Cleaning monocouche render

Yellow_Fern

Monocouche render is a popular finish here. It looks lovely when in good nick but is prone to staining from green and red algae (trentepohlia) in wet walls and exposed areas. I have used biocides to clean it but it was only so useful. It helped but didn't remove stains at ground level. I have been told an approach is to 'soft wash' it. It is a method sold by companies in Ireland. Has anyone tried any of them? Does it get a stained gable to as good as new condition? I am not keen to spend a few hundred Euro on this without knowing it works.

Yellow_Fern

Update: I found a company offering soft washing. It worked incredible well to clean the render. It didn't remove some dark marks on the ground which I think might be water marks but overall, very pleased.

Piriz

Hi, I'm interested in this, how much did you spend ?

thanks

Yellow_Fern

200 euro. It was very quick and painless. I say some people who paint their homes could get by without painting some years and just doing this, for much less money and less mess. Just watch that none of the cleaning agent gets on flower beds or sensitive carpets.

mike_2009

I read that not using a scratch finish & using the water repellent finish should prevent this issue. Am considering a monocouche render finish but this issue is holding me back....is there a way to avoid? Good to know it's a €200 treatment if it does happen though!

Yellow_Fern

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120405684#Comment_120405684

I am not an expert but I think a lot varies on the location. I would be most worried about shaded walls and north facing walls. I would never recommend monocouche where there is shade. I have seen some sheltered north facing walls turn out ok but it depends. Also make sure your have nothing causing rain dripping like too small window sills, windows sills with missing drip channels or pipes and outlets. Anything like that causes issues.

Piriz

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120406752#Comment_120406752

can you tell us what company you used or Pm please?

thanks

tabby aspreme

You can buy fungicide and algaecide, and apply it with a knapsack yourself, just wear a good mask

poker--addict

Where did you get this for 200? Companies quoting 1700-1800. The chemicals cost about 80 for large 2 storey