Green algae, black streaks and red lichen on your render aren't permanent — and they don't need aggressive pressure washing to remove. Our softwash treatment kills the growth at the root and brings render and K-rend back to its original colour, safely.
Across Chelmsford and Essex we clean rendered semis, detached homes and the newer K-rend new-builds in Beaulieu, Springfield and Channels. Whether your render has gone patchy green on the shaded side or developed the tell-tale black tiger-striping under the windows, we have the right treatment for it.
It's the single most important thing to get right — and where most damage happens. Render is porous and relatively soft. Blasting it with a pressure washer strips the surface coating, drives water deep behind the render where it can cause damp, and can blow out sections of K-rend entirely. Worse, it doesn't actually solve the problem: the algae and spores that cause the green and black staining survive, and the growth returns within months.
Softwashing is the manufacturer-approved method. We apply a specialist biocide at low pressure that penetrates and kills the algae, lichen and fungal staining at the root. Over the following days the dead growth weathers away and the render returns to a clean, even finish — with no risk of damage and results that last years rather than months.
Traditional sand-and-cement render, modern silicone and acrylic thin-coat systems, K-rend and other monocouche renders, pebbledash and roughcast, painted masonry and rendered chimney stacks. If you're not sure what your render is, send us a photo and we'll tell you — and price it.
Most render softwashing jobs in the Chelmsford area sit between £300 and £900. A typical semi-detached house is usually £350–£550; larger detached homes and properties needing high-reach work cost more. The honest variables are the size and height of the property and how heavy the staining is. Full breakdown on our pricing page — or send a photo and your postcode for an exact figure, usually the same day.
Render and K-rend are porous. High pressure blasts off the surface coating and forces water behind the render, while the algae spores survive and regrow within months. Softwashing applies a biocide that kills the algae, lichen and black spots at the root — so the finish stays clean far longer with no risk of damage.
Because the biocide kills the growth rather than just blasting it off, a softwash typically keeps render looking clean for 18 months to 3 years, depending on shade, tree cover and aspect. North-facing walls regrow fastest, which is why we offer discounted annual maintenance.
Most jobs fall between £300 and £900 — a typical semi-detached is £350–£550. Send a photo and your postcode for an exact price.
No. We work at low pressure, pre-wet and protect surrounding planting, and use treatments at the correct dilution. We're fully insured with public liability cover.
Safe softwash render cleaning across Chelmsford & Essex. Free, no-obligation quotes.