A Brief Guide to Doff Cleaning

Stone and concrete cleaning plays a vital role in restoring stones original glory. One of the most popular cleaning methods used on concrete is known as Doff cleaning. Historical buildings, for instance, require a lot of cleaning, if you are to achieve the best results in maintaining a site heritage and historical value. Through DOFF cleaning, you can restore the outlook that a heritage building had when it was originally erected.

Often, during a restoration process, concrete renovations are essential. They not only enhance safety in a site, but they also enhance the aesthetic appeal of a building. Cleaners give special and extra attention to internal and external surfaces that tend to give away the aesthetic appeal of a building during DOFF cleaning.

Understanding The Process Of DOFF Cleaning

Doff cleaning is a gentle process of cleaning stone using steam. Pressure and temperature are kept high at the nozzle end and this is adjusted during cleaning. Generally, a temperature of 150 degrees Celsius will provide the needed results, but it is adjusted to suit an array of stonework substances during the cleaning process.

Doff cleaning is efficient on concrete because five litres of heated water and steam is at each minute released through the hose nozzle. It, therefore, works on concrete surfaces without causing any thermal shock, saturation or damage to stone as you clean.

How It Works

Doff works efficiently on masonry and stonework by cleaning under high temperatures steam. While the steam is kept high during the entire cleaning process, the doff works gently and it keeps the water volume relatively low. As a result, the surface of stone dries within the shortest time possible since it is not saturated.

For this reason, doff has been used in cleaning out different elements in stone. This includes:

  • Fungi
  • Algae
  • Moss
  • Kills off spores
  • Graffiti
  • Bird fouling
  • Wax coatings
  • Grease and bitumen
  • Oil build-up
  • Chewing gum and other related biological matter

These elements tend to build-up on stone and masonry work over time. They make a historical or any building to appear dirty and old. Brick colour fades as a result of fungi and other biological elements. Therefore, doff cleaning is used to gets rid of all foreign and biological substances in a building.

During cleaning, a doff machine is very kind to the surface or wall that is being cleaned. It restricts or moderates the amount of water being used to clean. Similarly, it significantly reduces the amount of energy needed to run and remove all caustic and toxic chemicals or elements in the surface that is being cleaned.

Doff cleaning offers a low carbon footprint. This is why it is an excellent choice for cleaning stonework. It works in an exclusive way to significantly reduce the amount of moisture in walls. This is why doff cleaning can be used to clean even the most delicate and sensitive materials.

With its efficiency, doff cleaning has been widely used in different industries including medical, transport, and food production sectors. In national heritage sites, doff has been handy thanks to its high level of efficiency in restoring the former glory of a building.

Different Surfaces That Can Be Cleaned Using DOFF

It is highly recommended that you use Doff on different surfaces including; stone, concrete, brick, faience, wood, terracotta, encaustic and glazed tiles.

Similarly, doff cleaning is ideal for swimming pools, hospital floors and walls, toilets and kitchens as well as food factories. This is because a DOFF not only cleans, but it also disinfects.

Benefits Of Doff Cleaning

doff cleaning

It is gentle on surfaces and nature. It causes no jarring due to the low pressure of water or steam being used to clean. Doff cleaning works best on different types of surfaces. It can be used on sensitive walls without causing any damage. It is ideal for cleaning historical buildings because it restores its original glory

Doff cleaning stonework is an easy process that works efficiently even on masonry work that has been severely damaged over time. Whether a building has been damaged by biological or non-biotical elements, you can trust that doff cleaning will do the trick.

With a DOFF cleaning machine, you can go about your cleaning tasks quietly. The machine produces no noise, therefore, you can be sure to achieve the best results without intrusion. This is why it is ideal for cleaning hospitals and business premises.

Doff cleaning is environmentally friendly. This is because it causes no disturbances, and you don’t use harsh chemicals to clean stonework or masonry. It is also the safest way to clean stone. Remember, when cleaning stonework using doff, super-heated steam is used and not harsh chemicals as in the case of other cleaning methods.

A doff steam cleaner is also the only machine that has been approved by English Heritage to clean its buildings. Doff cleaning is equally unique in every aspect, right from the temperatures to the design of the machine. Its nozzle end is exclusively designed to target even the most stubborn biological and non-biological matter. This is why it is excellent for stonework and it cleans without causing any shock or harm to a building.

