Metal cladding is used in many buildings across the country and offers extensive benefits to property owners. That being said, when it comes to extending the life of your metal cladding, you’ll want to make sure you are aware of how to maintain metal cladding. While you can undertake some of this work by yourself, it’s usually best to work with a metal cladding service to keep your cladding in good condition. Keep reading as we share our top maintenance tips for metal cladding.
Regular Cleaning of Your Metal Cladding
The first consideration when it comes to extending the life of your metal cladding is to make sure you regularly clean the cladding. It’s easier to see any damage to your cladding if you clean it regularly. We recommend cleaning your cladding about twice a year to maintain its appearance. If you do find your area has any major weather challenges, then also consider a spotless to ensure no additional damage is done to the cladding. The best way to clean cladding is with a mild detergent mixed with water and then a soft-bristle brush that won’t damage the surface. If your cladding is high up, use a professional cleaner to avoid any potential injuries.
Inspect Your Metal Cladding
Either while you are cleaning your cladding or more often for a general check, make sure you are fully inspecting your metal cladding. The sooner you find an issue, the easier it will be to repair the problem and save money later on. When inspecting for metal cladding maintenance, look for dents, corrosion, and scratches. Once a year, work with a team offering a cladding cleaning service and inspections to get their professional advice about the repairs you may need.
Tackle Corrosion Quickly
Corrosion is a common issue with metal cladding, especially after it has been installed for a few years. The key to tackling corrosion is to face the issue early on. Try to look out for rust or a white powder, which can suggest you have a corrosion issue. From there, use a cleaning agent that’s designed to remove corrosion with gentle scrubbing. In the future, building cladding cleaning companies can help you by painting and sealing the metal surface to minimise the chance of corrosion. Before you paint your metal cladding, you can also consider an extra coat that is designed to prevent rusting.
Give Your Cladding a Fresh Coat of Paint
To enhance the appearance of your metal cladding even after cladding maintenance cleaning an extra coat of paint can really freshen up its look. As soon as you notice fading or chipping, start to think about painting it again. Make sure you choose the right paint for metal cladding, which should be UV-resistant and moisture-resistant. Once you’ve completed the paint work, always use a seal to add an extra protective layer. This is especially important in the UK, where we face challenges with the weather throughout the year.
Look for Loose Fasteners and Seals
While you may think that seals and fasteners won’t have a huge impact on your metal cladding, these tiny parts can play a big part in the overall maintenance and lifespan of your cladding. Check regularly for any loose or damaged fasteners and then replace these with new ones when needed. It’s best to use galvanised or stainless steel fasteners in the future. The seals also need to be intact and repaired if you do find any issues to avoid leaks.
Work with a Team of Experts for Support
There are some tasks that you just can’t do alone when it comes to metal cladding maintenance and repairs. If you find that you’ve exhausted your DIY options, make sure you know when you should call in the professionals. An annual check with a professional is a good investment to help extend the lifespan of your metal cladding. If you do find you have any large dents or areas of damage, then you’ll also want to work with a professional to get their advice about the best way to handle this issue. If you have any questions about your metal cladding, you are always best asking an expert instead of just leaving it to chance.
These tips for maintaining metal cladding can help to extend the lifespan of your cladding and save you money and time in the long run. As soon as you notice a concern or issue with your cladding, we always recommend acting on it to avoid damage from getting worse and potentially rendering your cladding unusable. Our team will be here to support you with cleaning and maintenance of your cladding. Get in touch with us today to book your first appointment with our team or to discuss any questions you have about your metal cladding.