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Preparing Your Building for a Cladding Clean
A little preparation makes the wash faster, safer and better finished. Here is the checklist to run through before the team arrives.
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Preparing your building for a cladding clean is mostly about access, water and information: clear the ground the team will work from, make sure water is available, and tell them anything unusual about the panels, the site or the schedule. Most of it takes minutes, and it makes the difference between a smooth visit and a delayed one.
The single most useful preparation is information. Knowing the panel material, any damaged seals or loose panels, and any access restrictions lets the team bring the right method and equipment first time — instead of discovering on the day that a platform cannot reach, or that a panel needs gentler treatment than planned.
Access, vehicles and working space
Clear vehicles, bins, pallets and stored materials from beside the elevations to be washed, and keep access routes, yards and car-park areas free for the team's equipment. Mobile platforms and scaffolding need firm, level ground and room to manoeuvre, so note any soft ground, slopes, overhead cables or restricted areas in advance.
For commercial sites, agree which entrances, bays and routes must stay open, and brief staff and neighbours that washing is taking place. For homes, moving cars off the drive and clearing garden items from beside the walls gives the team clean working space and protects your belongings from spray and rinse water.
Water, power, windows and surroundings
Confirm where the team can connect for water, and whether an outdoor tap, standpipe or bowser arrangement is needed — large facades use significant volumes, and a distant or low-flow supply slows the job. Power is rarely needed, but mention any site rules about generators, noise or working hours that could affect the schedule.
Close windows, vents and doors on the elevations being washed, and tell the team about delicate planting, ponds, painted surfaces or recently treated areas nearby so rinsing can be controlled around them. Glazing and signage are normally protected by the team, but flagging anything fragile or newly installed avoids surprises on either side.
Information that improves the result
Tell the team the panel material if you know it, the age and condition of the cladding, any previous cleaning or coating work, and any areas of damage — loose panels, perished seals, corroded fixings or leaks. Damaged areas are cleaned carefully and flagged, not ignored, and knowing about them in advance lets the method be adjusted.
Also share practical details: the best arrival point, who to contact on the day, any alarm or security arrangements, and any times washing must pause — deliveries, school runs, shift changes or events. A short briefing before the visit replaces a morning of discovery, and the finished facade is better for it.
If the building has listed status, conservation restrictions or a management company, mention them early, since they can affect permitted methods, working hours and access arrangements. The same applies to shared walls and neighbouring properties: a quick word with neighbours before the visit prevents misunderstandings about spray, noise and equipment parked nearby.
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Soft Wash vs Pressure Wash for Cladding
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What should I do before a cladding clean?
Clear vehicles and stored items from beside the walls, confirm a water supply, close windows and vents on the elevations being washed, and tell the team about panel material, damage and access restrictions. That short preparation lets the team bring the right method and equipment, and keeps the visit running smoothly from arrival.
Do I need to provide water for cladding cleaning?
Usually, yes — an outdoor tap or standpipe is the normal supply, and the team will confirm what flow and access they need. Large facades use significant volumes, so a distant or weak supply should be mentioned in advance. Where no supply exists, alternative arrangements such as a bowser can be discussed before the visit.
Should windows be closed during cladding cleaning?
Yes, close windows, vents and doors on the elevations being washed, and keep them closed until rinsing is finished. The team protects glazing and signage during the wash, but closed windows prevent spray and solution from entering the building. Mention any windows that do not close properly so the team can work around them.
Do I need to move cars before a cladding clean?
Yes, move cars, bins and stored items away from the elevations being washed, and keep access routes clear for equipment. This protects vehicles from spray and rinse water, and gives platforms and poles room to work. For commercial sites, agree which bays and routes must stay open before the team arrives.
What if my cladding has damaged panels or seals?
Tell the team before the visit. Damaged panels, perished seals and corroded fixings are cleaned carefully and flagged, and the method may be adjusted to avoid making them worse. Washing cannot repair damage, but a good team will say plainly what cleaning can improve and what genuinely needs repair work.
Can cladding be cleaned while a building is occupied?
Yes, in most cases. Homes stay occupied during washing, and offices, shops and warehouses usually continue operating, with sections planned around entrances, deliveries and working hours. Out-of-hours washing is available where daytime disruption would be a problem. Agree the schedule and access plan with the team beforehand.
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