Therefore, if you have a build-up of biological matter in your building, one of the best methods of stone cleaning you can consider is DOFF cleaning. The super-heated steam from a DOFF machine is enough to give you the best results. It is capable of detaching the substances from your interior and exterior walls while killing them at the same time. Consequently, you will not only be cleaning your property but you will also be reducing the chances of mould regrowth.

With the benefits that doff cleaning offers, it is essential that you hire a professional for quality services. Doff cleaning methods and strategies may vary based on the type of stonework you have. It also depends on the type of build-up you are trying to get rid of. For this reason, it is advisable that you hire a professional doff cleaning company.

Why Hire Professional DOFF Cleaning Services

Professionals understand the approach to take based on the type of stonework used in your building. Stone surfaces vary and they need varying temperatures and attention for efficient cleaning. Therefore, an expert knows the amount of pressure and temperature to use on your surfaces for thorough cleaning.

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A cleaning company also uses appropriate and ideal cleaning products, expertise and equipment for efficient DOFF cleaning of your interiors and exteriors. This means a professional uses the best resources to access even the most hidden or hard to reach edges, corners and areas.

A professional also strives to complete the task at hand within the shortest time possible. This is particularly important if you are cleaning a business premise or a historical building because these are high traffic areas. Experts develop a customized doff cleaning program that matches your exact needs.

Professionals also keep their service and product guarantee. This means they strive hard to deliver exceptional services that will meet and surpass your expectations. Whether you need your property to be cleaned fast in a day, a customized plan will be professionally designed to reduce cleaning and drying time. Most importantly, cleaning is done in a way that will instantly restore the lost aesthetic appeal of your property.

Experts have access to the best cleaning and stone maintenance products in the market. Therefore, you can rest assured that your building will be cleaned using the best restorative and maintenance products. As a result, it significantly reduces the risk of damage to the type of stone used.

DOFF cleaning is a process that is specially designed for stone surfaces and masonry. It aims at restoring the beauty of a residential, commercial or historic property. An expert understands the purpose of your building and will always use a unique approach and adopt a quality cleaning process to ensure your property is well maintained.

In case you need advice on DOFF cleaning, an expert will always provide the best. Therefore, you will be able to settle for professional stone cleaning services that maintain the natural appeal of your building. With the best information and an expert by your side, you can clean and enhance the versatility of your building through Doff cleaning.

What’s more, with an expert, you will be able to save a great deal on cash and time. Often, many people are tempted to clean biological build-up, graffiti and other stains on internal and external walls on their own. They end up spending a lot of cash and spend more time on the task since they do not have the expertise. A professional cleaning company has the best skills and knows exactly what to use to achieve the best restorative, cleaning and maintenance results through DOFF cleaning.

With an expert, you can be sure that even the worst stained surfaces can be cleaned efficiently. You only need to get the best DOFF cleaning services company that specializes in the field to achieve the best results.

Basildon Stone is an industry expert in stone and brick cleaning that helps you to restore the natural beauty of your building.

 

DOFF Cleaning Infographic

Natural Stone Care Do’s and Don’ts | Infographic

Natural stone at your home and office is an incredible investment that will give you many years of services. Stone is a natural product and simple care and maintenance will keep it looking beautiful. Here is the infographic covering all necessary routine care and cleaning of natural stone.

Stones are the natures product and cannot be manufactured. Regular dusting mopping, vacuuming, and sweeping of your natural stone floors will prevent the accumulation of dirt, sand, or grit.

When cleaning the dirt keep in mind to never use abrasive cleaners or mix any kind of harsh chemical like bleach which can take away the pH balance of the natural stone surface. Use any chemical oriented cleaner as recommended and instructed. Also, don’t use the harsh cleaners directly on the surface of the natural stones, always dilute it with a little amount of water.

If you are looking for someone who specializes in services like cleaning all stone and brick facades, Basildon Stone Ltd., has you covered. If you need complete professional service, get in contact with us today. If you require stone cleaning, brick cleaning, paint removal, graffiti removal or surface protection call us today and get a free quote.

stone care dos and donts

How to Stop Mould from Growing on Brick in 2020

Probably you have been struggling to remove mould from your brick walls for years. Well, this article offers you the details on how to eliminate the problem for good in 2020.

Why Is It Necessary To Stop Mould From Growing On Brick?

Mould is a single organism that comprises of various cellular fungal filaments. It is likely to thrive in humid surroundings and tends to spread quickly since its pores are easily carried by the air flow. There are more than 100,000 harmful mould species.

