Plazas and Parking Facilities
Ensuring a safe, professional arrival experience for your visitors.
The Importance of First Impressions
For any commercial site, whether a corporate HQ, retail park, or public venue,the external ground is the very first thing visitors see. It dictates the "arrival experience." However, these horizontal surfaces take more punishment than any other part of the built environment. Facility managers face a constant battle to keep these areas looking professional while ensuring they remain safe for pedestrians and vehicles.
Understanding the Risks
Hardscapes face a dual challenge: aesthetic ruin and structural failure. If maintained incorrectly, the damage can go beyond just looking dirty.
Deep Staining: Vehicles leak oil and hydraulic fluids. Because concrete and tarmac are porous, these chemicals soak deep into the surface. On tarmac, fuel can actually dissolve the binder, leading to potholes; on concrete, it leaves unsightly, permanent stains.
Joint Compromise (Block Paving): Block paving relies on the sand between the joints to create friction and hold the blocks tight. Over time, weeds take root in this sand, and natural erosion creates gaps. If these joints remain empty or compromised, the blocks lose their 'interlock'. This causes them to wobble and rock, eventually leading to surface failure under traffic.
Slip Hazards: In the UK climate, algae and moss grow quickly on ground surfaces. This creates a slippery film that significantly increases the risk of accidents and liability claims.
Our Approach: Steam & Stability
We view the plaza and parking deck as an extension of your building’s architecture. Our approach combines advanced cleaning technology with structural care.
Thermodynamic (Steam) Cleaning We utilise high-flow, high-temperature steam systems rather than relying solely on cold pressure.
Melting the Problem: By heating water up to 150°C, we can emulsify oil stains and dissolve chewing gum on contact.
Protecting the Surface: Because the heat does the work, we can use lower pressure. This cleans the surface deeply without "etching" or scarring decorative stone and concrete.
The Re-Sanding Protocol For block paving, cleaning is only half the job. Once the surface is dry, we mechanically re-introduce kiln-dried sand or specialist jointing compounds. This restores the friction between the blocks, ensuring they stay tight, level, and secure for years to come.
Key Standards
Gum Removal: We use targeted low-pressure steam to dissolve gum deposits without leaving those tell-tale white "blast marks" on the stone.
Hydrocarbon Extraction: We use specialist emulsifiers to draw deep-seated oil and fuel stains out of porous concrete and tarmac.
Compulsory Re-sanding: We never leave a block-paved drive without replacing the jointing sand. This prevents weed regrowth and secures the structural integrity of the paving.
Slip Resistance: Our cleaning removes the biological film that causes slips, helping you maintain compliance with safety standards and keep your visitors safe.