COMMERCIAL CLADDING CLEANING & HIGH LEVEL CLEANING

Sardis House - Pontypridd, Mid Glamorgan, CF37

Client's Challenge

Rhondda Cynon Taf Council required specialist commercial cladding cleaning at Sardis House, a prominent painted aluminium-clad tower building in Pontypridd town centre.

The building stands approximately 20 metres high and had not been cleaned for over 10 years, resulting in severe grime, algae, and moss build-up that significantly affected its appearance.

Due to the building’s location on a main through-road, adjacent to the riverbank, close to the railway line and Pontypridd train station, the council could not tolerate major disruption to traffic flow, public access, or rail services.

The client required an experienced contractor capable of delivering high-level cladding cleaning using controlled access methods, robust traffic management, and strong public safety planning - without full road or rail closures.

Assessment & Planning  

APT ICC were engaged via Carillion, based on previous successful joint projects.

Following consultation with highways authorities and Health & Safety stakeholders, APT ICC developed a detailed plan focused on:

• Safe access to 20-metre-high cladding elevations
• Removal of severe biological contamination without damaging painted aluminium surfaces
• Controlled delivery with minimal town-centre disruption
• Full pedestrian and traffic safety management
• A phased approach using lift access for efficiency and rope access for detail coverage

During the assessment, APT ICC also identified additional restoration
requirements including graffiti removal, window resealing, and lower-level decorative works.

    Methodology

    1. Traffic management and public safety controls
    Full pedestrian and vehicle management systems implemented to maintain safe public movement.

    2. High-level cladding cleaning
    Painted aluminium cladding cleaned using environmentally friendly algae treatment chemistry and super-heated steam cleaning.

    3. Rope access and lift access delivery
    IRATA rope access technicians completed detailed works in restricted areas, while lift access equipment was used to improve speed and productivity.

    4. Graffiti removal and lower-level restoration
    Graffiti removed using specialist APT ICC products, followed by lower-level external painting works.

    5. Minor repairs and finishing works
    Window sealing repairs and final detailing completed to ensure consistent presentation and functional integrity.

    Commercial Cladding Clean at Sardis House in Pontypridd, Wales

    Site Access & Logistics

    Commercial Cladding Clean at Sardis House in Pontypridd, Wales

    Equipment
    • Super-heated steam cleaning systems
    • IRATA rope access systems
    • Lift access equipment
    • Traffic and pedestrian control equipment
    • Full PPE and site safety systems

    Chemicals
    • Algae Free - specialist algae and moss removal treatment
    • APT ICC graffiti removal products - for lower-level façade cleaning

    All products supplied by APT Commercial Chemicals

    The Results
    • Heavy grime, algae, and moss removed across the full façade
    • High-level cladding cleaned safely without full road or rail closures
    • Graffiti removed and lower levels redecorated
    • Window repairs completed as part of the programme
    • Significant cost savings delivered to the council
    • Positive response from local residents and businesses

    APT ICC restored the appearance of a key town-centre building while
    maintaining public safety and operational continuity. The success of the
    project led to ongoing specialist works being awarded by the council.