We got a call from a small construction company for post construction clean up on a new brick building.

Excess Mortar On New Brick Building

Excess Mortar On New Brick Building

Unfortunately, we couldn’t help them with this project – the damage had already been done.

Mortar On Brick Around Windows

Mortar On Brick Around Windows

The construction cleanup company that cleaned the brick after it was laid was careless and ruined the aluminum window frames on some of the doors and windows. The contractor stopped them before they ruined all the aluminum – but some of the doors and windows will probably have to be replaced.

When brick is installed, there is excess mortar on the surface of the brick that has to be removed. If it isn’t done right, the brick won’t look very good.

Excess Mortar Around Door Frame

Excess Mortar Around Door Frame

And it usually takes some strong materials along with the pressure washer to get the mortar off. And you need to be aware of the surfaces close to where you’re working. If you get the wrong chemical on a surface it shouldn’t touch, you can easily damage it.

Aluminum Windows Damaged During Construction Cleanup

Aluminum Windows Damaged During Construction Cleanup

Like in this case where the aluminum windows and door frames were damaged. And you can’t just go back and put a new coating on them. The aluminum is polished in the  factory and restoring it will be a difficult task – if it’s even possible.

Aluminum Door Frame Damaged During Construction Cleanup

Aluminum Door Frame Damaged During Construction Cleanup

When we get called to clean up a mess caused by someone who didn’t know what they were doing, we’re always extremely careful. Whether it’s graffiti removal, stain removal, or construction cleanup like this one, its usually harder to fix someone else’s mistake than it would be to do the job right in the first place.

Shiny Aluminum Windows - Like They Should Look

Shiny Aluminum Windows – Like They Should Look

And we have to be careful not to step into a situation where we get blamed for what happened before we got there. We have to be extra careful to check for damage that hasn’t been found.

In this instance, the contractor understood why it would be so expensive for us to clean up the mess. He decided to try to do the construction cleanup himself since he was already losing so much money on the project.

So make sure you check the construction cleanup company you call – before you allow them on your property.

 

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