Washing facades - detailed instructions, understandable and intelligible!

Over time, all facades need to be cleaned, especially for buildings located within the city. You shouldn't start washing facades without preliminary theoretical training. External wall coverings are made from various materials, each of which requires a special approach. In this article, we will look at step-by-step instructions for washing facades made of various materials, talk about the detergents, mechanisms and equipment used.

Facade cleaning is a set of special measures by which dirt is removed from the surface.

At the same time, an algorithm of actions is chosen that does not harm the appearance and does not adversely affect the performance of materials. Some contaminants are located not only on the surface, but also deeply penetrate the structure of materials, it is very difficult to remove them from there. Such work requires professionalism, the use of effective detergents and special equipment. In the most difficult cases, it is necessary to remove the old coating and completely renovate the facades. Moss roots penetrate the surface of the coating and destroy them.

In order to minimize the risks of critical destruction of facades by microorganisms, they must be removed in a timely manner. You can wash facades both independently and use the services of specialized companies. The windows are washed at the same time as the facades.

Classification of dirt

There are two types of dirt ..

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1. Mineral. Formed due to the deposition of minerals from the air on the surface. They also include contamination with building materials: cement-sand mortar, seals and sealants, polyurethane foam, etc. Rust and patina, salts on the surface of bricks (efflorescence), soot and soot are also mineral contaminants.

   

   Mineral pollution (efflorescence)

2. Organic. The appearance of moss and mold on the surface. Over time, dust settles on surfaces, which serves as fertile soil for the growth of various microorganisms. The category of organic dirt also includes stains from grease and drying oil.

   

   Organic pollution (moss removal)

When preparing for washing facades, take into account not only the material for the manufacture of facade coatings, but also the nature of the pollution.

These factors influence the choice of detergents, fixtures and washing tools.

In addition to cleaning the facades in order to improve their appearance, such work must be performed before carrying out cosmetic repairs. Due to this, the coefficient of adhesion of new topcoats to facade surfaces is improved.

Technical means for washing facades

Any washing technology requires a high pressure water pressure. Water can be taken directly from the mains using flexible garden hoses.

This method is the simplest, but the water pressure is not always sufficient for quality work. In addition, a low pressure requires the use of long ladders when washing, this is the only way to apply a stream of water to a height of more than two meters.

A more efficient way is to use special Karcher mini-sinks to supply water under high pressure. They are used not only for washing facades, cars, concrete and stone paths, sidewalks and stairs, fences and decorative metal fences, etc. are washed with the help of devices.

Specifications Karcher

There is special equipment in the implementation that allows you to wash the facades of two-story buildings from the ground - conveniently, quickly and completely safely. The kit includes a carbon rod assembly, the adjustable length makes it possible to wash surfaces at a distance of 25 m from the ground.

Filtered water is supplied to the boom under high pressure.

To exclude the formation of stains and streaks on glass and plastic facades, a set of special filters cleans the water. Not only small mechanical impurities are removed, but also its demineralization and deionization is performed. The table below shows the parameters of the main models of mini-sinks for individual use, but there are also industrial units that allow high-quality washing of the facades of multi-storey buildings.

Ordinary water is connected to filters located on the trolley. Flexible hoses are wound on the same cart.

When washing glass and metal facades, purified water is used, other surfaces are washed with ordinary water. Some device models have special containers for adding detergents. The amount of detergent supplied to the brush is regulated depending on the degree of contamination of the facade.

Prices for the range of pressure washers

High pressure washers

Which detergents to use for washing facades and glasses

The choice of a specific detergent should be done taking into account its physical and chemical characteristics and the specific material of the facade walls. We will give a short list and characteristics of the most used detergents.

Modern detergents allow you to clean the facade walls from:

• salts of chlorine, potassium, sodium;
• efflorescence;
• dust and soot;
• bird droppings, pollen;
• fungi and mold;
• rust and grease stains;
• concrete residues, tile glue, lime, sealants;
• graffiti.

Important. Limestone and marble can only be cleaned with alkaline agents, the use of acidic agents is strictly prohibited.

Bricks and ceramic tiles are cleaned with acidic ones with a minimum concentration.For facades plastered with cement-sand mortars, neutral agents are used.

