Our FAQ Hub

If you notice any of the following, it’s time to clean your render:

• Algae or moss growth
• Stains from things like rainwater or dirt
• Cracks or flaking
• Rust stains
• Looks dull or dark

If you want to clean your render effectively, using a pressure washer is a great option. These machines are capable of removing algae, moss, dirt, and other types of build-up from your render quickly and easily.

However, it’s important to be cautious when using a pressure washer. To avoid causing damage, keep the nozzle at least 12 inches away from the surface and use a low-pressure setting. Additionally, using a fan nozzle can help distribute the pressure evenly across the surface.

A layer of protection called render is commonly applied to the exterior walls of buildings to enhance their resistance against natural elements. This protective layer shields the walls from corrosion, staining, and decay caused by external factors like rain, wind, and algae.

Apart from its weatherproofing properties, render is also utilised for its aesthetic appeal. By adding colour and patterns to the walls, rendered surfaces can give a property a unique and distinctive appearance, which can ultimately boost its value.

Render can be classified into two primary categories: traditional and modern render.

Traditional Renders

• Sand and Cement Render
• Lime Render
• Dry Dash Render
• Clay Render

There are several types of traditional renders that have been used for centuries to offer protection to buildings from weather-induced damage. One of the oldest render types is lime render, which is best suited for properties built before the 19th Century. Lime render is flexible and breathable, allowing for the necessary process of water absorption and evaporation in older structures.

It is important to use the right type of render for a building, as the wrong kind can cause damage and accelerate deterioration. If a render that does not allow for proper evaporation is applied, water can become trapped and lead to significant structural damage.

Modern Renders

• Acrylic Render
• Silicone Render
• Monocouche  Render
• Polymers Render

For properties built after the 19th Century, modern renders are the primary choice. These renders contain additives such as silicone and polymers, which enhance their qualities. They make the render more breathable, water-resistant, and resistant to cracks. Modern renders are designed to work well with the construction methods used in modern buildings, allowing for natural movement.

One of the advantages of modern renders is that they can be through-coloured, eliminating the need for painting the surface. Monocouche render, in particular, is highly successful in achieving a desired color as the color is directly mixed into the render.

By understanding the different types of renders available, you can choose the most suitable one for your property based on its age and construction methods.

The amount of cleaning your house’s render will vary based on its environment and type. If you reside in a coastal or polluted area, you may need to clean it more frequently. Our suggestion is to clean your render annually, but adjust as needed.

Its likely that this powdery white material is efflorescence, which is the migration of salt to the exterior of a permeable material, such as brick, creating a layer. When moisture passes through a wall, or when water is expelled due to heat or hydration, this mechanism pushes salts to the surface. Depending on the extent of the harm, these bricks can be cleaned or replaced.

Brick homes are incredibly low-maintenance. With a history dating back hundreds of years, brick is a durable material that stands the test of time. Unlike other materials, brick won’t decay or rot. While some maintenance may be necessary due to regular wear and tear, it typically involves tasks like repointing, brick repair, replacement, and cleaning, although not all at once.

Absolutely not! Our team will thoroughly assess your brickwork and then delicately utilise chemical solutions to eliminate the layer of grime or paint without causing any harm to the underlying structure. Occasionally, the surface of the bricks may have deteriorated beneath the coating, which could result in small fragments of brick becoming dislodged during the cleaning procedure.

This all varies on the surface and surrounds but a typical driveway or patio really should be cleaned every 12 months and a weed killer applied around every 3-6 months to keep the area looking clean and fresh. If a sealer is applied the driveway or patio will be protected for around 3-5 years.

In order to start working immediately upon our arrival, we kindly request that you clear all garden furniture and pots. However, if you are unable to do so, we can take care of it for you. 

Please note that we cannot be held responsible for any damages that may occur, and there may be an additional charge depending on the time required to clear. Rest assured, we will inform you of any extra costs before providing a quote. Unlike other companies, our quotations are not estimates. The price we quote is the price you pay, with no hidden charges or extras. If the cleaning takes longer than anticipated, it’s our responsibility, not yours. Remember, all quotes are free and there is no obligation.