Notably, mould growth starts inside cracks and crawl spaces before it is seen with naked eyes. It is for this reason that many home owners take time before seeking for assistance. The first sign of its growth is a persistent musty smell. The walls may also feel wet and soft to a touch. Stains are likely to be seen in its area of growth as well.

Brick mould
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After identifying the source of moisture and making the necessary changes, the mould will seem to disappear. Even so, the spores may remain dormant and will be reactive when the right conditions are availed. The dormant mould still produces a dreadful smell.

It is also worth noting that mould can be found in newly built homes. A majority of people opine the issue is only present in old buildings. They are hence not cautious enough to check for the signs in newly built spaces. This is explained by the fact that the building materials may have been stored in humid places. It also prevails when proper protection of the materials from rain is overlooked during the construction process.

Stopping the growth of mould is vital because:

  • It Causes At Least 30 Health Complications

There are numerous health issues caused by the presence of mould in your home including asthma, allergies, cognitive issues, and common colds among others. Some of the symptoms include sneezing, skin rashes, sinus, and headaches. You will spend a lot of money treating these conditions, and have poor quality of life if mould is not stopped from growing in your space.

  • It Creates an Unappealing Look in Homes

Even after using modern and sophisticated materials to build a home, the presence of mould ushers in an unsightly look. You will be embarrassed to invite guests to spaces such as the kitchen and bathroom. The spores will quickly spread to other areas when the conditions become perfect for its growth. A little spot on the brick that you ignored initially will soon become a big issue worth spending a lot of time and effort.

  • It Is Destructive To Your Bricks

When left on your bricks for long, the spores will start to destroy the material in a way that you may need to do costly renovations. The carpets and upholstery must be replaced.

Want Tips to remove mould?
remove mould from brickwork

To stop mould from growing in your home, you should:

1. Call the Professionals

Many people try to stop mould’s growth using DIY methods including the use of bleaches and household cleaners. Nonetheless, they overlook the fact that it may be difficult to solve the issue amicably without identifying the hidden and dormant spores. The professionals have the skills and equipment to achieve this effortlessly. They will hence recommend the right way forward.

2. Control the Moisture in Your Home

One of the things that the professionals will tell you is that moisture control is the most important steps of stopping the growth of mould. This necessitates that a proper assessment is done to identify areas where water leakages are taking place in your home. The most obvious areas to check are the bathroom and kitchen. The exterior space must also be evaluated, since it is exposed to humid conditions.

he use of dehumidifiers can also help you to control moisture effectively. You should also keep your bathroom and kitchen spaces closed tightly. Also, open your windows when cooking to prevent the accumulation of humidity. Further, always call the professional builders if the mould is caused by a rise of a damp. They will use a damp proof to create a barrier.

More so, you must use an extractor fan for ventilation purposes when taking showers and cooking. It is also important to maintain your HVAC system in good shape.

3. Take the Necessary Precaution and Steps When Removing Mould on Dry Walls

Remarkably, it is possible for mould to grow on dry brick walls. The process can be complicated given that mould tends to not only grow on the surface, but also inside the pores. This is because the wall is penetrable. In some instances, the professionals will advise you to remove or replace the part of the affected wall. This is particularly true when the mould has spread to a large area. Otherwise, the experts will opt to remove the mouldy insulation.
Inspection holes are cut on the wall to check for moulds inside the brick walls. A mirror and a flashlight will hence be used to identify the spores. Safety gears must be worn to protect the inspector from exposure to the spores. The affected materials must be sealed inside a plastic bag when being disposed of away from your home.

4. Use Products to Inhibit the Growth of Moulds

Even before your walls show signs of mould infestation, you may want to take precautionary measures by using products that inhibit the growth. This is inclusive of zinc strip and sealers that keep walls extremely dry. You can order for the products online. However, you must do proper research to ascertain that you are getting value for your money. It will pay to request the experts to explain the working mechanism of the product before sealing the deal.

5. Embrace Temporary Solutions to Kill Existing Mould

Initially, the professionals will utilize temporary solutions to kill the existing mould. It is inclusive of using products such as:

Hydrogen peroxide. The product helps kill the mould and eliminate the stain. The concentration should not exceed 10% to avoid damage to surfaces.

Chlorine bleach. The chemical is harsh enough to kill the mould. It must, however, be diluted because it produces toxic fumes.

Borax and baking soda. The products have high levels of pH, which help inhibit the growth of mould and other organisms.

White vinegar. The acidic nature of the vinegar breaks down the mould’s structure. Even so, it does not remove the stains.

