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Commercial Building Exterior Washing: Why and How Often

A clean building exterior improves tenant retention, customer impressions, and protects your investment. Here's the maintenance schedule.

Commercial Property Services

The exterior surfaces of commercial buildings accumulate dirt, algae, bird droppings, exhaust deposits, and biological growth over time. In Ontario's variable climate — hot humid summers, wet springs, and freeze-thaw winters — exterior soiling accelerates.

Annual washing is the standard recommendation for most commercial buildings in Ontario. High-traffic urban properties adjacent to busy roads may benefit from semi-annual washing. Properties with significant tree cover or north-facing masonry surfaces that promote algae growth may also need more frequent attention.

Industry Best Practices

Brick and masonry: use low-pressure washing (under 700 PSI) with appropriate detergents to remove dirt and biological growth without damaging mortar joints. High-pressure washing can erode mortar and damage brick faces — a common mistake with untrained operators.

Cladding and panel systems: EIFS (Exterior Insulation Finishing System), aluminum composite panels, and vinyl cladding require gentle low-pressure washing. Aggressive pressure can force water behind cladding systems, causing moisture damage.

How D&D Commercial Services Can Help

Glass and storefronts: commercial storefront glass responds well to professional window cleaning in combination with building washing. Cleaning building surfaces while ignoring glass defeats the aesthetic purpose.

Concrete and block: loading dock areas, parking structures, and concrete surfaces adjacent to dumpsters or kitchen exhausts accumulate heavy grease and organic soiling. These areas may require hot water pressure washing with degreasing agents.

Before washing season: check all caulking joints, window seals, and penetrations. Pressure washing can force water through deteriorated seals into the building envelope. Address sealant failures before washing, not after.

D&D Commercial Services provides commercial building exterior washing throughout the KW Region with the appropriate pressure and detergents for each surface type.

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