In many cases this has resulted in a build up of dirt and grime on residential houses, apartment blocks, shop fronts and other commercial buildings especially those sitting close to busy roads where they are exposed to increased dust, exhaust fumes and general airborne pollutants. Lack of rain means most of this exterior dirt hasn’t been washed away.
While winter rain may not be far away that also means damp, cold conditions will quickly foster slime and lichen growth making building exteriors even more inhospitable.
Dave Hawke from Best Waterblasters says now is the time for a thorough clean-up and pre-winter preparation before moisture encourages gunge, grime and weeds to thrive.
“Auckland’s high humidity and airborne pollutants create a perfect environment for lichen, moss and grime to take over buildings and paths,” he says. “Together with a build up of dirt from dry lawns and gardens, untidy driveways, fences and paths could become really dangerous in winter.
“Now is the ideal time to coat surfaces with our non-toxic, environmentally friendly sprays, which kill any plant life and remove dirt. Success is improved when sprays are applied during dry weather and water blasted later. Winter rainfall continues to wash away dead moss, mould and lichen and further growth is reduced.”
Retaining walls and fences, shrouded by summer growth, can also look dark and dingy once trees shed their leaves. Waterblasting is a simple and effective way to prevent deterioration and to maintain value in a property.
Dave’s expertise extends to cleaning up large commercial properties and apartments. Regular treatment reduces the need for repainting and area testing will determine if waterblasting is likely to send paint flying from the walls. In such cases Dave uses a soft wash or simply a chemical and detergent spray. Rainfall will gently wash away grime.
Using reliable and effective equipment, Best Waterblasters can have properties spick and span extremely quickly. Dave uses specialised gear such as the Whirl Away machine, which instantly removes black grime on decking, cobbles and exposed aggregate paving.
“And it doesn’t leave streaks, which can occur when a waterblaster is incorrectly used,” he says. “Working on roof-tops and high buildings requires harnesses, scaffolding and expertise, all of which we have. Property owners don’t need to be present when we’re on the job but all doors and windows must be securely closed and we require access to an outside tap.”
