External Property Cleaning Checklist For Commercial Buildings

Commercial property maintenance isn’t as simple as it may seem, and the outside is something that landlords and facilities managers often overlook. However, as the first and sometimes only impression of your business, it’s just as important as what’s on the inside.

This is why commercial building cleaning is essential and why it should be high up on your commercial property maintenance checklist. Nobody wants a dirty or poorly maintained façade, and not only does it damage your brand reputation, but it can increase the chances of safety risks, structural damage, and long-term costs.

In this article, we’ve created a comprehensive external property cleaning checklist specifically for commercial premises. Drawing from years of experience in the industry and happy customers around the country, the goal is to help you keep your premises looking the part for longer, no matter your industry or location.

Your External Property Cleaning Checklist

• Cladding and Facades 

Cladding is probably the biggest aspect of your external walls, and as such, it’s one of the first to show signs of visible damage. This can accumulate over time as a result of pollution, adverse weather, and UV fading, among other factors.

Here’s how to keep your cladding and facades looking tip-top for longer:

• Pressure washing (or soft washing) once or twice a year
• Cladding spraying every 10-15 years, or if facades are damaged
• Reactive cleans after storms or bad weather
• Regular cladding cleaning based on property requirements 

• Signage 

Your sign is essentially the face if your building, so you don’t want it looking mouldy or dirty. This can make your business look unprofessional and leave a sour taste for customers before they’ve even entered your premises.

Here’s how to stay on top of your signage and shopfront in general:

• Hand wash or low pressure rinse your signs every quarter
• Use soft wash solutions for delicate shopfront materials 
• Check fixings and external lighting regularly, particularly in bad weather

• Windows and Frames

Windows can make or break the visual aesthetic of your building, no matter how clean your façade is. From cobwebs to grime, excess rainfall, and more, there are lots of ways your windows can take a beating.

Here’s how to tackle some of these all-too-common issues:

• Monthly window cleaning
• Quarterly deep cleans to frames, windowsills, and panes
• Inspect for corrosion on metal window frames
• Check for stains on UPVC windowsills and frames

• Gutters and Downpipes

Blocked gutters are commonplace in the UK thanks to the wet and windy weather. With leaves blowing in and causing water overflow, issues can crop up for your building such as damp, stains, and leaks.

Here’s how we’d recommend caring for your gutters and downpipes:

• Clear gutters in Spring and Autumn, every year
• Inspect regularly for blockages
• Flush through downpipes regularly

• Roofs and Overhangs

Roofs are there to protect your building, but they can be victims of moss and leaf buildup. This is particularly true for flat roofs and ledges, as well as deeply sloped, pitched roofs on industrial properties. 

Here’s how to tackle and prevent these issues:

• Annual pressure washing
• Remove organic build-up before drainage issues or degradation
• Inspect for damage and standing water regularly
• Bespoke roof spraying based on roof materials and current quality (to ensure no damage is done)

• Walkways and Entrances

The busiest areas of most commercial premises, walkways and entrance points can get stained and slippery over time. From oil spills to fuel, litter, and more, there are lots of ways these areas can look run-down and cause safety issues.

Here’s how to keep these prominent areas maintained:

• Quarterly pressure washing
• Treat slippery surfaces regularly
• Check drainage to avoid buildup

• Car Parks and Yards

Tyre marks, fuel spills, and more can damage commercial car parks more than you might realise. By regularly taking care of them, you can identify early signs of damage and prevent further issues.

This is what we’d recommend you do:

• Jet washing every six months
• Repaint lines every 2-3 years
• Clean drainage gullies and kerbs to prevent flooding

• Loading Bays and Service Areas

Loading bays and service areas deal with heavy vehicles regularly and can therefore see lots of damage and buildup of dirt.

Here are some recommended actions:

• Deep cleans and degreasing every three months
• Spot treat oil stains with specialist systems and equipment
• Check for wear and tear during cleaning

• Rubbish Areas

Bin areas are obvious areas for spills, leaks, and overflow. As well as pests becoming a major issue, they can be hotspots for other issues like graffiti and dirt buildup.

Here’s how to get around problems in these spaces:

• Monthly pressure washing or soft washing
• Reduce odour and bacteria with regular disinfecting
• Check enclosures and signage regularly

• External Fixtures and Details

Landlords and facilities mangers often ignore the likes of bollards, barriers, and handrails, which can rust and become damaged over time and exposure to the elements. 

Here’s how to tackle these difficult areas:

• Annual cleaning and repainting 
• Rust removal every six months
• Soft wash for painted surfaces to avoid flaking

Bonus Seasonal External Property Checklist

Spring

• Full pressure wash for cladding, walkways, and signage
• Gutter and roof checks
• Graffiti removal if needed

Summer

• Clean windows and signage often
• Soft wash treatments and pressure washing
• Repaint car park lines

Autumn

• Clear leaves from drains, gutters, walkways, and roofs
• Deep clean loading bays in preparation for winter
• Inspect overhangs and canopies for damage and water pooling

Winter

• Anti-slip treatments for entrances
• De-icing and surface checks
• Emergency clean-ups of mud, salt, and spillages

Final Thoughts

External property cleaning is much more than a box-ticking exercise and can keep your site visually appealing and safe throughout the year. With a regular cleaning checklist and professional support, you can keep your commercial premises in the best condition for longer.

At Pressure Washing Co., we regularly work with facilities managers, landlords, and property owners to revitalise their building exteriors. With pressure washing and soft washing capabilities, not to mention years of experience, we carry out all jobs on-time and to your budget, working around your schedule and environment.

Ready to get started? Get in touch with our expert team to keep your building looking the part and safe all year round.