A: There are a number of different types of render that are commonly used on buildings in the UK, including: traditional sand and cement render, pre-mixed render, acrylic render, monocouche render, and lime render. There are also numerous specialised renders, such as: insulating render, self-cleaning render, and render that is designed to mimic the look of brick or stone. The most appropriate cleaning technique will depend on the type of render, the condition of the surface, and the type and extent of the dirt and stains that need to be removed.

Every building is unique; at Clearstone Solutions, we can assess the type of render used, and advise on the most appropriate cleaning methods to use in order to give you the greatest possible results.

A: If your render looks dirty, it has most likely become contaminated with dirt, grime, or other contaminants. This can happen over time due to exposure to the elements, as well as the accumulation of dirt and dust from the surrounding environment. Various factors can be a cause of discolouration to rendered surfaces, which can over time result in a dirty appearance. Some of the common culprits include, but are not limited to:

Carbon staining - A type of discolouration that can occur on the surface of building materials, including render, due to the accumulation of carbon-based contaminants. Typically dark in colour, carbon staining can appear as black, grey, or brown stains or streaks on the surface of the render, and can be caused by a variety of sources, including: exhaust fumes from vehicles, industrial emissions and wood smoke from fires or barbecues.

Red staining, which can be caused by multiple factors, including - 
Iron oxide (rust) -  Can form when metal components, such as screws, are in contact with rendered surfaces.
Environmental factors - Pollution from industrial surfaces can cause red stains on surfaces of buildings. Houses located in heavily industrialised areas are more susceptible to this factor.
Biological growth - Certain types of algae, moss, or fungi can produce red or reddish-coloured pigments, and these organisms can potentially grow on the surface of the render. If the red staining on your render is accompanied by other signs of biological growth- such as a slimy or velvety texture- this could be the cause.
Other materials - Red staining on your render could be caused by something other than the render itself, such as paint, brick, or concrete.

A: A variety of organic growth could be present on the render of your house in the UK, which can also make it look dirty. Some common possibilities include algae, moss, and lichens.

Algae are a type of simple, aquatic plant that can grow on the surface of render, especially in damp or humid conditions. Algae can be green, blue-green, or black in colour, and they tend to form slimy, slippery patches on the surface of the render.

Moss is a small, non-vascular plant that can grow on the surface of render, especially in shady or damp areas. Moss is typically green in colour, and it forms a soft, velvety mat on the surface of the render.

Lichens are a type of symbiotic organism that consists of a fungus and an alga living together. Lichens can grow on the surface of the render, especially in damp or humid conditions, and they can be a variety of colours, including green, yellow, orange, and black. Lichens typically form flat or slightly raised patches on the surface of the render.

If you are unsure what type of moss or organic growth is growing on your render, it is a good idea to have a professional cleaner inspect the render to determine the cause of the growth and recommend a course of action. In some cases, the growth may be able to be removed through cleaning, while in other cases, it may be necessary to apply a chemical treatment to kill the growth and prevent its re-growth. Clearstone Solutions would be more than happy to assess your render, and talk you through the appropriate course of action! 

If you don’t kill what is growing on the surface, it will regrow and return. Our SoftWash technique breaks this cycle by using water-based, biodegradable chemicals to kill mould, mildew, algae and bacteria. SoftWashing is the perfect solution for cleaning your building exteriors whilst protecting coatings and surfaces.

A: Maintaining the render on your building is generally a good idea, as it can help to preserve the appearance and integrity over time. There are a few key steps you can take to maintain your render:

Keep the render clean: Regularly cleaning the render can help to remove dirt, grime, and other contaminants that can accumulate on the surface over time. This can help to prevent the build-up of stains and discolouration, helping to keep the render looking fresh and clean.

Repair any damage: If you notice any cracks, chips, or other damage to the render, it is a good idea to repair it as soon as possible. Prompt repairs can help to prevent the damage from worsening and can help to preserve the overall condition of the render.

Protect the render from the elements: If your render is exposed to harsh weather conditions, such as strong winds, heavy rain, or extreme temperatures, it is a good idea to take steps to protect it. This might include using a protective coating, or installing weatherstripping to reduce the impact of the elements on the render.

By following these steps, you can help to maintain the condition of your render and preserve its appearance over time. This can help to increase the lifespan of the render, potentially saving you money on costly repairs or replacements in the future.

A: There are a number of different techniques that can be used for render cleaning, including steam cleaning, chemical cleaning, and manual scrubbing. The most appropriate technique will depend on the type of render, the condition of the surface, and the type and extent of the dirt and stains that need to be removed.

Steam Cleaning is a gentle yet effiective way of cleaning your render. Our DOFF Steam Cleaner follows an environmentally friendly system that uses low volumes of water (only 5 litres per minute!) at a hot temperature, making it ideal for gently cleaning render without damaging delicate substrate.

