ALGAE REMOVAL & FAÇADE CLEANING
Poundland - Merthyr Tydfil, CF47
Client's Challenge
Poundland required specialist retail façade cleaning to improve the external appearance of its Merthyr Tydfil store and maintain a clean, welcoming environment for customers.
Over time, the store’s brickwork facade, signage, and external pedestrian areas had become affected by dirt, grime, algae, and
surface staining. As a busy town-centre retail location, the works needed to be delivered safely while the store remained open and members of the public continued to use the surrounding walkways.
Assessment & Planning
APT ICC met with the client on site to review the store frontage and surrounding external areas and assess surface condition, contamination levels, and pedestrian flow.
Planning focused on selecting a low-impact cleaning method suitable for brickwork, signage, and paved surfaces, while ensuring safe working within a live retail environment. A section-by-section approach was agreed to allow areas to be cleaned and reopened progressively, maintaining customer access and public safety throughout the works.
Methodology
APT ICC delivered the facade and external cleaning works using a controlled, low-impact approach suitable for live retail environments.
The works were carried out as follows:
1. Establishment of safe working zones using barriers and clear signage.
2. Application of super-heated steam cleaning to external brickwork, signage, and pedestrian walkways.
4. Steam used to break down and remove dirt, grime, algae, and surface staining without damaging the underlying materials.
5. Controlled management of runoff to prevent overspill into public areas.
6. Progressive inspection and reopening of cleaned sections to maintain access.
This approach allowed effective cleaning while keeping the store fully operational.
Site Access & Logistics
Equipment
• Super-heated steam cleaning systems
Chemicals
• Algae Free - algae remover that eliminates moss, mould, and green algae at the root.
The Results
• Retail facade cleaned and visually refreshed
• Store signage restored and more prominent
• External walkways left clean
and presentable
• Works completed safely with the store remaining open
• Improved first impression for customers
The cleaning works significantly enhanced the appearance of the store and surrounding areas, supporting a cleaner and more inviting retail environment.
