roof tiles, loose guttering or similar, snow fall can have a disastrous effect if maintenance is not kept up.

Look out for the build up of leaves and algae on pathways or steps that could cause a slip hazard, we are aware of one individual who slipped last year and seriously injured their back on debris left in a walkway.

Vehicles and Plant

Mirrors, windscreens, reversing cameras and lights have a tendency to get obscured due to mud, dirt and other materials that get thrown up at this time of year.  Plant operators must ensure they regularly clean their windows, mirrors and reversing cameras so they can safely see all around.  Lights on all vehicles should be cleaned regularly to ensure vehicles are visible at all times.  Make sure your vehicle is prepared for winter with regards to windscreen wash, de-icer and good tyres etc.

How can APT help?

Speak to apt site services (01495 308048) who carry out annual and winter maintenance programs for their clients, to include the following:

1. Path and drain clearance - high pressure jet washing
2. High level Access – guttering & water goods
3. Property clearance, clean & waste disposal
4. Commercial renovation & remedial all trades 
5. Emergency clean ups - flooding
6. Post severe weather repairs
7. Road re-surfacing & pot hole repairs                                                      
8. Roofing & masonry re-pointing
9. M&E - Building & Engineering Works                                     

10.  Deep cleans and sanitations

NEW RAPID ICE MELTING PRODUCT

APT have a rapid ice melting & clearance product called Ice Break, as well as a range of other winter products. These will help to keep you safe and remain open for business this winter. Take a look at here for more information:  http://www.aptcleaningsupplies.co.uk/products/92-ice-break.aspx  

How does ice BREAK work –

Understanding gives an intelligent choice

INEffectiveness and limitations of salt based products

Up to now property managers generally use salt & grit based ice melting compounds, usually Sodium Chloride (Rock Salt) a base ingredient combined with grit, sand and clay fillers.

Sodium Chloride has limited effectiveness in extreme cold conditions; it fails to work below -5c degrees. It fails to melt hard frozen ice before re-freezing itself. It is ineffective in dissipating the water. It has a limited ‘working life’ of only up to five hours and constantly requires repeat application. Rock salt takes around 15-20 minutes to be effective, however if the temperature is too cold it will not work at all. Rock salt attacks and corrodes; concrete, pathways, tarmac and other surfaces, causing costly repairs. It is corrosive towards steel fittings and causes damage flooring, carpets, footwear, lawns, trees and shrubs. Rock salt it is often very difficult to distribute evenly and requires trained manual labour, tools and spreading equipment. It requires heavy manual work. Often rock salt becomes hardened and lumps up in the bags or grit stores with limited shelf life.  It makes a severe mess and clogs up drains.

What is apt Ice break? 

How can our Revolutionary product help you with your winter maintenance planning this season?

ICE BREAK is a successful, easy & natural alternative to rock salt; is manufactured by removing all the products own liquid content, then converting it into small lightweight pellets. Since it is a liquid in its natural state then it quickly reacts and returns to a liquid rapidly absorbing moisture from the atmosphere or ice ( 8 times faster than salt ) effectively breaking the ice bond with the surface and helping to remove the surplus water .

ICE BREAK is a specialized product and it works by attracting moisture to form liquid brine which generates heat to melt the ice. Once on the surface this "brine" can spread out on the ice and start to break its bond with the surface. As the ice is loosened it can be more easily shoveled away while allowing the excess water to dissipate to drains.

The rate of melting depends on how fast the specific chemical reacts to the existing moisture. ICE BREAK works best if applied before snow or ice accumulates.

ICE BREAK must dissolve into a solution quickly to be effective. When these chemicals come in contact with water a reaction is caused that gives off heat to melt ice and snow. The longer the contact time the maximum the effect. 

The benefits over Rock Salt:

ü  It continually works extremely well in low temperatures down to -25c degrees therefore is unaffected by UK temperatures

ü  Work Life - ICE BREAK has a prolonged work life of up to 48 hours

ü  Easy Dispensing - the small white, light weight pellets are simple and easy to apply and requires no special equipment or trained labour, anyone can do it - just sow like grass seed.

ü  Coverage – it covers an area around eight times more than rock salt and other grit based products.

ü  ICE BREAK dissolves rapidly leaving no residues, therefore there is no further action required or cost for clean up or drain maintenance.

ü  It stores for up to three years in re-sealable, re usable buckets.

