Restoration

One aspect of care and maintenance of stone facades and buildings is cleaning. It is important that approved specialist techniques are applied, so that the stone is not damaged in the process.

Work may involve DOFF cleaning (ultra-high temperature & low volume steam) and may also include JOS or TORC type cleaning (dry, particulate based clean). Equally it could include use of specialist stone-approved cleaning agents and preventative measures.

Constituent parts of mortars must be selected deliberately and carefully, often needing colour matching. This is a vitally important part of correct maintenance work to existing facades, particularly historic or listed ones.

We have long developed techniques for conserving and restoring historic brickwork. These generally involve the removal of later inappropriate cement repairs/pointing which are the root cause of most damage. Once removed, our analysis allows us to recreate the closest possible match original material to safeguard works going forwards.

Often the cause of damage to brickwork is the use of later inappropriate cement which is harder than the brick. This can have a damaging effect by both preventing any movement flexibility resulting in fractures and causing any moisture to be drawn through the brick (rather than the joint) potentially exacerbating freeze/thaw damage.

Works can incorporate everything from pointing removal and replacement through to brick replacement. We work closely with traditional brick specialist reclamation yards to identify the closest possible match for any replacement works to match colour, size and texture

Stonework restoration and the conservation principles applied to it have always played a part at the centre of our business. With our dedicated team of experienced stone conservators, this role can come to the fore when required. Analysis of material plays a key role in this understanding.

Identifying stone and mortars. Detailing decay mechanisms. Chemical analysis undertaken to establish constituent parts and probable ratios to allow for close reproduction of historic mortars (matching colour, texture and permeability).