Removing cement/building substances
Removing cement/building substances
Can anyone recommend a good cleaner for external areas? Our builders splattered everything with cement, adhesive, render and other substances that are difficult to remove. Pressure-washing helps but does not work on everything.
The affected surfaces include stone walls, crazy paving, tiles, roof tiles, granite window sills, rendered walls, etc. We need to consult an experienced cleaner who can tell us what, if anything, can be done, and which areas are damaged beyond repair.
Any recommendations much appreciated. Thank you.
The affected surfaces include stone walls, crazy paving, tiles, roof tiles, granite window sills, rendered walls, etc. We need to consult an experienced cleaner who can tell us what, if anything, can be done, and which areas are damaged beyond repair.
Any recommendations much appreciated. Thank you.
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Re: Removing cement/building substances
Me too. But I would have asked him to do that before paying him.
Then he has more incentive to do it.
Dee
Then he has more incentive to do it.
Dee
Re: Removing cement/building substances
If a power jet hasn't shifted them, the ive got a feeling nothing else will, you can try, white spirit or petrol for adhesive, or a wire brush for the cement, but as others have said get the builder back to clean it.
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Re: Removing cement/building substances
The job is not finished until they have cleaned up - don't pay!!
Re: Removing cement/building substances
Thank you for responses.
We have not yet given the main contractor their final payment. But they know the problem and have not tried to fix it. That's why we are looking for an experienced cleaning company to try. We would deduct their fee from our final payment to the main contractor. If we have any success clearing this stuff, I will update this thread with the solution.
We have not yet given the main contractor their final payment. But they know the problem and have not tried to fix it. That's why we are looking for an experienced cleaning company to try. We would deduct their fee from our final payment to the main contractor. If we have any success clearing this stuff, I will update this thread with the solution.
Re: Removing cement/building substances
Can only say that personally, I would put pressure on the main contractor to arrange the clean up themselves. If its a large well known developer/ builder they will have or know of people who can do post - building clean ups.
Dee
Dee
Re: Removing cement/building substances
They do not care. I keep being told ‘this contractor is no worse than anyone else here’. Hard to believe.
Re: Removing cement/building substances
Quite. I warned them endlessly during the works, to no avail.
Re: Removing cement/building substances
Sunspot, Good contractors here in Cyprus, as in UK, tend to avoid making a mess. Or they clean up afterwards.Assuming that you have kept back a reasonable sum before final settlement of the bill, if you tell them they will not be paid until they clean up their mess, they make take more interest.
But its up to you and how you handle it, to be very firm with them...
Dee
But its up to you and how you handle it, to be very firm with them...
Dee
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- Joined: Mon Aug 01, 2022 9:28 pm
Re: Removing cement/building substances
Thank you for asking. We must wait until final bills are submitted by the contractor and the architect approves our deductions, including for cleaning up the mess left by the contractor. We have found jet-washing companies that are willing to try, when we are ready. They will also apply acid in small areas to see if it works and does not damage the substrate.
I have done 3 building projects in the UK. All had their problems. But I have never seen such poor quality workmanship, on-site chaos and bad behaviour as I have seen in Cyprus. Regarding the mess left by the contractor, cleaning companies have told us they see this all the time after building works here. Many homeowners just give up and live with it. Depends how much you care about these things. For myself, wild horses and millions of euros could not convince me to undertake another project here again.
I have done 3 building projects in the UK. All had their problems. But I have never seen such poor quality workmanship, on-site chaos and bad behaviour as I have seen in Cyprus. Regarding the mess left by the contractor, cleaning companies have told us they see this all the time after building works here. Many homeowners just give up and live with it. Depends how much you care about these things. For myself, wild horses and millions of euros could not convince me to undertake another project here again.