Facade cleaning: compare quotes and prices

When is cleaning enough?

Cleaning removes deposits; it does not replace damaged paint or loose render. Cracks, flaking and persistently damp areas need assessment first. Otherwise, the cause remains or an unsuitable treatment makes the damage worse.

The material and finish determine the method

Pressure, temperature, chemicals and dwell time cannot be specified uniformly for every facade. Even the same underlying material may have different coatings. A test patch helps assess whether a method removes dirt, changes the colour or affects the surface.

• Rendered and externally insulated facades. Consider coating condition, adhesion and junctions. Higher water pressure does not automatically clean better and may damage the system.
• Stone, brick and concrete. Porosity, joints and deposits influence the approach. Acidic products are not suitable for every stone.
• Timber, metal and glass. Account for wood protection, paint, seals and adjacent components. Natural timber patina is not necessarily dirt.
• Fibre cement. Have the product and age assessed. Older panels may contain asbestos. Do not scrape or treat the material yourself to prepare a request.

Why algae and water marks can return

Surfaces that stay wet favour biological growth. Shade, nearby vegetation, dew and construction details affect drying. Defective drainage or junctions can introduce extra moisture locally. Green or dark deposits alone do not prove there is damage inside the building.

Cleaning can treat the visible growth without changing those conditions. If marks keep returning, ask for their cause to be assessed. Additional protective treatment must suit the facade system. A permanently growth-free surface cannot be promised independently of location and maintenance.

How much does facade cleaning cost?

Cost depends on the area treated, material, soiling and access. A small patch can cost more per m² because of travel and setup. Platforms, scaffolding, wastewater handling and protecting nearby components may be separate items.

Published Swiss offers use different pricing models. The examples below were checked in October 2026 and are not a general market range. They cannot be compared directly: surface washing and building-specific treatment without pressure washing do not necessarily cover the same work.

• Compare the total. Confirm the area and method, then have associated work itemised. Check whether after-treatment, window cleaning and repairs are included or separate.

Allow for access, surroundings and cleaning water

Building height alone does not determine whether scaffolding is needed. Distance from the wall, obstacles, ground conditions and method also matter. A conservatory, narrow driveway or public pavement can change the plan. The contractor chooses suitable access equipment.

For wet methods, the contractor must establish what happens to water and loosened material. Depending on contamination and drainage, collection and suitable disposal may be needed. Ground, plants and rainwater drains are not simply disposal routes. Cleaning products and biocides have different requirements; suitability and permitted use must be checked.

Give the relevant surface area

This means the facade area to be cleaned, not the internal floor area. An estimate is enough initially. For example, a rectangular wall 12 m wide and 6 m high has a gross area of 72 m². Agree consistently whether and how doors and windows are deducted when comparing quotes.

One dirty side or a few marks do not automatically call for cleaning the whole building. A small cleaned patch can nevertheless stand out against its surroundings. Discuss sensible treatment boundaries and the finish you expect. Photos or drawings can help; there is no need to measure inaccessible areas yourself.

The area example can become a practical enquiry: “We would like the rendered north side of our two-storey house cleaned, about 12 m wide and 6 m high. The 72 m² gross area includes four windows. There are green deposits below the windows and a fine crack at one corner. We do not know which paint is on the wall. A planted bed runs in front of it, with a conservatory to one side. We have photos taken from ground level. Please assess the crack and coating first, then quote for suitable cleaning with a test patch, access and water handling. Any additional protective treatment should be priced separately.” The contractor establishes the area to be treated and whether repairs are needed first. Unknown coating or drainage details can remain open until professionally assessed.

Agree the result and any additional work

A sensible process begins with assessment and ends with the agreed result. If the method takes time to show its effect, establish when the result will be checked. An after-treatment is not equivalent to an immediately fully cleaned surface.

At the agreed inspection, compare the result with the approved test patch and the recorded starting condition. After wet cleaning, the final colour may need to be assessed once dry; for delayed-effect methods, use the agreed later inspection date. Look for missed areas, conspicuous boundaries and new damage. Check that agreed protective coverings and residues have been removed and access restored. Record remaining marks, their possible causes and the next steps. If a follow-up inspection is promised, establish whether travel and any necessary remedial work are included. The company can document high-level areas with photos identifying their location; you do not need to climb up yourself.

1. Condition and test patch. Check material, damage and likely results, allowing for different facade sections.
2. Scope and protection. Specify sides, access, windows, surroundings and water handling in the quote.
3. Timing and work. Account for weather and product requirements. Inform occupants and coordinate access during the visit.
4. Inspection and care. Check at the agreed time. Obtain approval before extra painting, impregnation or repairs.