Graffiti is one of the most common forms of vandalism that can be unsightly and costly to remove. If you are a business or property owner, you may find yourself dealing with unwanted graffiti at some point!
As with most vandalism on a commercial property, graffiti can reflect poorly on the image of the business and often encourage further acts of vandalism. If it is not quickly removed it is common for more graffiti to be added by other vandals and spread throughout the property and surrounding areas.
Fortunately, there are a number of things you can do to help prevent and manage graffiti vandalism. In this post, we will share some tips on how to effectively deal with graffiti so you can keep your commercial property looking its best.
What Is Graffiti & How Can It Be Prevented?
Graffiti is any type of markings that are made on a property without the permission of the owner. It can be done with a variety of materials including spray paint, permanent markers, etchings and even pencils.
Some of the areas at risk include:
- Streets with high traffic
- Zones near schools, and parks
- Abandoned buildings and garage doors are targeted as well.
There is often the debate about whether graffiti is art. However, it is important to remember that most graffiti is considered vandalism since it is done without the consent of the property owner. With a number of factors to consider, it can be difficult and costly to remove.
Have Proper Lighting
One of the best ways to prevent graffiti is to install proper lighting around your property. This will deter vandals from targeting your property since it will be more difficult for them to do so without being seen.
If you already have lighting installed, make sure that it is working properly and consider adding additional lighting if needed.
Invest In CCTV Surveilance
Another effective way to prevent and manage graffiti is to install CCTV cameras around your property. This will help to deter vandals and also give you the ability to identify them if they do target your property. You can also use CCTV footage to provide evidence to the police if you do need to file a report.
Remove Graffiti Immediately
If you do find graffiti on your property, it is important to remove it as quickly as possible. The longer it is left, the more likely it is that other vandals will target your property. Removing graffiti, vandalism and tagging can quickly you can help to discourage future incidents. This indicates to vandals that their work will not be tolerated and that their efforts are ultimately futile!
Limit Access To The Property
If your property is located in an area that is prone to graffiti, you may want to consider ways to limit access to it, especially during times when there are little to no people on the premises. This can be done by installing fencing or gates around the perimeter. Many property owners also utilise landscaping such as bushes, trees and shrubs around vulnerable walls to make it more difficult for vandals to access.
Use Anti-Graffiti Coatings
Anti-graffiti coatings are a type of protective coating that can be applied to surfaces to make them more resistant to graffiti. They can be applied to a variety of surfaces including concrete, stone, metal and glass. This will make it easier to remove any graffiti that does occur and will also help to protect the underlying surface.
Why You Should Act Fast to Remove Graffiti
As explained above, one of the best ways to manage and prevent graffiti vandalism is to remove it as soon as it occurs.
Graffiti tends to encourage more graffiti and the longer it is left, the more likely it is that other vandals will target your property. Similarly, leaving graffiti for extended periods of time also make it more difficult to remove as the paint or ink sets onto the surface.
From the surface and the type of paint or ink used, to the size and age of the graffiti, there are a number of things that will impact the removal process.
While cleanup can be done yourself, if the incorrect cleaning solutions or methods are used, you are at risk of staining or damaging the surface further.
With that said, if your property has been vandalised, it is often best to invest in a team of professional pressure washers. A professional graffiti removal company, such as Water Attack Pressure Washing, will have the experience and equipment needed to quickly and effectively remove graffiti from your property.
Need Help Removing Graffiti?
Graffiti removal services are beneficial in every manner. From lighting and property access to efficient removal, it is possible to manage and prevent.
If you have been the unfortunate victim of graffiti vandalism and are struggling to remove it yourself or prevent it from happening again, get in touch with the professionals at Water Attack Pressure Washing. We understand the importance of graffiti removal and will work quickly and efficiently to remove any graffiti from your property. Contact us today for a free quote!