Since the products only provide temporary solutions, the experts will combine them with other preventative measures to stop the growth of mould completely.

6. Repair Brick Walls

While brick walls seem strong enough to withstand all signs of wear and tear, they get damaged over time. Issues such as changes in temperature cause an expansion and contraction of the walls. The mortar may also deteriorate with time. This leads to an accumulation of moisture in the cracked spaces. Mould will grow if you don’t do the repairs in good time. You can do the repairs successfully, if you follow these steps:

  • Identify and eliminate the loose brick pieces and debris.
  • Use a bucket to mix the mortar.
  • Insert the brick piece and add the mixed mortar. You must measure the space that requires replacements to avoid leaving empty spaces for mould’s growth.
  • Spray the repaired area with water as you wait for it to dry up.

7. Pay Keen Attention during Your House Construction

You may be caught up in different activities as the contractors work on your house. Still, you may have had complete trust on the professionals. It is, however, important to monitor the activities to ensure that the materials are stored in the right condition. Find out the techniques being used to protect the materials and research on their effectiveness. You can request the experts to test them and treat them for mould prevention in case you are unsatisfied with the builder’s services.

Furthermore, it is wise to call the experts to check for moulds when leasing a new apartment. They will tell you the level of damage, so that you can make the right decisions. You can request for its removal or even look for a new space all together.

Brick Cleaning London
Call: 01268 755590

What to Avoid

You should avoid the following when trying to remove mould from brick walls.

  • Waiting for long before calling the experts. As stated earlier, mould tends to spread quickly in a surface. It will be more expensive to remove it and stop its growth.
  • Pressure washing. Some companies often use pressure washing to remove mould and other types of stains. However, this method can cause damages to your brick walls, if proper caution is not taken. In any case, the method cannot fully do away the mould. The right natural and synthetic products, coupled with the use of modern procedures, will help stop its growth.
  • Engaging unqualified professionals. You are likely to waste a lot of resources and time if you invite unskilled and inexperienced professionals to address the mould’s growth issue.

And there you have it! You will stop mould from growing on brick walls in 2020 by identifying the right professionals and preventive measures. Fortunately, you don’t have to search extensively for help. Basildon Stone is specialized to meet all your cleaning needs throughout London and its environs. The experienced and reputable experts will only use tried and tested methods to ensure that mould’s growth is kept at bay.

Best Paint Removal Tools to Varnish OFF Paint from Walls

Paint removal is an intricate business and a world of pain, and that without some good tools can just prove to be a head banger. Whether you wish or not, but paint removal starts with scrapping away loose paint first. Let the paint be a good or bad condition it is probably impossible to scrap it out without some good tools.

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Paint scraper is the best manual paint removal tool to do this work as it is handy for corners and tight spaces. A good quality wire brush can also prove to be a great option when getting rid of the paint on the walls. It has prickles made of wire which when moved back & forth help scraping the paint off the wall. Heat guns are powerful handheld tools that emit heat which when applied to a section of wall inches away. When starts bubbling scrap the paint off with a scraper.

Electric sander creates enormous amount of dust it is possibly suggested to cover the furniture new wall with cloth and open window for airing also wear safety gears like facemask and goggles. The back and forth act of sander help u get rid of the old paint and smoothen rough edges. Other paint removal tool is paint shaver that gives us desired result in the most effective way. Paint shavers are used to remove paint with ease and has a vacuum that sucks away & collects the detritus.

If you require paint removal or graffiti removal services, give us a call today. Basildon Stone is based in London and offers cleaning services for brick, cement and stone masonry.

paint removal service

Exterior Stone Cleaning and Maintenance Tips

Stone is one of the oldest building materials that is still popular among builders today, mainly for exterior walls and to highlight some interior wall sections. Stone exterior gives your home or commercial property a rustic, elegant natural look as well as offers an affordable appeal with minimal renovations. Whether marble, slate, sandstone, granite or any other type of natural stone, a stone can be a great selection for the external walls of your structure, making it to stand out among glass and steel walls.

But Here is the Challenge!

Though stone exterior is a modern fashion that makes your building look attractive as well as complements its natural environment, the great appearance may only last for a short while after installation. If you are having stained, cracked or corroded stone external walls, you are not alone. Like other building materials such as steel, bricks and glass, the beauty of your stone outer walls can easily be washed away by environmental factors and human activities. But there’s nothing to worry about.