Weeds have the ability to grow back within a few months if you don’t seal the surface properly. This is because new seeds can find their way into the gaps and start sprouting. However, if you take the necessary steps to seal the surface, you can enjoy a weed-free environment for a longer period of time!

After we’ve cleared your roof of moss, algae, and lichen, we apply a special roof wash that’s exclusive to professional roof cleaning services and reduces the growth of moss.. This product is backed by a three-year guarantee, ensuring that your roof will remain moss-free for at least three years, and often much longer. This is only the case if your roof is not shaded by trees on the north side.

For more in depth information on our roof cleaning services please visit here.

We carefully remove moss from your roof using certain removal techniques without causing any harm to the roof itself. We avoid using pressure washers where appropriate as it can be harsh on your roof tiles and lead to serious long-term issues depending on the material.

Mostly, we take a hands-on approach by scraping your roof using a devise that is connected to a telescopic pole. In cases where it’s necessary, we can use a cherry picker or an access tower to reach the roof. This allows us to safely access almost all roofs while minimising any inconvenience.

Moss is a living organism and has the potential to wreak havoc on your roof if allowed to flourish. Its growth can lead to severe and expensive damage to your roof tiles. This damage allows water to infiltrate your building, resulting in extensive harm. During the winter, moss freezes and expands, causing the roof tiles to crack. As time passes, these cracks worsen, creating larger gaps. To prevent further deterioration, it is crucial to promptly remove moss from your roof.

The cost can differ based on the size of your property and the level of cleaning needed. See below just a few factors that can influence the cost…

• The height of your property
• The material of your roof
• The condition of your roof 
• The amount of debris and build up on your roof

Although, you can clean your roof on your own, it is safer and more economical to hire a professional. Omnia provides services at a competitive rate suitable to assist you in keeping your roof well-maintained without straining your finances.

Whilst evaluating your roof, we thoroughly examine its structure and condition. However, the most important aspect to consider is the type of tile used. Certain tiles, like slate or clay, have a smooth surface that is well-suited for pressure washing. However, concrete or porous tiles may not fare as well and can be damaged during the cleaning process.

In fact, it’s common where you find the surface of concrete tiles has come off. Leaving them even more porous and negatively impacting the overall appearance of the property.

When someone approaches us for roof cleaning, we always ask them about their goals. Are they looking to restore the entire roof to its original condition or are they primarily concerned with removing moss? If moss is the main issue and the overall appearance of the roof is not a top priority, we recommend a moss removal and biocide treatment. During this process, we use scrapers to carefully remove the moss from the roof tiles, and then apply a biocide product to eliminate any remaining moss or fungi. This treatment helps to keep the roof cleaner for a longer period of time and avoids using a pressure wash. This service is our entry-level option and is the most cost-effective solution.

See more information about roof cleaning here and moss removal here.

Roof cleaning isn’t always necessary but does play an important role in upkeep your property’s appearance and preventing build up in your gutters. 

Moss and other debris from your roof can fall into the gutters and block them resulting in overflow when it rains. This can cause all kinds of issues which we go into a bit more detail here.

Roof cleaning can not only massively increase your curb appeal which is great when you’re selling your property but it plays an integral part in maintaining and preventing any damages. We suggest a maintenance check every other year which you can find more about here. From the inspection we can come up with a cleaning plan or may even find that you need repairs before they create major problems.

We understand that each job is unique, however, our goal remains the same – to ensure we thoroughly clean your driveway within a day. If it is necessary, we will come back the next day to re-sand any block paving.

We use our pressure washing machines to eliminate dirt during most of our driveway cleaning service. Sometimes, we may also use eco-friendly chemicals to effectively eliminate stubborn stains. However, rest assured that we will always have a detailed conversation with you about this during our initial consultation.

We have the ability to remove any organic matter and other types of stains, such as tyre marks, oil, and paint. The method we use for treatment will vary depending on the type of stain, but we will provide you with expert advice on the most effective treatment before we begin.

