Keith Sheehan’s career in the Irish building industry began at just 17 years of age as a General Operative.
One of his earliest jobs involved high-pressure power washing Turners Cross School in Cork City—an aggressive, high-psi technique he learned early on that he later recognized is completely destructive for many delicate modern building materials.
Over 35 years later, that hands-on starting point evolved into a distinguished career spanning major building construction, Architectural Technology, material specification, and property maintenance across Cork and Munster.
Keith holds a Level 8 Honours Degree in Architectural Technology from Cork Institute of Technology (CIT), where he formally studied the science, performance, and durability of building materials.
As a former building contractor and project manager, he has designed, managed, and constructed hundreds of homes throughout Cork, alongside commercial developments, institutional facilities, and heritage conservation projects.
Demonstrating his mastery of modern building physics, Keith designed and built his own highly energy-efficient private residence, incorporating structural standards beyond conventional Passive House performance and eliminating the need for an upstairs heating system entirely. That deep, practical structural and material knowledge forms the core foundation of Biosoft Powerwash®.
Modern building exteriors are complex engineered systems featuring silicone renders, Monocouche finishes, External Wall Insulation (EWI), natural masonry, structural coatings, and specialized TPO/PVC flat roof waterproofing membranes such as Trocal® and RESITRIX®.
A significant amount of exterior cleaning content online focuses strictly on how to force a surface clean using water pressure or equipment speed, rather than first evaluating whether that material should be subjected to that treatment at all.
With formal architectural training and decades of construction experience, the most vital lesson is often knowing how NOT to clean a specific material. Applying abrasive water pressure to delicate rendered walls or synthetic roof membranes punctures waterproofing layers, strips protective topcoats, and forces moisture into wall cavities. Where manufacturers specify strict cleaning protocols, chemical limits, or equipment restrictions, adhering to those requirements is essential to preserving structural integrity and maintaining active building warranties.
The Biosoft Principle
Start with the property. Understand the material. Select the method.
Keith’s professional background combines major commercial developments, institutional facility management, residential estate construction, and specialist exterior cleaning.
Landmark Commercial Projects: Experience working alongside Ireland’s leading building contractors on landmark developments associated with Eli Lilly, University College Cork (UCC), Munster Technological University (MTU), Cork School of Music, and Wandesford Quay.
Educational Facilities: Specialist, RAMS-compliant exterior cleaning and building condition logging for National Schools across Cork, including Berrings NS, Ovens NS, Saleen NS, and Kilcredan NS.
Residential & Heritage Care: Decades of experience spanning hundreds of private residences, housing developments, apartment blocks, and sensitive conservation structures under Irish Georgian Society guidelines.
Softwashing, controlled powerwashing, hot-water rinsing, and specialized biocidal treatments all serve a specific maintenance purpose. The fundamental difference at Biosoft Powerwash is understanding precisely which methodology is appropriate for your building’s specific material, age, and condition—and which approach best protects its structural integrity and asset value over time.
"The machine is just a tool. The technical knowledge behind the machine is what protects your property."
— Keith Sheehan, Founder & Architectural Technologist
Keith’s building-first philosophy is supported by documented case studies, technical guidance, and upfront pricing models:
School & Institutional Case Studies: Review our RAMS-compliant exterior cleaning and building condition logging for schools across Cork, including Berrings, Ovens, Saleen, and Kilcredan National Schools.
Exterior Cleaning & Softwash Technical FAQ: Get clear, technical answers regarding our low-pressure softwash methods, DAFM-compliant plant safety, and render preservation standards.
Exterior Cleaning Price Guide: Access transparent, professional guide pricing for residential, commercial, and specialist property maintenance across Cork City and County.
