Exterior cleaning

Exterior cleaning is the process of enhancing the experience of a building's exterior, through the restoration of good hygiene or removal of unsightly litter or general muck. Not to be confused with interior cleaning, i.e. office cleaning, exterior cleaning draws on aspects of environmental care, architecture preservation, and psychological well-being, in addition to traditional cleaning. An exterior cleaner is a person who is considered a professional in the field of exterior cleaning, either as a whole or an aspect of the industry. In some jurisdictions, exterior cleaners must be licensed to practice, i.e. window cleaners require a license to operate in Scotland. [http://www40.brinkster.com/rukaluka/what.asp]

Exterior cleaning: the Profession

To become a successful exterior cleaner, the person must be able to [http://www40.brinkster.com/rukaluka/what.asp] :
* Be competent in identifying the type of soiling and the soiling adhesion in relation to the porosity of the substrate and make an informed judgement as to which equipment and chemicals are to be used to achieve the desired result.
* Demonstrate competence in understanding chemical processes.
* Demonstrate the correct selection of equipment and chemicals to carry out the task
* Understand the environmental effects of using chemicals ie. The protection of flora and fauna
* be fit and healthy
* be prepared to work outdoors
* Demonstrate competence in the use Mobile Elevating Work Platforms
* Demonstrate an understanding and comply with the health and Safety issues of using equipment,chemicals and working at height [http://money.uk.msn.com/Insurance/Insight/Special_Features/Insurance_Cover/article.aspx?cp-documentid=145042]

pecializations

Exterior cleaners can specialize in a particular exterior cleaning discipline:
* Stone Restoration
* Stone Conservation
* Bronze Cleaning and Restoration
* Graffiti Removal and protection
* Glazing
* Gutters
* Fascia
* Cladding
* Paving
* Swimming pools
* Patio Furniture

There are areas companies can focus on, such as residential or commercial cleaning, or high access. Most exterior cleaners specialize in a particular field for example the cleaning of bronze monuments or graffiti removal.

UK Parliament uproar

In the UK Parliament, Lord Brabazon of Tara announced, "My Lords, the programme to clean the exterior of the palace, which began in 1981, entered its final phase in 1995 with the commencement of work to the internal courtyards. Work has been completed on four courtyards, including Speaker's Court and Royal Court, which are the two largest courtyards. The next phase of work is planned to include Cloister Court, Star Chamber Court, Chancellor's Court and State Officers' Court. Commencement of this phase of work will be subject to the prioritisation requirements of the parliamentary works programme."

To which Lord Janner of Braunstone responded,"My Lords, I thank the noble Lord for that Answer. What he really means is that he does not know when the work will start on the inner courtyard, so the situation on that matter is normal. Does he agree that parts of the walls of those courtyards are in a filthy, disgraceful condition and should be dealt with as soon as possible? Surely he can give us at least some date." [http://www.publications.parliament.uk/pa/ld200607/ldhansrd/text/70702-0001.htm#0707025000100]

ee also

*Cleaning
*Environmental psychology