Professional Cladding
Cleaning Services
in Plymouth & the South West
Restore your property's cladding to factory-fresh condition — removing algae, grime and pollution staining without causing damage to panels, seals or coatings.
4.9★ rated · 109+ reviews · 9 years experience
What Is Professional Cladding Cleaning?
Cladding cleaning is the professional removal of dirt, algae, moss, lichen, pollution staining and biological growth from exterior cladding panels. Whether your property has UPVC, composite, metal, timber or cement fibre cladding, professional cleaning restores its original appearance and extends its functional lifespan.
Plymouth's coastal climate accelerates cladding deterioration. Salt air, persistent moisture and UV exposure create ideal conditions for algae and biological growth to colonise cladding surfaces. Green algae streaks, black mould patches and grey pollution staining are the most common issues we treat.
Our cladding cleaning service is suitable for residential homes, commercial buildings, retail units, schools, healthcare facilities and industrial premises. We clean all cladding types and use methods specifically matched to each material to ensure safe, effective results.
Unlike general pressure washing, professional cladding cleaning requires understanding how different materials respond to pressure, temperature and chemical treatment. Using the wrong method on the wrong cladding type causes warping, delamination, seal failure or coating damage — problems that cost thousands to fix.
What Happens If Cladding Isn't Cleaned Regularly?
Cladding is designed to protect the building envelope and provide an attractive exterior finish. When biological growth and pollution staining are left to accumulate, both functions are compromised.
Algae and moss hold moisture against the cladding surface. Over time this moisture penetrates joints, seals and fixings — leading to water ingress behind the panels. Once moisture gets behind cladding, it causes timber rot in battens, corrosion of metal fixings, and potential mould growth inside the wall cavity. These hidden problems can go undetected for years while causing escalating structural damage.
Aesthetically, dirty cladding transforms a modern, attractive building into one that looks neglected and aged. For commercial properties this directly impacts customer perception and footfall. For residential properties it reduces kerb appeal and property value.
Many property owners assume cladding is maintenance-free. It isn't. Manufacturers recommend regular cleaning to maintain warranty coverage and prevent premature degradation. Professional cladding cleaning every 12–24 months is the most cost-effective way to protect your investment.
Our Cladding Cleaning Process
Material Assessment
We identify your cladding type, assess its condition, check for damaged panels or failed seals, and select the appropriate cleaning method — softwash, pressure wash or a combination.
Pre-Treatment Application
A professional biocidal solution is applied to kill algae, moss and biological growth at the root. This loosens organic deposits and prepares the surface for cleaning.
Controlled Cleaning
Using the correct pressure, temperature and technique for your specific cladding material, we systematically clean each panel from top to bottom, ensuring even coverage without streaking.
Detail Work & Inspection
Joints, trims, corners and hard-to-reach areas are cleaned by hand. We inspect every panel for damage and flag any issues that need attention.
Final Rinse & Protection
A thorough rinse removes all residual cleaning agents. Where appropriate, we apply a protective biocidal treatment that inhibits regrowth for 6–12 months.
Benefits of Professional Cladding Cleaning
Factory-Fresh Appearance
Professional cleaning restores cladding to its original colour and finish — making your property look years younger without the cost of replacement.
Extended Cladding Lifespan
Regular cleaning prevents biological growth from degrading panel surfaces and seals, extending the functional life of your cladding by years.
Warranty Protection
Most cladding manufacturers recommend professional cleaning to maintain warranty coverage. We help you stay compliant and protected.
Water Ingress Prevention
Removing moss and algae that hold moisture against seals and joints prevents the water ingress that causes hidden structural damage.
Property Value Maintained
Clean, well-maintained cladding signals a cared-for property — protecting and enhancing its market value whether residential or commercial.
Material-Safe Methods
We match our cleaning technique to your specific cladding type. No risk of pressure damage, coating removal or seal failure from inappropriate methods.
Cladding Types, Methods & Expert Detail
UPVC cladding is the most common type we clean in Plymouth. White and cream UPVC develops green algae streaking within 2–3 years in our coastal climate. We clean UPVC using a softwash approach — low-pressure application of a sodium hypochlorite-based cleaning solution that dissolves algae and lifts dirt without scratching or dulling the surface. Results are immediate and dramatic.
Composite cladding (wood-effect and coloured panels) requires careful chemical selection. Some composites are sensitive to bleach-based cleaners which can cause discolouration. We test a small area first and use appropriate pH-balanced cleaning agents where needed. Composite cladding generally responds excellently to softwash treatment.
Metal cladding — including aluminium, steel and zinc panels — is common on commercial buildings across Plymouth. Metal surfaces require pH-neutral cleaning agents to avoid chemical reactions with protective coatings. We use warm-water pressure washing at controlled settings combined with specialist metal-safe detergents.
Timber cladding (cedar, larch, treated softwood) needs the gentlest approach. High pressure can raise the grain, split boards and drive water behind the cladding. We softwash timber at very low pressure, using wood-safe biocidal agents that clean without damaging the natural or treated finish.
Cement fibre cladding (such as Marley Eternit or Cedral) is durable but porous. Algae and lichen embed into the surface texture and require biocidal pre-treatment to break down before mechanical cleaning. We softwash cement fibre cladding and apply a residual biocide that provides months of protection against regrowth.
For multi-storey buildings, we use cherry pickers, scaffold towers or rope-access techniques depending on the height and access requirements. All high-level work is carried out under strict safety protocols with full risk assessments and method statements provided to commercial clients.
We clean cladding on residential homes, apartment blocks, office buildings, retail parks, schools, medical centres, warehouses, hotels and listed buildings across Plymouth, Devon and Cornwall. Every job is tailored to the specific material, condition and client requirements.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does cladding cleaning cost?+
Residential cladding cleaning typically starts from £200–£400 depending on property size and cladding type. Commercial properties are quoted based on square meterage and access requirements. All quotes are free.
Will pressure washing damage my cladding?+
Not when done correctly. We adjust pressure, temperature and technique to match your specific cladding material. UPVC and composite are softwashed at low pressure. Only robust materials like brick or stone receive higher pressure settings.
How often should cladding be cleaned?+
In Plymouth's coastal climate, we recommend every 12–18 months for most properties. North-facing elevations and properties near trees or water may need more frequent attention.
Can you clean coloured cladding without fading?+
Yes — we use colour-safe cleaning agents tested on your specific cladding type. We always test a discreet area first on coloured or textured cladding to confirm compatibility.
Do you clean cladding on commercial buildings?+
Yes — we handle commercial cladding cleaning across Plymouth and Devon, including retail units, offices, schools, healthcare facilities and industrial premises. We work outside business hours where needed.
What areas do you cover for cladding cleaning?+
We cover Plymouth, Saltash, Ivybridge, Tavistock, Torpoint, and all surrounding areas across Devon and Cornwall.
Can you remove rust stains from metal cladding?+
Yes — rust staining from fixings or adjacent metalwork is common. We use specialist rust-removal treatments that dissolve iron oxide deposits without damaging the underlying cladding finish.
Do you provide ongoing maintenance contracts?+
Yes — many commercial clients use our scheduled maintenance service. Regular cleaning is more cost-effective and keeps your property looking professional year-round.
Related Services & Areas
Ready to Get Started?
Contact us today for a free, no-obligation quote. We respond within 24 hours and can usually schedule your job within the week.
Fully insured · Free estimates · 9 years experience