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Important questions to help you select a competent contractor
Does
the contractor have the knowledge, equipment and experience
to do the work? It is very important that the staff
attending your site know the best technique for cleaning
the graffiti from the underlying surface and that they
have the right equipment to do the job. The best technique
might not always be the quickest, but the underlying
surface should appear clean and not be damaged by the
processes used.
Is
the contractor approved by any Local Authorities?
If so, it is well worth finding out which ones so that
you can then check. Local Authority approval will mean
that the contractor has a Health and Safety Policy that
they have to comply with and current liability insurance
in the unlikely event of something going wrong. These
are particularly important when working at heights.
What
chemicals will the contractor use? There are a number
of very good environmentally friendly and biodegradable
chemicals for removing graffiti. Each chemical will
work best given the right circumstances, which means
that it is often necessary to use a number of applications
of different chemicals to complete the work properly.
Once the chemicals have done their job the underlying
surface is wiped clean with damp paper towels or washed
down using hot water at a low pressure.
Will
the contractor advise on removal and prevention?
Once the graffiti has been removed, it is important
to evaluate if anything can be done to avoid repeat
occurrences. For example, it is difficult to daub graffiti
on a wall that has plants growing up or along it. There
are several coatings that can be applied to protect
the underlying surface, which makes graffiti removal
easier.
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What to avoid
High
pressure and abrasive cleaning processes as these
will damage the underlying surface.
Inexperienced
contractors who are 'just getting into graffiti
removal', say 'we'll give it a go' or do not regularly
clear graffiti.
Contractors
that claim to have 'a revolutionary new system'
which will remove everything from all underlying surfaces
from one supplier. The reality is that there are many
types of surfaces that need clearing of any number of
paints, marker pens and glues (for attaching fly posters).
One system does not work for everything; it is often
a combination of different chemicals and removal techniques
that get the job done. Generally it will cost more to
use contractors that are linked to one supplier as they
have to pay expensive licensing or franchise fees.
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What the contractor will need to know
The
contractor will need to know the amount or area of graffiti,
the underlying surface and the location. For ground
level work a contractor should be able to give you a
quote for removal over the phone.
The
contractor will need to know that the underlying surface
is sound and in good condition. If the wall is in need
of re-pointing, then washing down the wall may cause
some of the pointing to come out of the wall. Often
customers will be asked to sign an indemnity form.
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