I have good news! Being a natural material, with simple stone cleaning and maintenance, can keep your building stone faces looking natural and cleaning today and for many years. In other words, you can protect the natural beauty of your outer walls as well as restore affected walls within a small budget. Below are some helpful care and maintenance tips that can safeguard your investment for years.

What are the Advantages of Using Stone for Exterior Material?

Though more expensive than other available options in the market, stone exterior walls offers several lasting benefit to property owners. These benefits include:

1. Attractive Appearance

When you want to give your building a classical feel and sustainable outer beauty, stone walls can be a great choice. You can choose rough or unfinished designs as well as blend combine stones with other exterior materials to produce unique look with a natural touch. Moreover, stone exterior is a sign of durability which can increase your home value.

2. Flexible Design and Styles

Stone is available in various types, textures, shapes and colours, giving you a wide range of architectural designs to choose from based on your taste and preference.

3. Durability

Very few materials are harder than natural stone making them durable for external wall building. Stones are more resistant to ice, rain, sun, wind or damage from living organisms. They can also endure fire and moisture which translates to less renovation costs.

4. Environmental Friendly

In most places stones are available locally, hence no transportation required. This minimizes emission of toxic gas which is a major air pollutant. Besides, stones make permanent structure reducing the rate at which new materials are harvested.

Want To Know Natural Stone Cleaning Tips?
Check this: CLEANING & MAINTENANCE TIPS FOR NATURAL STONE

Key Exterior Stone Cleaning and Maintenance Tips

stone maintenance tips

1. Understanding the Common Causes of Exterior Stone Damages

Stone walls are vulnerable to a number of weather and human elements which can stain or corrode the surfaces thereby spoiling both the beauty and strength aspect of stone walls.

• Rain and Air Pollution

Minerals and chemical pollutants in the air or rain water can form acidic compounds which wear out the stone damaging the physical appearance and weakening your structure.

• Ice and Snow

If your exterior stone is poorly sealed or maintained, it can trap ice in small cracks on the stone which melts down. This allows water into the metallic material supporting the stones. This can lead to the rusting of the supportive metal creating major damages.

• Dust

Dust can accumulate on the stone surfaces, and if not regularly cleaned, can give your stone faces a dull and old look. If ignored for a long time, dust and other debris can stain your exterior surfaces.

• Human Activities

Human errors during installation can expose your stone walls allow water to penetrate into the stone which can result to permanent damages. Other human damages include poor drainage and graffiti.

2. Preventing Stone Exterior Damages

One of the most effective and less expensive ways to keep your exterior stone looking clean and new is to protect the outer walls against the various vulnerabilities. This avoids serious damages which can lead to expensive renovations. This involves ensuring that initial installations, routine maintenance and repairs are done correctly. You can rely on exterior stone wall maintenance experts from Basildon Stone to ensure all the works are carried out by trained personnel using the right tools and cleaning products. This minimizes chances of human error, which can result to bigger stone problems.

3. Exterior Stone Inspection

There are two types of inspections:

• Routine Inspection

It is important to examine your structure outer walls at least twice every year to confirm the overall stone work is in good condition. This helps to identify exterior stone issues at an early stage, so that you can counter them before they advance to serious problems. Regular inspection examines stains, corrosion and cracks among other faults on the surface.

• Pre-Maintenance Inspection

Before cleaning or repairing your walls, it is critical to assess the maintenance needs such as determine the stone type, identify and gauge the extent of destruction so as to choose the right care process and products. Some stone problems may require major renovations while others can be restored with simple cleaning.

4. Cleaning and Restoration

Every type of exterior stone whether granite, limestone or marble needs to be cleaned and refurbished from time to time to keep them at their best condition. However, the cleaning and renovation process should be done by a professional, since there are several methods based on the type of stone and the degree of damage identified during the inspection. You can consult Basildon Stone to learn the best cleaning method for your building.

A general process comprise of:

——— Step 1: ——————

Establish a cleaning plan – This involves preparing the suitable cleaning equipment, cleaners, and the whole cleaning process. Some stone exteriors are acid-sensitive, so you should avoid acid-based products. Stone soap, neutral cleaners and mild liquid washing detergents are recommended for most outer stone surfaces, but Basildon Stone specialists can always advice you on the best products and tools for cleaning your structure exterior.

——— Step 2: ——————

Cleaning process – Use clean water and recommended cleaners to mop away sand particles, dust, stains and any unnatural marks on the stone and rinse the services with clean water. Sometimes clean warm water gives the best result. The goal is to clear any stains, paints or drawing on the walls to restore back their natural look and colour.