Find out here how we can help maintain and clean your driveway here.

Can you see plants starting to grow in your gutters?

Given the perfect conditions that gutters provide, it’s no wonder that vegetation thrives in them. A combination of decaying leaves, moss, and soil-like material, paired with constant rainwater. Is the exact reason why gutters create an ideal environment for grass, plants, and weeds to grow and flourish.

However, before you love the site of nature taking over your gutters, it’s important to acknowledge the potential damage that can occur. Plants and vegetation that grow in your gutters, block the flow of rainwater, resulting in water damage to your roofline and your home’s foundation. 

Roots of the vegetation grow into the gutter joints, causing leaks and requiring costly repairs. Additionally, the weight of the debris and vegetation can cause gutters to detach from the roof and break gutter brackets.

Allowing your gutters to become a breeding ground for insects and pests can create even more problems for homeowners.

Find out here how we can help maintain and clean your gutters here.

A reliable gutter cleaning company will always include the cleaning of outlets and downpipes as part of their service. In some cases, it may be necessary to remove the downpipes to properly unblock them, and the company should inform you of this and may charge an additional fee.

At Omnia External Surface Cleaning, we strive to unblock downpipes as a standard practice, without the need to remove them. However, if removing the downpipe or accessing the drain is necessary, we may charge a small extra fee.

Find out here how we can help maintain and clean your gutters here.

It’s not uncommon for gutters to overflow, as it’s usually a sign that something is amiss. There are several possible reasons for an overflowing gutter:

1. Your gutter may be blocked
2. Your downpipe could be blocked
3. Your drain might be blocked
4. If you share guttering with your neighbors, their gutter, downpipe, or drain could be blocked
5. A water butt diverter kit may be blocked
6. Your gutter may not be properly aligned
7. There may not be enough fascia brackets supporting the gutter
8. You could have missing or damaged fascia brackets
9. Your roof tiles may be hanging too far over the gutter
10. The gutter might be positioned too far away from the roof
11. You may have inadequate size gutters installed
12. Your gutter guards or downpipe filters could be blocked

If you’re experiencing an overflowing gutter, it’s best to reach out to a reliable guttering company. They will be able to assist you in identifying the specific cause of the overflow and provide the necessary solutions.

Find out here how we can help maintain and clean your gutters here.

Gutters play a crucial role in protecting your home’s exterior by diverting water away from the foundation and preventing potential leaks and water damage. While some homeowners may believe that gutter cleaning is only necessary if there are trees nearby, this is not entirely accurate. In fact, it is important to regularly inspect and clean your gutters, regardless of the presence of trees.

One of the primary reasons why gutter cleaning is necessary, even without nearby trees, is the accumulation of debris. Over time, dust, dirt, and other debris can build up in the gutters, diminishing their effectiveness and potentially causing blockages. This can result in water overflowing and potentially causing harm to your home’s foundation and exterior.

Another significant reason to clean your gutters, even in the absence of trees, is to prevent leaks and water damage. When gutters become clogged, water may not flow properly, leading to overflow and potential seepage into your home. This can result in leaks, water damage, and even the growth of mold. Regularly cleaning your gutters ensures that water flows smoothly through the gutter system, reducing the risk of these issues.

Lastly, maintaining clean gutters is essential for preserving the overall appearance of your home. Dirty and clogged gutters can give your home’s exterior an unkempt look and detract from its aesthetic appeal. By regularly cleaning your gutters, you can uphold the appearance of your home and ensure it always looks its best.

In conclusion, regardless of the presence of trees, it is crucial to clean your gutters regularly to ensure they function properly and prevent water damage, leaks, and mold growth. Regular cleaning also helps maintain the overall appearance of your home, keeping it looking its finest. It is recommended to inspect and clean your gutters at least twice a year, or more frequently if you reside in an area with heavy rainfall or other weather conditions that may impact the gutters.

Head to our gutter cleaning service page here to find out more!