The FM Guide to Façade Cleaning Maintenance

A clean and well-maintained exterior is one of the most powerful assets a commercial property can have. Long before staff, tenants, or visitors step inside, they’re forming opinions about your business from the state of your building’s façade. Dirty cladding, algae-streaked walls, and neglected windows send the wrong message.

For facilities managers, a robust external façade cleaning and exterior property maintenance plan is not simply about appearances. It’s about protecting the value of your asset, extending the life of building materials, ensuring compliance, and reducing long-term repair costs.
In this article, we’ll explore why a planned approach to exterior cleaning services is essential, what should be included in your maintenance schedule, and how working with exterior cleaning specialists ensures lasting results.

Why Exterior Cleaning Solutions Are Essential

Every building is exposed to the elements 24/7. Pollution, algae, moss, bird fouling, traffic film, and weathering all take their toll on façades and cladding. Over time, this leads to:

Material deterioration – Corrosion, oxidisation, and UV damage shorten the lifespan of panels.
Increased energy costs – Dirt reduces reflectivity and insulation, forcing HVAC systems to work harder.
Health and safety risks – Slippery algae, blocked gutters, and loose debris create hazards.
Regulatory non-compliance – Many industries require evidence of planned building maintenance solutions to meet ISO, BRCGS, or insurance standards.
Reputational damage – A tired exterior undermines trust in your brand and deters potential tenants or customers.

Professional facade cleaning services are therefore not just cosmetic but strategic – helping you safeguard both your property and your organisation’s reputation.

What Facilities Managers Should Include in a Façade Cleaning Plan

A comprehensive plan for exterior & building cleaning should cover multiple elements of your site. Here’s what to include:

1. Regular Cladding Cleaning

Cladding is often the first part of a building to show dirt, streaks, and algae. Whether you manage aluminium, composite, or fibre-cement cladding, routine exterior cladding cleaning helps to:

Prevent corrosion and staining
Extend panel lifespan
Keep warranties valid
Enhance kerb appeal

Specialist methods such as DOFF steam cleaning or eco-friendly detergents are safer and more sustainable than harsh jet washing, which can damage coatings.

Facilities managers in high-traffic cities should consider quarterly rinses with a deeper annual clean. Locations in less polluted areas may need only one or two cleans per year.

2. Window and Glass Façade Cleaning

Streak-free glazing not only looks professional but improves natural light within buildings. A façade plan should include:

High-level window cleaning using reach-and-wash poles or rope access
Glass canopy and atrium cleaning to remove traffic film and bird droppings
Annual inspections for sealant failures and leaks

Neglecting glass surfaces can lead to etching, staining, or costly replacements – issues easily avoided with routine cleans.

3. Stone, Brick, and Heritage Façade Care

Historic and stone buildings require sensitive exterior cleaning solutions. DOFF steam cleaning is widely regarded as the gold standard, lifting dirt, graffiti, and biological growth without damaging surfaces.

Your plan should specify:

Annual or biennial DOFF cleans for heritage façades
Graffiti removal protocols with approved methods
Protection against regrowth of moss or algae

This is particularly vital in cities like London, Birmingham, and Manchester, where pollution levels accelerate stone soiling.

4. Gutter, Roofline, and High-Level Cleaning

Blocked gutters and downpipes can cause water ingress, damp, and structural damage. Facilities managers should ensure:

Bi-annual gutter clearance (spring and autumn)
High-level inspections for roof cladding, signage, and ductwork
Dust removal from rafters and beams using high-level industrial cleaning services such as SpaceVac

These measures reduce risks of leaks, fire hazards, and expensive emergency repairs.

5. Grounds and Surroundings

An immaculate façade is undermined if the surrounding grounds are overgrown or neglected. A full plan should therefore integrate commercial grounds maintenance alongside exterior cleaning services:

Litter picking and leaf clearance
Weed control and lawn care
Power washing of paths, car parks, and loading bays

This holistic approach supports both safety and presentation.

Benefits of a Planned Approach vs. Reactive Cleaning

Many businesses only act when façades look visibly dirty or when issues like leaks appear. While reactive cleaning may solve immediate problems, it often costs more long-term.

A scheduled exterior building cleaning plan offers:

Cost savings – Preventative care reduces the need for early panel replacement, repainting, or structural repair.
Audit readiness – Documented cleaning schedules support compliance with HSE, ISO, and insurance audits.
Business continuity – Planned work avoids disruptive emergency repairs.
Sustainability – Modern cleaning techniques reduce water and chemical use, helping businesses meet ESG goals.

Choosing Exterior Cleaning Specialists

Not all cleaning contractors have the skills or certifications required for façade work. When selecting building exterior cleaning companies, facilities managers should look for:

IPAF-trained operatives for safe high-level access
RAMS documentation (Risk Assessments and Method Statements) for every job
Experience in cladding cleaning services across multiple materials
Nationwide coverage for multi-site portfolios
Sustainable practices including biodegradable detergents and water-efficient methods

Working with true industrial cleaning specialists like Exterius ensures your property is cleaned safely, effectively, and in line with industry standards.

Sustainability and Compliance

Modern facilities management is as much about environmental performance as it is about safety. Professional exterior cleaning specialists now prioritise:

Low-pressure steam systems that reduce water use
Biodegradable detergents and controlled run-off
Waste capture and responsible disposal
Methods that extend the lifespan of materials, reducing replacement needs

This not only aligns with corporate sustainability goals but also reduces operational risks.

Book Your Free Façade Cleaning Survey

A neglected façade is more than a cosmetic issue – it’s a risk to your reputation, compliance, and bottom line. With a proactive façade cleaning maintenance plan, you can extend the life of your building, protect your workforce, and make a lasting positive impression.
Contact Exterius today or email info@exterius.co.uk to arrange your free site survey and discover how our exterior cleaning specialists can transform your building.

FAQs About Exterior Cleaning Maintenance Plans

How often should façade cleaning be carried out?
Most sites benefit from annual external cladding cleaning, though locations near busy roads or industrial estates may require bi-annual cleans. High-traffic retail parks or logistics hubs should schedule quarterly rinses for optimal presentation and compliance.

What is the safest method for cladding cleaning?
The best method depends on your cladding type. DOFF steam cleaning is ideal for delicate stone and heritage façades. For powder-coated metal or composite cladding, low-pressure steam combined with specialist detergents is recommended. Avoid high-pressure jet washing, which can damage coatings and void warranties.

Does exterior building cleaning disrupt business operations?
Not necessarily. Professional exterior cleaning services can be scheduled out of hours or in phases. With van-mounted systems, MEWPs, and rope access, our teams complete façade cleans quickly and discreetly, minimising disruption to staff and tenants.

Can façade cleaning help with compliance?
Yes. Many auditors, insurers, and regulators require evidence of building maintenance solutions, including exterior cleaning. A documented plan reduces the risk of non-conformance, enforcement action, or denied insurance claims.

Do you offer nationwide cladding cleaning services?
Absolutely. Exterius operates across the UK, delivering cladding cleaning in Birmingham, London, Nottingham, Leeds, and beyond. Wherever your site is based, our IPAF-certified team can provide a tailored cleaning and maintenance schedule.

Is exterior cleaning environmentally friendly?
With the right partner, yes. Our exterior cleaning specialists use eco-friendly detergents, minimal water systems, and waste management practices to ensure sustainable outcomes. This supports both compliance and corporate responsibility targets.