How Often Should You Really Clean Building Externals, Grounds, Roofs and Gutters?
Buildings are like people — they need regular care to stay in good shape. Dirt, moss, pollution and weather all quietly chip away at your property’s appearance, safety and value. Whether you manage a commercial building, industrial estate, or heritage site, a structured cleaning schedule keeps your assets looking professional, compliant and protected.
At CCWC Services, we have been cleaning, maintaining and restoring buildings across the UK since 1988. Here is our expert guide to how often each part of your property should be cleaned — and why it matters.
Building Externals: Façades, Render and Cladding
Recommended frequency: every 12–24 months
Your building’s façade is constantly exposed to rain, pollution, algae and UV damage. Over time, these cause staining, deterioration and even water ingress if neglected.
– Render cleaning – every 12–18 months using softwash or DOFF steam cleaning (never pressure washing)
– Cladding cleaning – annually for city or coastal properties, every 18–24 months in rural areas
– Stone and brick cleaning – every 2–3 years for general upkeep or more often in high-traffic zones
CCWC Services uses specialist DOFF steam and softwash systems for gentle, effective façade cleaning that protects the surface and restores colour.
Windows, Frames and Glazing
Recommended frequency: monthly to quarterly
Clean windows do more than look professional — they reduce glare, improve light quality and reflect well on your brand. We provide commercial window cleaning at any height using purified de-ionised water, rope access or cradle systems.
– Retail units and offices: Monthly or bi-monthly
– Industrial or logistics buildings: Every 3 months
– Heritage façades: Every 3–6 months using DOFF steam or pure water
Our high-level window cleaning is fully compliant with the Work at Height Regulations and carried out by trained, CSCS-certified operatives.
Roofs, Gutters and Drainage Systems
Recommended frequency: roofs every 2 years, gutters twice per year (spring and autumn)
Neglecting your roof and gutters is one of the quickest ways to invite leaks, damp and costly internal damage.
– Roof cleaning: Every 2 years to remove moss, lichen and debris
– Gutter cleaning: Twice a year — typically spring and autumn
– Downpipes and drainage: Check flow and unblock as needed
– Flat roofs: Inspect debris and outlets every 6 months
Our experienced team uses mobile scaffolding, roofline safety systems, and ISO 45001-certified procedures to carry out cleaning safely at any height.
Solar Panel and Skylight Cleaning
Recommended frequency: three times per year
Solar panels work best when clean. Even a thin film of dust, pollen or bird droppings can reduce efficiency by up to 25 percent.
CCWC Services uses de-ionised water cleaning for solar panels — no detergents, no residue, and no risk of surface damage.
– Urban or industrial sites: Three times per year
– Agricultural or dusty environments: Three times per year
– Residential blocks and schools: Two to three times per year
We also clean glass roofs, skylights, canopies and atriums, restoring maximum light transmission and a spotless finish.
Car Parks, Pathways and Grounds
Recommended frequency: quarterly to annually
First impressions start outside. Clean car parks and grounds are not just about appearance — they prevent slips, extend surface life and improve site safety.
– Multi-storey car parks: Jet wash quarterly; deep clean annually
– Pavements, walkways and driveways: Every 6–12 months depending on footfall
– Graffiti and chewing gum removal: As required — we offer a fast-response service
We use DOFF steam and surface-safe jet washing to lift oil, chewing gum and paint without damaging tarmac, resin or stone paving.
Bird Control, Roofline and Surface Protection
Recommended frequency: annual inspection
Bird fouling (guano) corrodes metal, blocks gutters and spreads disease. Our bird-control team installs nets, spikes and deterrents to protect your roofline and façades from repeat infestations.
– Inspection: Once a year
– Cleaning and treatment: Every 12–18 months, or more often in food or coastal areas
Regular bird control cleaning prevents costly façade restoration and keeps properties compliant with hygiene standards.
Heritage and Listed Building Cleaning
Recommended frequency: every 1–2 years (specialist plan)
Heritage materials such as sandstone, limestone and brick require a gentle, conservation-approved approach. As a Stonehealth Rosette-accredited contractor, CCWC Services provides DOFF steam cleaning and low-pressure restoration that protects delicate surfaces while meeting conservation guidelines.
We create bespoke maintenance plans for Grade I and Grade II listed buildings to prevent unnecessary intervention while preserving architectural integrity.
Summary: Your Cleaning Schedule at a Glance
Area | Recommended Frequency | Cleaning Method
Façade / Render / Cladding | Every 12–24 months | DOFF or softwash
Windows & Glazing | Monthly–Quarterly | Pure water or rope access
Roofs | Every 2 years | Moss removal / DOFF
Gutters & Downpipes | Twice yearly | Vacuum or manual
Solar Panels | Three times per year | De-ionised water
Car Parks & Grounds | Quarterly–Annually | Jet wash / DOFF
Bird Control / Roofline | Annually | Netting, cleaning, coating
Heritage Surfaces | Every 1–2 years | Conservation DOFF clean
Why Routine Cleaning Protects Your Property
A planned maintenance schedule reduces long-term costs, preserves your building’s appearance and keeps your site safe, compliant and tenant-friendly.
With CCWC Services, you benefit from:
– ISO 9001, 14001 and 45001 certified management systems
– Expert access planning for high-rise and difficult-to-reach areas
– Full photographic evidence and maintenance records
– Environmentally responsible methods and water-efficient cleaning systems
Plan Your Building Maintenance Schedule
Keep your property performing at its best all year round. Contact CCWC Services for a tailored cleaning and maintenance plan that fits your building’s needs, budget and compliance requirements.
Website: www.ccwcservices.co.uk
Phone: 01443 844 679
Email: info@complycleanrestore.uk
