Commercial Building Cleaning

Restore Your Building's Original Beauty

Over time, commercial buildings accumulate layers of dirt, pollution, biological growth, and environmental staining that diminish their appearance and can accelerate deterioration. At Bi-State Masonry, we provide professional commercial building cleaning services throughout the greater Quad Cities region and across the Iowa-Illinois corridor. Our cleaning and restoration expertise helps property owners, facility managers, and building owners maintain their investments while preserving the structural integrity of their masonry facades.

With more than 26 years of experience serving commercial clients across the Midwest, we understand that a clean, well-maintained building exterior creates positive first impressions for tenants, customers, and visitors. Our team applies the same commercial-grade expertise and attention to detail to every cleaning project, whether we're restoring a historic downtown building in Davenport or cleaning a warehouse facility in the Quad Cities industrial corridor.

Why Commercial Building Cleaning Matters

A building's facade serves as its first line of defense against the elements. When dirt, pollutants, and biological growth accumulate on masonry surfaces, they do more than create an unsightly appearance. These contaminants can trap moisture against the building envelope, accelerating deterioration and potentially compromising structural integrity over time.

In the Quad Cities region, our buildings face particular challenges from the Midwest climate. Freeze-thaw cycles, humid summers, and exposure to road salt and industrial pollutants all take their toll on exterior masonry. Water that seeps into brick, stone, or concrete can freeze during our harsh winters, expanding and causing cracks, spalling, and other damage that compounds over time.

Professional masonry cleaning delivers benefits beyond improved appearance:

• Removes harmful contaminants that accelerate material deterioration
• Reveals the true condition of mortar joints and masonry surfaces for proper assessment
• Eliminates biological growth including mold, mildew, and algae before they cause permanent staining
• Prepares surfaces for protective sealers and waterproofing treatments
• Enhances curb appeal and property values
• Demonstrates proper building maintenance to tenants and stakeholders
• Extends the service life of masonry facades

Regular cleaning as part of a comprehensive maintenance program helps building owners avoid costly repairs by addressing surface contamination before it leads to deeper structural issues.

Our Commercial Cleaning Methods

At Bi-State Masonry, we tailor our cleaning approach to each building's specific needs. Different masonry materials, surface conditions, and types of contamination require different treatment methods. Our experienced team evaluates your building and selects the most effective and appropriate cleaning techniques to achieve optimal results without damaging the underlying materials.

Pressure Washing

Pressure washing uses controlled water pressure to remove surface dirt, grime, and loose debris from masonry facades. This method works well for routine cleaning of brick, concrete, and other durable surfaces. We carefully calibrate water pressure based on the material and its condition, using lower pressures for older or more delicate masonry to prevent surface damage. Pressure washing also reveals the true condition of mortar joints, helping identify areas that may need tuckpointing or other repairs.

Chemical Cleaning

For stubborn stains, heavy soiling, or specialized contamination, chemical cleaning provides more thorough results than water alone. Our team uses carefully selected cleaning solutions appropriate for the specific masonry type and the contaminants being removed. We apply chemicals precisely, allow proper dwell time, and follow with a low-pressure water rinse to neutralize and remove all cleaning agents. Glass and other vulnerable surfaces are protected throughout the process to prevent chemical damage.

Hot Water and Steam Cleaning

Near-boiling water or steam can be highly effective for lifting stubborn stains and breaking down grease, oil, and other organic deposits. This method is particularly useful for removing atmospheric soiling and can be gentler on historic or delicate masonry than aggressive chemical treatments.

Efflorescence Treatment

Efflorescence appears as white, powdery deposits on masonry surfaces caused by water-soluble salts migrating to the surface. Beyond being unsightly, efflorescence indicates moisture movement through the masonry that should be addressed. We remove efflorescence deposits and can recommend waterproofing solutions to prevent recurrence.

