Render & Facade
Restoring the clarity and breathability of residential facades.
The Importance of Facade Care
Whether your home is finished in modern "through-coloured" render (such as K-Rend, Weber, or Monocouche) or traditional pebbledash, the exterior walls are the first line of defence against the weather. However, the textured nature of these finishes makes them uniquely susceptible to the elements.
For the homeowner, the appearance of red, green, or black staining is often mistaken for simple dirt accumulation or weathering. In reality, this is usually a living biofilm, an infection of algae and fungi that has taken root within the texture of the wall.
Understanding the Staining
Different colours on your walls indicate different types of biological growth. We identify the specific infection to treat it effectively:
Red & Orange (Trentepohlia): This is a specific type of algae that thrives in the moisture retained within the render. It produces beta-carotene pigments, resulting in the unsightly red or orange streaks often seen on modern K-Rend or light-coloured roughcast.
Green (Algae): Often the first sign of colonization, green algae usually appears on north-facing walls or areas shaded by trees. It retains moisture against the surface, encouraging further growth.
Black (Fungi & Mould): Black staining is often more stubborn. It typically indicates an established fungal infestation or bacterial growth (such as Gloeocapsa Magma) which digs deep into the rough texture of pebbledash or the pores of render, making it difficult to remove without specialist treatment.
The Breathability Risk Quality wall coatings are designed to breathe, allowing moisture from inside the house to escape. A dense layer of algae blocks these microscopic pores. If left untreated, this moisture retention can lead to damp issues and frost damage, eventually causing the render face to "blow" or pebbledash to crumble.
Our Approach: Softwashing
We believe in treating the infection, not just blasting the surface. While high-pressure washing is an excellent tool for solid concrete, it is often too aggressive for wall coatings. The kinetic force of a pressure washer can scar the finish of modern render or dislodge the stones from aging pebbledash.
Our approach prioritises Softwash Technology. We apply a professional, biodegradable cleanser at low pressure. This solution permeates the texture of the wall, killing the root systems of the algae and fungi rather than simply washing away the surface bloom.
Key Standards
Substrate Safety: We use non-abrasive techniques to preserve the crisp finish of Monocouche and ensure the aggregate in pebbledash remains intact.
Biological Eradication: We target the growth at the root level. This ensures a deeper clean and prevents the rapid regrowth often seen when walls are simply "blasted" with water.
Property Protection: We understand that your house is part of a wider garden. We take meticulous care to cover and pre-soak adjacent planting, protecting your flowerbeds and lawns during the treatment. We also employ strict protocols to protect windows and guttering.
Long-Term Results: Following the clean, we can offer the application of breathable, hydrophobic coatings. These repel water, keeping the facade drier and cleaner for significantly longer.