Ivy forms so-called adhesive roots. The climbing plants use these suction cups to anchor themselves on house facades. If the trees are removed, unsightly marks remain. They can be removed using special methods that must be tailored to the surface.
How can ivy residue be removed from facades?
There are various methods available to remove ivy residue from facades: sandblasters, high-pressure cleaners, dry ice, gas burners and hydrochloric acid. The selection of the appropriate technique depends on the substrate and the sensitivity of the surface.
These procedures exist:
- Sandblaster: ideal for sensitive facades
- High-pressure cleaner: for robust surfaces
- Dry ice: environmentally friendly and gentle cleaning
- Gas burner: if fire hazards have been ruled out
- Hydrochloric acid: as a last resort
Sandblaster
Root residue can be removed using compressed air jets that spray sand onto the facade. Sandblasters have the advantage of achieving success in areas that are difficult to access. They are gentle and are also suitable for sensitive clinker brick facades.
High-pressure cleaner
In this method, the ivy residue is dissolved and washed away using a hard jet of water. Hot water or the addition of lime-dissolving cleaning agents intensify the effect. Stubborn residue can be removed with a dirt blaster (€16.00 on Amazon), which is attached to the high-pressure cleaner. The surface is often damaged due to the high pressure. Clinker joints or masonry cannot withstand the force of the jet, which increases the damage.
Dry ice
Dry ice pellets made from frozen nitrogen are sprayed onto the facade at high pressure. This process blasts away root residues through contact with the minus 80 degree ice particles, without affecting the subsurface. Even sensitive surfaces such as clinker bricks can be cleaned gently. The pellets turn into a gaseous state, so no residue is left behind. If the masonry has already suffered damage, the pressure jets can further destroy the crumbly material.
Gas burner
Flaming the adhesive roots causes them to dry out, so that the residue can then be removed with a brush. Caution is advised when working with a flame, as insulating materials in the house walls can smolder unnoticed due to heat and catch fire.
Hydrochloric acid
Plastered walls and joints can be cleaned with diluted hydrochloric acid, which you spread on the facade with a brush. It softens the calcareous subsoil and ensures that the ivy roots loosen after taking effect. Before you brush off the residue, you should rinse off the acid residue with water from the garden hose. Remember that this method poses risks to your he alth and the environment.