Michael Woods Sports and Leisure Centre is one of Fife Council’s busiest public facilities, serving a wide community across Glenrothes and the surrounding areas. As a large, modern building with extensive exterior elevations, the centre’s cladding is constantly exposed to the Scottish climate, which can be harsh.

Over time, this leads to a build‑up of dirt, algae, and environmental contaminants that dull the appearance of the façade and reduce the effectiveness of the protective coating system. Cladding Coatings was appointed to deliver a full cladding cleaning programme to restore the building’s exterior and support its long‑term performance.

From the outset, this project was defined by the need for a specialist approach. Cladding cleaning on a building of this scale requires careful planning, safe access, and a clear understanding of how to treat different cladding materials without causing damage. The leisure centre remained operational throughout the works, meaning our team had to manage public safety, minimise disruption, and maintain a clean, organised site at all times.

To reach all areas of the façade safely and efficiently, we brought in all‑terrain external MEWPs. These machines allowed our operatives to access the full height of the building, even across uneven or landscaped ground. Before any cladding cleaning work began, we cordoned off the working zones to protect visitors and staff, and coordinated closely with the centre’s management team to ensure the project aligned with their operational needs. Where the MEWPs needed to travel over grassed areas, we installed our ground mat protection system to prevent damage to the landscape and maintain stable access routes.

The cladding cleaning process began with the application of specialist fungicidal cleaners and detergents. These products are designed to break down organic growth such as algae and moss, which are common on buildings exposed to moisture and shade. By treating the cladding with these solutions first, we ensured that the subsequent cleaning stages would be more effective and that the façade would remain cleaner for longer. The detergents also helped lift ingrained dirt and pollutants that had accumulated on the surface.

Once the cleaning agents had been allowed to work, our team carried out a full pressure‑wash of the exterior cladding using the site’s own water supply. This controlled pressure‑washing process is a key stage in any cladding cleaning project, as it removes the loosened contaminants without compromising the integrity of the cladding panels or their coating system. Our operatives adjusted the pressure levels and cleaning techniques depending on the substrate, ensuring a thorough clean that respected the material’s condition and manufacturer guidelines.

Throughout the cladding cleaning works, we maintained strict environmental and site‑care standards. Run‑off was managed responsibly, soft landscaping was protected, and all equipment was positioned and operated with safety as the top priority. The leisure centre remained open to the public, so maintaining a tidy, well‑managed site was essential. At the end of each day, and again on completion, the area was left clean, safe, and fully accessible.

The results of the cladding cleaning were immediately visible. The façade regained its brightness, and the removal of algae and staining significantly improved the building’s overall appearance. For Fife Council, the project delivered more than just visual improvement. Clean cladding performs better, lasts longer, and reduces the risk of long‑term deterioration. By investing in professional cladding cleaning, the council has extended the lifespan of the building’s exterior and ensured that the leisure centre continues to present a welcoming, well‑maintained image to the community.

Cladding Coatings is proud to have supported Fife Council in maintaining one of its key community assets, delivering a high‑quality cladding cleaning service that protects both the building and its users.