Commercial Warehouse Roof, Cladding and Gutter Cleaning - Desborough (Kettering Area)

Comprehensive exterior clean for a large commercial warehouse and distribution facility on Desborough industrial estate in the Kettering area, Northamptonshire. Delivered over 3 days, the project included metal cladding cleaning, roof cleaning, gutter and box gutter clearance, and solar panel cleaning with pure water. All high-level work was carried out using MEWP (cherry picker) access.

Project Overview

• Location: Desborough, Kettering area, Northamptonshire
• Site type: Warehouse and distribution facility
• Duration: 3 days
• Scope: Cladding, roof, gutters, solar panels
• Methods: Soft washing, pressure washing, pure water cleaning, DDAC biocide
• Access: MEWP / cherry picker

The Challenge

The facility presented multiple issues across different surfaces, all needing attention within a tight timeframe:

• Organic growth on metal cladding: Green algae and general soiling had built up across the wall cladding panels, dulling the building's appearance and giving an unmaintained look from the road.
• Roof contamination: The roof sheeting carried moss, algae, and accumulated debris that was retaining moisture and contributing to accelerated weathering.
• Blocked guttering: Standard perimeter gutters and box gutters were partially blocked with silt, moss, and leaf debris - causing overflow and water staining down the cladding below.
• Solar panel soiling: Roof-mounted solar panels had lost efficiency due to a layer of grime, bird droppings, and organic film across the glass surfaces.
• Slippery walkways: Roof-level walkways and access routes had become slippery with moss and algae, creating a safety concern for any maintenance access.

Our Approach

1. Access setup - MEWP positioning: Cherry picker access was set up around the building perimeter to reach upper cladding, roofline areas, and guttering safely. Ground-level preparation included protecting surrounding surfaces and managing runoff.
2. Metal cladding cleaning: Wall cladding was soft washed to remove organic growth and general soiling without damaging paint finishes or sealant joints. We worked systematically around the building to ensure even coverage and avoid streaking.
3. Roof cleaning and gutter clearance: Roof sheeting was cleaned to remove moss, algae, and debris. Perimeter gutters and box gutters were cleared of blockages, flushed, and checked for flow. Roof walkways were treated to restore safe grip.
4. Solar panel pure water cleaning: Solar panels were cleaned using a pure water fed pole system. Deionised water removes grime without leaving mineral deposits on the glass, restoring energy output without risk to panel coatings.
5. DDAC biocide application: After cleaning, DDAC biocide was applied across cladding and roof surfaces to help slow organic regrowth and extend the clean appearance between maintenance cycles.

Results

• Metal cladding restored to a clean, uniform finish across all elevations
• Roof sheeting cleared of moss and algae - moisture retention reduced
• Gutters and box gutters cleared, flushed, and flowing correctly
• Solar panels cleaned - grime and bird droppings removed for improved output
• Roof walkways cleaned and safe for future maintenance access
• DDAC biocide applied to slow regrowth on cladding and roof surfaces
• Full project completed within 3-day schedule with no disruption to site operations

Related Services

• Cladding and Facade Cleaning
• Roof Cleaning
• Gutter Cleaning
• Solar Panel Cleaning
• Commercial Exterior Cleaning