Masonry Surfaces We Clean

Our commercial building cleaning services address all common masonry materials found on commercial, industrial, and institutional buildings throughout the Quad Cities region:

Types of Contamination We Remove

Commercial buildings are exposed to numerous sources of contamination that professional cleaning can address:

• Atmospheric pollution and soot deposits
• Dirt, dust, and airborne debris
• Biological growth including mold, mildew, algae, and moss
• Bird droppings and pest residue
• Rust and iron staining
• Graffiti and vandalism
• Oil, grease, and industrial residue
• Mortar smears and construction debris
• Calcium deposits and hard water staining
• Road salt and de-icing chemical residue

When to Schedule Commercial Building Cleaning

The frequency of professional cleaning depends on several factors, including your building's location, exposure to environmental elements, and the type of masonry materials. Buildings in urban areas or near industrial facilities typically accumulate contamination faster than those in cleaner environments.

As a general guideline, most commercial masonry facades benefit from professional cleaning every three to five years. However, you should consider scheduling cleaning services sooner if you notice any of the following conditions:

• Visible discoloration or staining that detracts from your building's appearance
• White efflorescence deposits appearing on brick or stone surfaces
• Green or black biological growth spreading across the facade
• Preparation needed for waterproofing, sealing, or restoration work
• Graffiti or vandalism requiring removal
• Before selling or refinancing the property
• Prior to lease renewals or tenant attraction efforts

We also recommend cleaning as a first step before any masonry restoration project. Cleaning reveals the true condition of the masonry, allowing our team to accurately assess what repairs are needed and identify deterioration that may have been hidden beneath surface contamination.

Commercial Building Cleaning Service Area

Bi-State Masonry provides commercial building cleaning services throughout the Iowa-Illinois corridor, from Des Moines to the greater Chicago suburbs. Our primary service area for commercial masonry work includes:

We work with property management companies, building owners, municipalities, school districts, universities, and corporate facility managers throughout the region. Our team handles projects of all sizes, from single-story retail buildings to multi-story commercial complexes and industrial facilities.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does commercial building cleaning cost?

The cost of commercial masonry cleaning depends on several factors, including the building's size, height, accessibility, type of masonry, and the extent of contamination. We provide free estimates for all commercial cleaning projects. Our team will assess your building and provide a detailed quote based on the specific scope of work required.

Will pressure washing damage my building's masonry?

When performed by experienced professionals using appropriate pressure settings and techniques, pressure washing is safe for most masonry surfaces. Our team carefully evaluates each building's materials and condition before selecting the cleaning method. We adjust water pressure based on the masonry type and avoid aggressive techniques on historic or delicate surfaces that could cause damage.

How long does commercial building cleaning take?

Project duration varies based on building size, the cleaning methods required, and the level of contamination. A typical commercial building cleaning project may take anywhere from one day to several days. We work efficiently while ensuring thorough results, and we can schedule work during off-hours to minimize disruption to your tenants and business operations.

Can you remove graffiti from masonry surfaces?

Yes, we provide graffiti removal services as part of our commercial cleaning offerings. The approach depends on the type of masonry and the materials used for the graffiti. Some graffiti can be removed with chemical treatments, while other situations may require more specialized techniques. We assess each situation and use the most effective method that won't damage the underlying masonry.

Do you offer ongoing maintenance programs?

We work with building owners and property managers to develop maintenance plans that keep their facades looking their best while preventing deterioration. Regular inspections combined with periodic cleaning help identify potential issues early, before they become costly problems. Contact us to discuss a maintenance schedule appropriate for your building.

Should I have my building cleaned before tuckpointing or waterproofing?

Yes, we recommend cleaning before any restoration work. Cleaning removes surface contamination that can interfere with tuckpointing mortar adhesion and waterproofing sealer penetration. It also reveals the true condition of the masonry, allowing us to accurately assess the scope of repairs needed and identify damage that may have been hidden beneath dirt and grime.

Request a Free Estimate for Commercial Building Cleaning

A clean, well-maintained building exterior reflects positively on your business and protects your investment. Contact Bi-State Masonry today to schedule a free estimate for commercial building cleaning services. Our team will evaluate your building's condition, discuss your goals, and recommend the most effective approach for restoring your facade's appearance.

With more than 26 years of commercial masonry experience, competitive rates, and a commitment to quality workmanship, we deliver results that keep your building looking its best. Call us at (309) 786-8800 or complete our online contact form to get started.