February 2013 – Don’t let graffiti make its mark – As featured in Tomorrow’s Cleaning February 2013
Alan Lewin, Business Development Director of ServiceMaster Clean, emphasises the importance of acting quickly to remove graffiti and restore defaced property.
Graffiti is the illegal marking of walls and surfaces and is an offence under the Criminal Damage Act (1971). Taken from the Greek word “graphien”, which means to write, it is created by marker pen, aerosol paint, mechanical or acid etching and is seen everywhere in 21st century Britain – in car parks and train stations, and on park benches and street signs. It is estimated that it costs the UK over £1 billion per year to clean up .
Is graffiti a problem?
There is public debate over whether graffiti should be considered art or crime. Research shows the public is more favourably disposed towards approved community projects and graffiti art – best known through street artist, Banksy.
Although the public profess a liking for this type of graffiti, it is worth pointing out that actual examples are very rarely encountered by those surveying the state of cleanliness in England. The Environmental Quality Survey of England (LEQSE) commissioned by Defra in 2001, found that graffiti stencils of the type used by Banksy are found at only 1% of sites.
Graffiti is most common in cities, damaging the appearance of public places. Where it does occur, it can act as a drain on local authority and other organisations’ resources. Removal can be costly and can cause damage to decorative or delicate surfaces.
Affected areas may also start to feel run down and appear threatening. Some graffiti can be very offensive, threatening to groups or individuals, or racially abusive.
Local authorities are not responsible for clearing graffiti on private property, which includes private households and business premises but will work with the community to prevent graffiti wherever they can.
Act fast
First impressions count and an unsightly building could lead to a loss of business or a reduction in staff morale. Eliminating graffiti as soon as it appears makes it easier to remove and reduces the risk of vandals doing it again.
Using a damage management company is the best way to return back to ‘business as usual.’ Specialists can start putting the property back to normal following not only malicious damage such as graffiti, but also other forms of unexpected building damage such as flood, water, or fire.
You should appoint a contractor which is a member of the British Damage Management Association (BDMA). This will indicate the provider adheres to professional standards, compatible with loss adjuster and insurer processes. ServiceMaster Clean is a founder member and currently has more BDMA accredited senior technicians than any other company in the UK industry.
ServiceMaster Clean provides a specialist service, Restoration Response which guarantees fast response within a few hours of an emergency to start getting the property back to pre-damage condition. Registration is free, so that if an unexpected emergency occurs then help can be quickly provided. Customers registered to the scheme are guaranteed on-site service within two to four hours of an emergency.
Methods for removing graffiti safely and effectively
Whether graffiti is on a small or large scale, using the correct products and techniques is vital in its removal and prevention.
Common techniques for graffiti removal include painting, sanding, scraping, disinfectants, chemical graffiti removers, power washing, abrasive blasting and graffiti removal gel. You will also need to consider the actual structure of the area affected and the surface material. You should always seek expert advice as using chemicals or a pressure washer to remove graffiti can damage surfaces further if not used correctly.
ServiceMaster Clean has produced a free guide to restoring a damaged property.
You can also sign up to Restoration Response, the 2417 Rapid Response Service for free at www.restoratlonresponse.co.uk or by calling 0845 762 6828