ü  ICE BREAK – is safe on concrete, tarmac and does not damage plants or animals, shoes and flooring

ü  ICE BREAK’s lasting effectiveness can last as long as two days in one application, this reduces labour costs and call outs. Because ICE BREAK is so quick and easy to dispense most companies find they can often pass the job of clearing main access routes to the caretaker or security team as part of their daily routine during adverse periods, thus allowing clear access for staff and public to arrive and leave safely.

Important to note

Some other ice melt products contain fillers or chemicals commonly found in fertilizers, but that does not mean they are safe to use around vegetation and at high concentrates, these chemicals are harmful to plants and animals. The fillers also leave residues which are unsightly and require clean up similar to rock salt.  They are no way as effective as pure pellets.

How to use to maximise effect

Spread the product thinly over the surface. In very cold weather it may be helpful to add some water to the product to begin the melting process as it is the chemical solution of the product and water that actually does the work.

Tips

• Don't over apply the product follow the instructions on the label.
• Don't try to melt everything. Before applying ICE BREAK, make sure any snow accumulation has been shovelled or brushed off.
• Wear gloves when applying Ice Break. The product can sometimes irritate bear skin. Remember Ice Break gets hot!
• Make sure the container is tightly sealed when storing the product as Ice Break can absorb moisture from the air and harden.
• Don’t use Ice Break on new concrete that has not fully cured

Phone: 01495 308048

Fax:      01495 303020

www.aptcleaningsupplies.co.uk

www.apt-icc.co.uk

Exterior Building Cleaner

Exterior Building Cleaner

                                                  Effective algae, mould, moss remover

Professional - Highly concentrated, cost effective formula for use most exterior building surfaces

Quickly kills off growth spores of algae, mould, moss & fungi

Provides long term protection against regrowth 

             Allows removal of unwanted algae surface staining

Safe - Low toxicity -Eco friendly solution

DESCRIPTION

Apt New exterior building cleaner solution quickly kills off organic growth to allow effective removal of algae, mould, moss and fungi from most hard exterior building surfaces including –

All coated metal cladding, stone, masonry, concrete, tarmac, pathways, steps, children’s play areas, tennis courts, drive ways, plastics, upvc, decking, painted metals & wall surfaces, roofs and skylights skylights, gutters.    

This is a professional effective formula, which is highly concentrated, cost effective, and safe for use around plant life (when diluted)

Our Building cleaner is highly versatile and can be used in several cleaning methods; low pressure super-heated steam cleaners, pressure washers, garden sprayers, floor scrubbing machinery, as well as spray wiping by hand to remove from window framing, plastic gutters and fascia’s.

DIRECTIONS

For heavy soiling and treatment of algae fungi and mould: for best results Dilute 1 part with up to 10 parts waters.  Apply to surface area, agitate and leave to ideally between 30 minutes to 1 hour. 

Use low pressure super-heated steam clean system to rinse off with clean water. A second application may be required. Stubborn staining may require overnight applications  

For light maintenance treatment and removal of light visual algae, cleaning and washing external surfaces wall and paths: Dilute 1 part with up to 20 parts waters and leave to work between 30 minutes to 1 hour.  Use Low Pressure to rinse off with clean water.
Where appropriate PPE plastic wet suit, gloves and eye and face protection.

For a range of products visit us at: www.aptcommercialchemicals.co.uk




Crown House Crown Business Park Dukestown Road  Tredegar  Gwent  NP22 4EF

Tel: 01495 308048        Fax: 01495 303020         e-mail: sales@apt-icc.co.uk

                                                                                             www.apt-icc.co.uk

Cladding Cleaning

The Importance of Building Cleaning

You may be tempted to leave your building untouched in the name of economy, however, that is not a clever idea. As your property accumulates dirt particles from air pollution, algae, lichen and bird droppings, it will look untidy. As well as giving a poor impression to potential clients, tenants, suppliers and your staff, the contamination can damage the fabric of the building meaning that your major asset will depreciate significantly

Cladding Cleaning

First impressions count, make sure that your building gives the right one.

Our cladding cleaning services could increase your sales, leasing opportunities of the property and prevent future dilapidation claims or disputes between the tenant and landlord. Our aim for you is to clean, restore and protect your building facade, while improving the image of your property. We have cleaned cladding on the following;

·        
-Distribution centres

·         -Supermarkets

·         -Office blocks

·         -High-rise apartment blocks

·         -Universities & schools

·         -Service stations

·         -Retail premises

·         -Warehousing and factories 

·        - Factories

·         -Leisure stadiums

During the latter half of the 20th century, architects have used aluminium, coated timber, steel panels and painted metal cladding to enhance buildings. Even the two environmentally tough materials cannot resist the ravages of time - the weather, especially in the UK takes its toll. Algae, mildew and moss all grow and will soon make a once smart building look run-down and uncared for.

