Brick and Stone Cleaning

Exposure to years of paint layers, urban dirt, environmental pollutants, and varying weather conditions can significantly deteriorate the quality of your brickwork. At Gladstone Tuck Pointing & Restoration, we specialize in reversing the effects of time and wear, restoring your building’s original beauty.

methods of cleaning 

At Gladstone Tuck Pointing and Restoration, we assess the material type, stain nature, and surface condition before selecting a method. They often start with a trial clean on a small area to evaluate effectiveness and safety. This ensures the chosen method doesn’t harm the surface, especially for historic or sensitive structures.  

Methods for Brick and Stone  

– Bucket and Brush Cleaning: Uses hot water and a stiff fiber brush, ideal for light dirt removal on all brick types.  

– Pressurized Water Cleaning: Includes jet washing, using varying pressures (100-800 psi) to remove stains, suitable for tougher grime but requires skill to avoid surface damage.  

– Chemical Cleaning: Involves acids or detergents for stubborn stains, used cautiously to prevent etching or discoloration.  

– Specialized Techniques:  

  – DOFF Cleaning: Uses superheated steam (up to 150°C) for gentle cleaning, perfect for historic buildings (Stonehealth).  

  – TORC Cleaning: Employs water, air, and fine granulate for sensitive surfaces like sandstone, effective for paint and carbon removal (See Brilliance).

Torc and Doff Cleaning

Torc and Doff cleaning are two distinct systems designed for the restoration and conservation of stone and masonry surfaces, such as brick and stone. They are provided by Stonehealth Ltd and are particularly used for historic and modern buildings.

### Doff Cleaning

Doff cleaning involves using superheated steam, heated to up to 150°C, to remove flexible soilings and coatings. It is considered a gentle method that does not rely on high pressure, making it suitable for various surfaces including concrete, tiles, and wood. This method is eco-friendly, with a low carbon footprint, as it typically does not require additional chemicals.

### Torc Cleaning

Torc cleaning, on the other hand, uses a combination of compressed air, fine abrasive, and water to create a gentle swirling vortex. This method is particularly effective for removing brittle soilings and coatings, such as carbon sulphation, lime and cement-based paints, and limescale. It operates at low to medium air pressure (up to 8 bars), making it suitable for sensitive surfaces and conservation projects.

Brick and stone cleaning

To preserve the longevity of statues, walls, and architectural features made from stone or brick, it’s crucial to employ cleaning methods that are both careful and professional. Improper or harsh cleaning techniques can accelerate decay and compromise the structural integrity of these elements. Our skilled team is proficient in restoring the appearance of various structures, from statues and buildings to walls and historical landmarks, effectively removing accumulations of moss, dirt, and dust from all types of brick and stone materials. Prior to undertaking a full-scale cleaning, we always perform a test on a small patch to ensure that our chosen cleaning method will not inflict any damage.