Glasgow Building Exterior Cleaning

Rope Access Building Cleaning, Render Repairs and Maintenance

Our rope access services team recently completed a comprehensive six-week rope access project on a prominent building in Glasgow City Centre. The project involved both low-level and high-level render repairs, exterior cleaning and essential building maintenance. With a strong focus on sustainability, safety and long-term protection of the building fabric, this project is a great example of how rope access and specialist cleaning methods can preserve architectural integrity while minimising environmental impact.

Scope of Work

Rope access cleaning of the full building exterior
Render repairs/remedials
Application of an eco-friendly fungicide wash
DOFF steam cleaning using low temperature, low pressure
Installation of expansion joint flashing

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Work starts on the building repairs

Environmentally Responsible Cleaning

One of the key challenges of this project was identifying a fungicide wash that was both effective and environmentally safe. Many commercial fungicides are corrosive and can damage stone or masonry over time whilst also damaging rope access equipment. After careful research and testing, we selected a non-corrosive, eco-friendly fungicide solution to clean biological growth from the façade without risking long-term harm to the building materials or surrounding environment.

DOFF Steam Cleaning Services

To further clean and restore the building’s appearance, we carried out DOFF steam cleaning across the entire exterior. Unlike traditional pressure washing, the DOFF system uses superheated water at low pressure and low temperatures, making it safe for delicate masonry and heritage surfaces. This method is highly effective in removing:

Algae
Moss
Carbon staining
General grime

Many buildings in Scotland suffer from algae and carbon staining due to the wet climate and traffic pollution. These issues not only detract from a building’s appearance but can also degrade stonework over time. Proper, specialist cleaning like DOFF helps prevent this damage and prolongs the lifespan of the exterior. In conjunction with our rope access services, we were able to complete all of the building exterior cleaning without the need for scaffolding or access platforms, keeping the costs down for the client.

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During our building repair works

Render Repairs

In addition to cleaning, significant render repairs were required across various sections of the building. At ground level, areas had sustained damage from vehicles and pedestrian traffic over the years. Higher up, environmental wear and tear including wind, rain, and freeze-thaw cycles, had caused cracks and delamination.

These cracks had allowed algae and moisture to penetrate behind the render, accelerating deterioration from within. We repaired the affected render, treated the underlying surfaces, and applied new render where necessary to restore both the integrity and appearance of the façade.

Carrying out these repairs early prevents further water ingress, reduces the risk of structural damage and ensures the building remains weatherproof and presentable.

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Work completed

Rope Access Services

Safe, Efficient, Cost-Effective

Rope access allowed our team to carry out the cleaning and maintenance safely and efficiently without the need for intrusive scaffolding or heavy machinery. Rope access provides:

Minimal disruption to daily operations
Faster setup and takedown
Cost savings compared to traditional access methods
Quick and Easy Access to difficult or restricted areas

Whether it’s low-level detailing or high-level façade work, rope access is the safest and most practical solution for many building maintenance projects.

Expansion Joints

The final stage of the project involved installing new expansion joint flashing to maintain a secure weather seal while allowing structural expansion and contraction of the buildings façade. These joints allow for the natural expansion and contraction of building materials due to temperature changes, preventing cracks or warping. Over time, old or deteriorated expansion joints can lead to water ingress, damage to internal finishes, and costly repairs. Replacing or maintaining these joints ensures continued weatherproofing and structural integrity.

Abseiling Services Nationwide

This Glasgow city centre project highlights the importance of proactive building maintenance using specialist techniques. From eco-friendly fungicide washing to DOFF steam cleaning and targeted repair work, the rope access team at Abseiling Services delivered a high-quality finish while protecting the building’s heritage and environment. Our rope access team’s ability to reach all areas safely and efficiently was instrumental in completing the job on time and to the highest standard.

If your building requires external maintenance or cleaning, contact us to find out how we can help protect and preserve your property.