Using environmentally friendly specialised cleaning methods we can revitalise areas of stainless steel, aluminium and other cladded buildings. We will remove:

·         -Surface dirt and pollution

·         -Efflorescence and staining

·         -Unwanted plant growth- Algae, moss, mildew and mould

·           Unsightly or offensive Graffiti and paint coatings

Case Study – Sardis House

A Local Authority’s main headquarters had suffered more than ten years of grime, algae and moss growth on painted steeling cladding as well as some graffiti on the lower levels. The building is awkwardly placed between Pontypridd’s busy through road and a railway line making access difficult.

We put in place a full traffic and pedestrian safety management system.  We utilised on site our commercial cleaning and graffiti removal team, high level rope access abseiling team and soda blast cleaning systems to carry out the building facade deep cleaning.

We used specialist high level access lifts, high pressure jetting, soda blasting systems, specialist graffiti removal products and APT algae and moss killer products to safely deep clean and remove the surface contaminants.

Excellent results with several letters written to the local authority praising the work and the local paper running a story on the long-awaited building cleaning. The job saved several thousand pounds and limited disruption to local trading.

“Dear Andrew,

I would like to personally thank you and your team at apt for the great work you carried out on the Sardis house refurbishment project. Both Senior Surveyors Edwin Hanley and Alun Roberts have both asked me to pass on their thanks and appreciation in managing and carrying through this difficult project and your endeavours to overcoming the logistical and safety issues in order to meet the budget cost  

Best regards - Derek Thomas - Property Surveyor Carillion contracts.”

What Types of Cladding do we clean?

We provide exterior building cleaning whatever the cladding type, age, condition or material, be it powder-coated, plastic-coated, stainless steel or anodised aluminium panels. It doesn’t matter how tall or how long your building might be or how big or small a business you are. We can inspect, wash, clean, refurbish, repaint and renew the cladding anywhere in the UK.

Fast, Safe, Convenient and Reliable Service

Our cladding cleaning processes are fast, safe and reliable thanks to our highly trained staff. We have built a reputation for providing high quality cladding cleaning services and guarantee that our work will be beneficial for your company. We treat our customers as our partners and ensure that they receive first class customer service during and after the contract. We provide everything required to minimise disruption and inconvenience to your daily routine, including 'out-of-hours' working where necessary.

We provide high level cleaning via the use of scaffolding, hydraulic platforms and rope access.

Safety is our priority and we ensure that our employees have undergone the correct training and are qualified for the job. Our cleaning technicians are properly insured. We can provide evidence of our qualifications as well as that of our workers if required. For your peace of mind, we comply with all the current industry health and safety regulations.

We will provide a full health and safety plan and will, where necessary, put in place traffic and pedestrian safety management system.

Cladding Repair & Restoration

Not only do we clean, we can restore your cladding using our super-clean and re-polish service. This will remove oxidised metal or painted surfaces or we can strip and redecorate to colour match.  Where necessary we can replace damaged cladding for new.

The above is an example of the quality repairs and restoration of cladding we completed.

Render Cleaning Tips

Render Cleaning

Don’t just hire anyone for your render cleaning. You need an established and experienced cleaning company that knows all the procedures, risks, regulations and very efficient work management. On top of this the cleaning technicians must know how to approach the unclean render. They must understand the types of dirt and be able to explain to you the procedures at every stage. Don’t hire someone that is only going to pressure wash your render. A pressure washing company will charge less than a professional cleaning company but you will end up with algae or mould growing back again on your building. On top of the clean look, you must also make sure the surface is sanitised by the cleaning operative. A pressure washer can’t sanitise a building surface. Why? Because the pressure removes the dirt but it does not kill the bacteria that causes the dirt on the building.

Keep in mind

1.       You need an experienced company, with all the required documentation and risk assessments.

2.       You need a chemically treated building surface not just a pressure wash.

3.       You need a company with licensed professional cleaning operatives for your satisfaction.

4.       You need a company with efficient work management.

You need an impeccable and professional service provided to you by our company.

Call us on 0800 157 7484 and arrange your free quote today! We might be working in your area so call us now for a quick turnaround.