Chemical cleaning involves the use of specialised cleaning agents designed to break down and remove dirt, grime, and other contaminants from the surface of the render. These products can be applied using a spray bottle or a garden hose, and left to sit for a certain amount of time before being rinsed off.

Manual scrubbing involves the use of a scrub brush or a similar tool to manually scrub the surface of the render to remove dirt and stains. This method can be effective for removing stubborn stains, but it can also be time-consuming and labour-intensive.

Cleaning render on a building can potentially cause damage if not done correctly, which is why it is important to hire a professional cleaning company to complete this task for you. Clearstone staff are fully trained in the appropriate cleaning methods, products and tools necessary to avoid causing damage to render during the cleaning process.

It is important to know that organic growth can only be killed/removed/treated using steam at over 130 degrees, or by using a chemical treatment like the one used during the SoftWashing process.  

Overall, render cleaning can be effective at removing dirt and debris, but the effectiveness of the cleaning method will depend on the specific type of render and the level of dirt and debris present. If you are not sure which method is best for your render, Clearstone Solutions would be more than happy to talk you through the options available!

A: The length of time it takes to clean the render will depend on a number of factors, including the size of the area to be cleaned, the condition of the render, and the type of cleaning method being used.

For a full exterior render cleaning job on a typical three-bedroom house, it could take anywhere from a few hours to a full day, depending on the specific circumstances. For smaller areas or for spot cleaning, it may take less time.

If the render is in good condition and only requires a light cleaning, the job may be completed faster. However, if the render is in poor condition, with extensive dirt, grime, or other contaminants, it may take longer to clean it properly. In some cases, it may also be necessary to use a combination of different cleaning methods to achieve the best results.

Overall, it is difficult to give a precise estimate for how long it will take to clean the render without more information about the specific circumstances of the job. At Clearstone Solutions, we provide a full breakdown of the time we expect each job to take, giving you complete transparency when it comes to our pricing breakdown.

A: When choosing a company to clean your render, there are several key factors you should consider:

Experience: It is important to choose a company that has a proven track record of successfully cleaning rendered walls. Look for a company with several years of experience in the industry and a strong reputation for quality work.

Expertise: Look for a company that has in-depth knowledge of the different types of render and the most effective cleaning methods for each type. A company with a team of trained professionals will be better equipped to handle any challenges that may arise during the cleaning process.

Equipment: Make sure the company you choose has access to the right equipment and tools for the job. A company that uses state-of-the-art cleaning equipment will be more likely to produce high-quality results.

Cost: Consider the cost of the cleaning services offered by different companies. It is important to get quotes from multiple companies to compare prices and to make sure you are getting a fair price for the work being done.

Customer service: Look for a company that is responsive, helpful, and easy to work with. A company that values its customers and provides excellent customer service will be more likely to deliver a positive experience overall.

By considering these factors, you can choose a company that is well-suited to meet your needs and provide high-quality render cleaning services.

Operating since 1979, our fully trained professionals use state-of-the-art equipment to ensure customers receive the best results, and are always happy to help with any questions and queries during the process. With Clearstone Solutions, your render is under warranty for two years! This means if you see any spots or organic regrowth appear on your walls, our team will be more than happy to come out and fix it for you!

Regular maintenance ensures that your render remains structurally sound, as well as improving the kerb appeal. To find out more about our maintenance options, simply give us a call - we’d love to hear from you!

A: The cost of cleaning the render on a home can vary greatly depending on various factors, including the size of the home, the condition of the render, and the type of cleaning method used. On average, you can expect to pay anywhere from £200 to £800 for a full exterior render cleaning job on a typical three-bedroom house. However, this is just a rough estimate, and the actual cost could be higher or lower depending on the specifics of the job.

There are numerous factors that can affect the cost of render cleaning, such as: the type of render (e.g., traditional sand and cement render vs. a more modern, pre-mixed render), the condition of the surface, and the type and extent of the dirt and stains that need to be removed. 

At Clearstone Solutions, we provide a full breakdown of the cost, giving you complete transparency when it comes to our pricing.

A: Render cleaning can potentially be harmful to the environment, depending on the cleaning method and chemicals used. However, there are eco-friendly and safer alternatives for render cleaning that are less harmful to the environment than the more traditional methods. For example, Clearstone Solutions uses a SoftWash method with low-pressure water and biodegradable cleaning solutions that are safer for the environment. Our DOFF Steam Cleaner also follows an environmentally friendly system which only uses 5 litres of water per minute.

We also take care of all the waste produced when cleaning your render to ensure that plants and animals will not be affected by any of the work we undertake.