Having theoretical knowledge, it will be easier for you to determine with a specific means for cleaning facades. Be very careful, the wrongly selected detergent can cause irreparable damage to the facade.

Washing the brick facade of the house

Step 1.

Assess the condition of the facade, find out the cause and area of ​​contamination, their location.

Step 2. Taking into account the dirt, select the detergent, the amount should take into account the frequency of washing and one-time consumption.

Important. Do not immediately wash with high pressure water devices.

Mishandling and misuse can damage the surface of the facade walls. Start washing with a gentle method, dirt and dust are perfectly removed with a flexible garden hose and an ordinary brush.

Step 3. Fit the hose nozzle. The size of the nozzle is indicated in degrees, at 0 ° the jet exits at the maximum speed, but the minimum diameter.

For most brick surfaces, an exit angle of 40 ° -50 ° is set.

Step 4. Take measures to protect windows and doors , cover them with plastic wrap. Make sure that children, animals and birds are not near the house.

Step 5.

Heavily soiled areas must first be wetted with detergent. On very dirty ones, first walk with a sponge soaked in detergent.

Step 6. Continuously move the nozzle over the wall surface to return to very dirty areas several times. The jet should always move from top to bottom, make sure that there are no traces of dirt streaks on the surface.

Step 7. If you used caustic detergents, be sure to rinse the front wall with clean water.

Small residual stains are best hand washed again. Do not forget about safety measures, work in safety glasses. Use ladders and stepladders carefully, they should not wobble.

If the surface of the ground near the walls is uneven, then make a portable platform.

How to wash clinker tile facade

Clinker facades meet modern requirements in terms of their design and physical characteristics. Unfortunately, traces of mortar and glue appear on the front surface quite often. The main reason is low qualifications and dishonesty of workers. They untimely cleaned the surface of technological contaminants, the solution was on the tile for a long time and during this time managed to soak inside, mechanical removal of the outer layer is ineffective.

Liquid components have already impregnated the tiles, after removing the solid elements they become visible.

To carry out the work, you will need a 24% hydrochloric acid solution (sold in building materials stores), liquid soap and an ordinary brush with a long handle. A simple garden hose connected to an existing plumbing system can be used to flush the surface. How to restore the cleanliness of the surface?

Step 1. Free up space near the front wall, remove construction debris.

If the building is tall, prepare a ladder or stepladder of the appropriate length.

Important. Hydrochloric acid is a corrosive chemical compound. Take all measures to restrict access to the washing area for pets and unauthorized people.

Step 2.

Hose the wall with clean water. The surface must absorb the maximum possible amount of moisture, this is a prerequisite for washing hygroscopic building materials. A dry facade cladding will absorb the detergent, after the end of the process it cannot be removed from there. This will cause prolonged release of detergents from the cladding, streaks or stains will constantly appear on the surface. In addition, the consumption of detergents increases significantly on dry facades.

Step 3. Pour some of the solution into a plastic container. Do not use galvanized containers, the acid will corrode the coating. Wet the brush a little and wipe the dirt. Moisten the brush as needed.

Keep in mind that hydrochloric acid vapors irritate the respiratory system, use a respirator. If it is not there, then stand on the leeward side of the wall, the couples should go to the opposite side from you.

Step 4. If it is difficult to remove some dirt, then clean them with an increased amount of solution. Hydrochloric acid perfectly cleans away the remnants of glue and cement-sand mortar, putty stains, etc.

Step 5. Do not wash the entire wall, but divide it into sections. Start at the top and work your way down.

Step 6. After using the acid, thoroughly rinse the surface with clean water using a hose.

When rinsing, use a brush to help remove any remaining detergent.

Step 7. To ensure the cleanliness of the brick surface, professionals strongly advise to wash the facade again using ordinary liquid soap. Dissolve the preparation in a separate container, apply it to the surface of the facade and thoroughly rinse off the remains with water.

Finished washing one wall - you can go to the second and so on around the perimeter of the house.

