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Once render has been applied to your home, it’s crucial to maintain it so it lasts for many years. If you maintain regular maintenance, such as cleaning the render at least once a year, there is less chance of your render forming serious cracks and becoming damaged beyond repair.

Some common rendering issues include cracks, discolouration, algae and moss growth, fungi, mould, mildew and damp spots.

What is the best way to clean and maintain your rendering?

Cleaning Render

When cleaning your render, you can either clean it by hand or use a pressure cleaner.

Hand Cleaning

Hand cleaning the render may be harder work than cleaning it with a pressure cleaner, but it still gets the job done. The best way to hand-clean the render is to use a broom with a stiff brush and a hose. Scrub the surface of the render with the broom and rinse the debris away with the hose as you go.

This helps prevent dirt and debris from building up on the surface, making cleaning the render harder.

Pressure Clean

A pressure clean is powerful, so extra care must be taken to avoid lifting off the render.

It is recommended that the pressure cleaner is held away from the render at a safe distance and that a pressure cleaner with a fan tip is used instead of a jet/needlepoint one with a spray pressure of only 80-120 Psi.
Using a mild detergent with the pressure cleaner will result in an effective clean.

Soft Washing

Soft washing uses a gentle pressure cleaning method that mixes various specially formulated cleaning detergents together to get rid of dirt and debris.
Many people prefer to use a soft-washing method as it makes your render look new and, at the same time, eliminates any organic matter and debris that has built up. It can also be used on any type of render.

Cleaning Solutions

Most household cleaners are safe to use on rendered surfaces as long as the directions are followed. Some handy tips for using cleaning solutions include:

  • Check with the manufacturer: If you’re unsure which cleaning solution to use, always check with the manufacturer to avoid damaging the render.
  • Avoid harsh chemicals: Avoid any harsh chemicals that can damage the render or strip the paint.
  • Eco-friendly options: Avoid harming the environment and your property by sticking with eco-friendly cleaning solutions.

Biocides and Fungicides

Over time, mould, fungi and algae can grow on the render because it is exposed to the elements, especially moisture. This can cause discolouration and cracks in the render to form.

The most effective way to remove the mould, fungi and algae from a rendered surface is to use a fungicide or biocide at least once a year. If you notice any growth on your rendered surface, apply the fungicide or biocide immediately to prevent it from spreading and growing.

Things to Consider When Cleaning Your Render

Before cleaning your rendered surface, it’s important to consider some factors:

  • Protective clothing: Wear gloves, safety goggles, closed shoes and a face mask before using any chemicals.
  • Protect the environment and surrounding areas: Cover your driveway, windows, doors, and surrounding garden with plastic sheets or tape to avoid any chemicals getting on them.
  • Keep up a regular cleaning schedule: We know that cleaning your rendered surfaces is just another task to tick off your list; however, a regular cleaning schedule keeps your render in good condition for longer and prevents large cracks from forming and algae or fungi build up.
  • Keep your plants trimmed: Keep your surrounding bushes and trees trimmed and away from your rendered surfaces so the roots don’t creep into cracks and grow and to prevent any chemicals from getting on the vegetation.
  • Ask a professional: If you don’t feel confident with cleaning your rendered surfaces, it’s best to contact a professional who can do it for you or give you some advice about the best way to clean it.

Before you start cleaning and maintaining your render, observing your rendered surfaces for any damage is crucial so you can approach it with the most effective cleaning and maintenance routine. If you’re not sure about something, feel free to reach out to Sydney Cement Rendering at 0402 704 984 or visit our website: https://sydneycementrendering.com/. We take pride in consistently providing our customers with the highest quality rendering services.