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.
“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.
