RAF Reading required a scope of works for their buildings to include gutter cleaning, roof cleaning, and façade building cleaning. The buildings and hangers hadn’t been cleaned for several years had suffered environmental pollution with black mould growth and algae covering the buildings surface.
As APT have worked with the ministry of defence over many years, we were known for our expertise and experience in exterior cleaning having worked in the industry for over 30 years. We were invited to carry out a site survey with the facilities and management team and asked to provide solutions for exterior cleaning and cleaning of the hangers.
We engaged with the MOD Health and Safety teams to discuss the various options for this exterior cleaning and approach to the varying aspects of the cleaning works, including the logistics and working schedules, considering the “airside” manoeuvring aircraft. RAF Odiham is a frontline support helicopter base working within the joint helicopter command.
The station provides critical support for UK military operations around the world. Factors regarding the high number of personnel working in and around the site needed to be considered.
Since the exterior cleaning at the Reading site involved high levels, we brought in our IRATA rope access technicians for the complex, hard and out of reach areas. This exterior cleaning process is quicker and can be less costly in some instances than hiring in extensive access equipment due to the heights involved.
Stringent conditions to the roof cleaning and the higher-level works were enforced. Anything over 25 metres and where there were no safety anchor systems in place on the higher hanger roofs extra safety measures were applied in order carry out any repairs and treatment whilst managing the site on this exterior cleaning job.
Our teams started from the top of the buildings and hangers and worked their way down to the floor. Our specialist high-level rope access cleaning teams removed the unwanted overgrowth by firstly stripping as much moss off the roofs and gutters as possible. We then proceeded to treat the surface algae with Algae Free, a specialist British Standard algae removal product.
Applying gentle water pressure, the gutters and roofs of the building were pressure washed, cleaned and brought back to standard. Our commercial property maintenance team carried out the roof and gutter repairs whilst unblocking the pipework. Our teams of commercial cleaners then treated the buildings surface again with Algae Free, combined with low level pressure jetting; this would remove the ingrained black mould and environmental damage.
This system is perfect for cleaning metal sheet roofing and gutter areas as it can be used at lower pressures. We treated the metal buildings to leave an as new finish.
Our surveyor consulted with the Director of Estates and suggested that a regular treatment to clean and remove algae from the buildings would be beneficial and be more cost effective than the deep cleaning. This will help to protect the building’s façade and aid the visual appearance.
Our services included cleaning the buildings cladding, roofs and gutters ensuring they were returned to as new condition and standard expected by MOD. All involved in the project were overwhelmed with the results of the exterior cleaning services.
“As Director of Estates on a very busy military airfield (RAF Odiham, home of the UK Chinook Force), I employed the services of APT-ICC Ltd to clear guttering and clean facades of buildings that had fallen outside routine maintenance for a number of years. The results were dramatic; not only did the buildings look superb, the inherent problem of grey-water causing damage to structures was reduced.
I must commend the on-site delivery team for their professionalism and flexibility. They were very sensitive to the operational needs of the RAF and understood SAFEGUARDING principles when working at height and ‘air-side’ in close proximity to manoeuvring aircraft.”
J Edwards – RAF Squadron Leader
If your organisation are looking for Exterior Cleaning or Building Cleaning near me or High Level Rope Access, Roof and Gutter Cleaning in Reading, Berkshire, Oxford, Henley, also Nationwide, call our professional exterior cleaning company and speak to our team of experts on 0800 0723 773, we can provide advice, solutions and prices for your cleaning tasks.
