Façade Refurbishment

Like the face on a human, the façade is the first impression a person has of a building before they enter. The Cambridge English Dictionary defines façade as:

Façade noun (BUILDING)
The front of a building, especially a large or attractive building:
The gallery’s elegant 18th-century façade
Façade refurbishment can increase the market value of your property or make your commercial building more inviting. But where to begin or what approach should you take?
Below are 3 things to consider when refurbishing your facade.

How much restoration is required

The level of refurbishment can vary. From mould removal to complete replacement. Before you do any type of restoring, a thorough clean is a must. Having your façade thoroughly cleaned will expose any elements that may need extensive repairs or even reveal some features that were hidden under those thick layers of mould or algae. You might be lucky enough to get away with a clean and a coat of paint.

Graffiti and protective coatings

An empty building or a property that appears to be empty can attract street artists, no matter how worthy their “art” is. Removing graffiti quickly can help deter behaviour like this but sometimes it’s not enough. Something to be careful of when cleaning graffiti is the harsh chemicals you opt to use. They might remove the artwork well but it may also take some of the paint or deteriorate the cladding it is sprayed on. Always consider the environmental impact the paint needs to withstand when repainting your façade.

Is the property Heritage listed

When restoring a heritage listed building, it is of most importance to not alter the look of the building. Major refurbishment on heritage listed buildings must be performed professionally with extra attention to detail and keep the public safety in mind at all times and ensure there is no major disruption to tenants. Extensive planning should be put in place and certain permits are usually required.