Prices for pneumatic airbrushes, spray guns, texture guns

Pneumatic airbrushes, spray guns, texture guns

Washing plastic facades

When cleaning plastic facades, the following must be observed Recommendations:

1. Choose the right cleaning materials for the type and size of the dirt.Plastics are not afraid of most aggressive joints, but they can damage the fastening systems. Keep this in mind.

2. Facades are mounted in such a way that water does not get under the coating during rains. This means that the water from the hose should always flow from top to bottom in relation to the panel joints, and not vice versa.

3. Do not press the brush against the panels with great force, they may be thin and cannot withstand such loads.

4. If mechanical damage is found on the surface of the plastic facade, then they cannot be washed with water pressure. Skip the damage, and then go back to them and clean up the problem areas manually.

   

   Cleaning the plastic facade

Cleaning the facade walls of an old wooden house

Wooden facades of such houses darken, mosses appear on them. Let's say right away that it will take a long time to clean the surfaces, it will take several days for one small house.

There are two methods for restoring the appearance of old wooden walls or natural timber cladding.

The first is dry. You need to use wire brushes and electric grinders. It is physically difficult to work, but very positive effects can be achieved. After such cleaning, professionals recommend protecting the wall surfaces from damage and dirt.

Today's building materials and technologies make it possible to do this reliably and fairly quickly.

The second is wet. For cleaning, you can use Karcher mini-washing machines. The strong pressure of the jet removes the top rotten wood layer, and the wood's appearance is renewed. And this method will take a long time.

In addition, before the subsequent protection of the walls, you need to wait until the tree is completely dry.

How to clean a natural stone base

As any material, natural stone, over time deteriorates its original appearance, mosses begin to grow on it. It becomes polluted with particles of earth, dust settles on the surface. Ordinary washing with water often does not give results, you have to use detergents. Natural stone can be cleaned in several ways:

1. Using acid solutions.

   You can use phosphoric, hydrochloric, hydrofluoric, acetic and formic acids. Concentration no more than 10%. Before washing, the stone is abundantly wetted with clean water until it is completely saturated, only after that acid solutions can be applied to the surface. Dirt is removed with brushes, after cleaning, the surface is washed off first with water, then with soapy water and again with clean water. Sandstones are often processed in this way.

   In their composition they have iron, which oxidizes over time, ugly red deposits appear on the surface.

Important. It is forbidden to wash the stone containing limestone with acid solutions

1. Using alkali solutions.This method is used to remove organic impurities: oil and grease stains, wax deposits. The method can be applied to all types of stones, without exception.

2. Solvents. Both organic and inorganic solvents are used. The surface is effectively cleaned. The disadvantage is that only local contamination can be washed.

3. Special pastes.

   The method is used to remove moss, mold, rust, lime, gypsum, paint, resin from surfaces. The paste is applied in a thin layer to the contaminated areas, giving time to corrode. After that, the dirt is removed with a metal brush or spatula.

4. Mechanical devices. You can use a circular sander with metal discs.

   All surface stains are removed. You need to work carefully, avoiding the formation of noticeable depressions.

   

   Methods for cleaning the base

Professional advice

Prices for facade cleaners

Facade cleaner

Never rush to make a decision, carefully examine the facade walls for the composition of dirt and their amount. Incorrectly chosen technology and detergents can cause irreversible damage to the facade.

Observe safety rules when handling harsh chemical detergents.

Protect not only yourself, but also take care of the safety of others.

If there are flower beds near the house, do not let detergents get on them. Dig grooves to drain the dirty water into a safe place first. Remember that getting acid into the soil will significantly impair its fertility. We no longer mention the extremely negative consequences of the seepage of such water into wells.

Do not wash facades in very hot and sunny weather. High temperatures and direct sunlight increase the negative effects of chemicals on the human body.

If your house is large and has several floors, invite employees of specialized companies. In the end, this will not cost much more than doing the work yourself. But the quality and safety of work will be at the highest level.

At the end of work, very carefully rinse the surface from the remaining detergents. Their presence can not only cause the appearance of various stains, but also slowly destroy the structure of the facing materials. Microcracks and pores form on them, they begin to crumble, etc. Dust quickly settles in the pores, which serves as the basis for the growth of mosses.

Video - Washing a brick facade