In 2024, ACC Commercial Cleaning Ltd was commissioned by the landlord of a prestigious 130,000-square-foot carpet distribution centre in Hemel Hempstead. The facility, tenanted by a leading UK manufacturer of premium carpets, had been operational since 2017. Over seven years of exposure to the elements and nearby industrial activity had left the building’s exterior visibly degraded.
As a manufacturer of high-end products, the tenant recognised that brand image goes beyond the showroom — it includes the appearance of their premises. A dirty, stained, and moss-covered façade was no longer acceptable and did not reflect the premium nature of their brand. This triggered the decision to partner with a specialist in high-level external cleaning: ACC Commercial Cleaning.
The building had accumulated significant dirt, traffic grime, and airborne pollutants. However, the growth of moss and lichen on cladding and roofing materials was a far more serious issue. These biological growths, while unsightly, also trap moisture, accelerating the deterioration of roofing membranes, cladding, and sealants. They cause damp ingress, compromising the building envelope and leading to internal inefficiencies in insulation and air-tightness. According to Historic England, this type of decay can increase by up to 30% in damp UK climates.
The building’s height and complex architectural features, including high fascia, recessed joints, and extended rooflines, made access particularly difficult. These areas became perfect traps for dirt and organic matter. Additionally, the facility’s busy logistics operations meant that any scheduled maintenance risked disrupting deliveries, breaching health and safety protocols, or impacting the smooth operation of the site. These factors had led to deferred action — until the visible damage and commercial impact could no longer be ignored.
The deteriorating exterior wasn’t just a cosmetic problem — it posed significant commercial and financial risks. Brand perception was already at stake, especially among B2B clients. There was the risk of breaching lease obligations tied to building upkeep and appearance. Future financial implications loomed large — from water ingress repairs and cladding restoration to penalties at lease renewal or increased rental fees due to neglected maintenance. There was also a growing concern around insurance coverage; many commercial policies exclude damage resulting from neglect, and moss-related issues can fall under this category.
The business stood to lose even more if no action was taken. Not addressing the issue risked negative impressions during client and supplier visits, a weakened brand identity in a competitive market, and significant long-term repair costs. According to the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS), these costs can run up to four times higher than the price of routine maintenance. Ignoring the moss problem on the roof and the build-up of grime on the building’s exterior would also risk voiding certain warranties — particularly where cladding or roofing materials are covered under conditional manufacturer guarantees.
ACC Commercial Cleaning Ltd began with a comprehensive site audit to assess the logistical challenges and cleaning requirements. From this, we developed a detailed plan focused on disruption minimisation, designed in collaboration with the client’s operations team. All cleaning was scheduled around the site’s logistics timetable to ensure that peak delivery periods remained uninterrupted. To reach difficult areas, we used specialised access equipment, including high-reach static boom lifts, soft bristle rotary brushes, and low-pressure hot water systems — the ideal solution for safely and thoroughly removing moss, grime, and stains from high-level surfaces.
Our IPAF-certified technicians were fully trained in dynamic site work, allowing them to adjust cleaning activities in real time to accommodate operational fluctuations. Every part of the operation complied with BS EN 13501 standards, ensuring fire-safe handling of cladding materials and the highest level of structural protection.
The result was a seamless delivery of the project — completed on time, without any disruption to daily operations. The building’s external surfaces were restored to a clean, professional standard. Moss and lichen were fully removed from rooflines, preserving vital roofing materials and preventing further moisture retention. Our commercial window cleaning services brought new clarity and brightness to the façade, improving not only the exterior image but also natural light levels inside.
The feedback was overwhelmingly positive. Staff morale improved — a result supported by research from the Leesman Index, which shows that employee satisfaction rises by 14% in environments perceived as clean and well-maintained. Clients visiting the premises responded favourably, and the tenant felt reassured that their facility now accurately reflected their reputation for quality and attention to detail. The landlord was also pleased, as the work addressed key lease obligations and helped prevent longer-term structural damage.
As a result of this successful project, the client has now entered into a rolling maintenance agreement with ACC Commercial Cleaning. The plan includes scheduled annual cleaning, allowing the business to maintain its image, protect its infrastructure, and avoid future repair costs — all while remaining operational with no disruption.
This case study highlights that cleanliness, especially on the high-level external surfaces of a commercial building, is not simply an aesthetic consideration. It is a strategic, brand-defining, and financially sound investment. When done professionally and proactively, it protects warranties, prevents future damage, and ensures peace of mind for both tenants and landlords.
ACC Commercial Cleaning Ltd’s flexible, expert-led approach delivered real, measurable value to this client — without compromise. It’s a compelling reminder that when it comes to your building’s image and integrity, the cost of inaction is far greater than the price of doing things right.
