Have you ever noticed that the exterior walling of many buildings looks old and worn out?
Yes, it is an eyesore.
The exterior space of any commercial or residential building makes or breaks an impression. It is because of the same reason that exterior wall cladding needs to be maintained properly. Worse, without maintenance, exterior wall cladding can deteriorate to the point where it causes difficulties with weather tightness, which you do not want.
What is Wall Cladding?
Wall cladding is a building technique that involves layering one material on top of another to cover the walls. It is primarily used to protect the wall from damage. It could be from heat, rain, or other natural disasters. Wall covering can also aid with water leaks. A variety of materials are utilised for wall cladding. Natural stones such as travertine, limestone, and sandstone are among the most popular choices. The global demand for exterior wall cladding has increased significantly in recent years. Architects, interior designers and homeowners all choose exterior wall cladding due to its higher quality, diverse colour palette and competitive pricing. This increased demand has created numerous chances for exporters to broaden their reach and establish a global presence.
We want to emphasise the dos and don’ts to keep your exterior looking good and preserved for a long time.
Dos To Maintain Exterior Wall Cladding
1. Regular Cleaning
Exterior wall cladding needs to be cleaned regularly. How? Well, the answer is easy. It can be done easily with mil cleansers and low-pressure washing. Scrub gently without using abrasive materials. Pollution that accumulates over time can interact chemically with coating finishes. Thus, try to clear it before it attaches. This prevents persistent stains. Also, if your building is in an industrial area, you must try to clean the exterior wall cladding more regularly due to the high pollution level.
2. Inspection
Periodic inspections are necessary to spot any problems early at least once a year. Inspect for cracks, damage, discolouration and deterioration of protective coatings on your exterior wall cladding. A professional building inspector’s service might be beneficial for conducting a complete examination. They will employ equipment such as boom lifts to investigate high places. Early detection enables timely remedial action before serious failures occur.
3. Sealing
The next tip on our list is sealing. We know natural stone exterior wall claddings are porous in nature. All varieties of stone have some degree of porosity. Natural stones like Travertine and Limestone are extremely porous. Granite is far less porous. The surface of any natural stone, even polished natural stone, will have very minute holes and cracks. Sealing these with a suitable sealer may help prevent the stone’s surface from absorbing liquids, dirt and bacteria. It helps safeguard the stone’s surface from collecting dirt, adhesive and grout during installation.
Don’ts While Maintaining Exterior Wall Cladding
1. Abrasive Cleaning
Avoid using abrasive cleansers or bristle brushes on exterior wall cladding or other coating materials. This permanently scrapes the surface and damages the finish. Abrasions wear down protective coatings, expose base metals and create crevices for filth accumulation. Use only non-abrasive, pH-neutral cleansers and gentle brushes or microfiber towels. Rinse gently with low-pressure water. Avoid scouring pads.
2. Neglecting Inspections
Delaying periodic inspections causes unnoticed harm to progress. Unchecked coatings, sealants and connection deterioration threaten cladding integrity over time. Minor issues turn into massive failures. The cliché “out of sight, out of mind” does not apply to building care. Maintain a routine inspection schedule, even if the coating appears in good condition outside. You don’t want to be caught off guard by unexpected panel detachments or leaks.
3. Ignoring Repairs
Unrepaired damage, such as cracks, dents and discolouration, must be rectified immediately to avoid deteriorating. Cracks allow water intrusion, which can lead to corrosion and deterioration. Damaged areas are subject to further degradation because of environmental exposure. If stained spots are not addressed, they will spread aesthetically undesirable patches. Neglecting repairs now results in excessive costs for major restoration or wholesale replacement later. Maintain vigilance and respond quickly to any issues that arise.
4. Using Inappropriate Cleaners
Some cleaners may react negatively with bathroom or kitchen wall cladding materials. Solvent-based or citrus cleaning products damage surfaces made of aluminium and fibre cement. Alkaline cleaners damage anodised finishes. Cleaners containing hydrochloric or phosphoric acid are too harsh for metal and masonry. Avoid using abrasive chemicals and wire brushes. Misuse of cleaning agents can irreversibly disfigure panelling.
The Conclusion
Proper maintenance is important to keep your exterior wall cladding looking aesthetic and durable for a long time. Stone Depot is one of the most reputable names in the market and your best option for superior exterior wall cladding natural stones. Fill out their contact form if you have any queries; they’ll handle the rest.