——— Step 3: ——————

Restoring the exterior stone – After cleaning, some extra stone work may be necessary store the stone surfaces back to their original natural look. This may involve polishing and buffing to reinforce and restore the surface back to its normal condition and appearance.

——— Step 4: ——————

Protective measures – After gaining back your structure outer stone physical appearance, you can go an extra mile to prevent future damages. This includes sealing and caulking to protect the stone against damages by making it more stain, rust and water resistant as well as prevent dust, ice and salt deposits. You may need professional help to identify the best sealer for your walls.

5. Sustain a Regular Cleaning and Maintenance Schedule

Regular exterior stone maintenance can save you money and time. It is important to have your structure exterior cleaned and restored regular, preferably twice a year to avoid costly repairs as well as maintain an elegant structure look. This will uncover developing stone problem, so that they can be addressed in a timely manner before they escalate beyond repair.

6. Professional Skills and Safety Matters

In a DIY-minded society, I know you would prefer to take the cleaning tasks by yourself. This can be good, but only if you have the relevant skills and equipment. Otherwise, you need to work with the help of a trained professional with knowledge about the processes and tools for the tasks. Besides, some of the cleaning and maintenance tasks must be undertaken by a certified technician for the purpose of compliance.

However, you can always consult Basildon Stone experts and learn how you can handle some of these processes. Before you start cleaning or repairing damaged stone exterior, always ensure that you have the right safety equipment that can keep you safe even when you are working on high walls.

Also Check:
HOW TO REMOVE GRAFFITI FROM DIFFERENT SURFACES

Conclusion

You can choose stone exterior to give your property an elegant appearance. Many buildings such as hotels, schools, residential homes, commercial building as well as other structures like monuments looks classically natural and unique with outer stone surface. However, if neglected the beauty of your exterior stone is only short lived due to possible damages. Thus regular cleaning and maintenance is critical to keep your exterior surfaces in their natural attractiveness.

Moreover, working with a person with skills and experience on stone maintenance can help you maintain the beauty of your investment for years within a manageable budget. If you are sick and tired of your algae infested exterior, or you want to get rid of notorious stains on your outer walls, you can talk to Basildon Stone for guidance and professional assistance. If your stone surfaces looks as clean as new, it is important to realize that only through routine maintenance and cleaning you can maintain the attractiveness.

New Techniques and Trends in Stone Cleaning

The structural heritage of our home is something we all like to preserve for long. Even though we know that we won’t be able to stay alive forever to cherish the memorable corners of the house, we wish it stays erect throughout the years so that people can admire the architectural structure and praise our choice.

But setting the trends with the designs and structure of the buildings is not as easy as it seems, more so, when the buildings are made up of stone or brick finishing. The adverse climatic conditions or the prolonged non-maintained property issues take a toll on the building structure at times and summons it to damage and decay.

The materials become shredding and the colouration becomes faded, which does not at all look good visually, let alone being efficient in holding the structure for long. The stone or bricks in the house need to be treated frequently either by the homeowners or the experts in the niche, to have control over any kind of trouble that bothers the quality of the materials and compromises with the sustenance as well. However, we as stone cleaning experts use latest trends and technologies to clean the structural heritage.

We are going to discuss such few techniques here, which are setting trends in the stone cleaning department. Let’s explore

  • Pressure washing

As is evident by the name, pressure washing of the stone surfaces refers to cleaning it entirely by the powerful water spray to doze off any kind of dirt accumulation or building up of mosses or grime on the stone surfaces. As we all well aware of the fact that water pressure has immense power in it, whereby this technique is used by the stone cleaners to get rid of dirt and other pollutant accumulation on the stone surface. But one must take precautions before applying this technique as any loose end on the stone fixation or other such factors can lead to more damages to the surface than the regular dirt and all!

  • Torc cleaning

This kind of stone cleaning is used for removal of hard stains, paints, grease, graffiti, etc. from the stone surfaces. This technique is mostly used in case of masonry buildings and structural heritages and uses a combination of compressed air, water, fine abrasive to clean the stone surfaces. The paint coatings or brittle soiling are also removed by implementing this technique.

  • Wet treatment

This treatment of stone cleaning mainly involves using soaps, detergents, organic cleaning agents and non-harming chemicals to clean the stone surfaces of dirt and other pollutant accumulation. You can use a soft cloth or other such cleaning agents to wash off the dirt and thereby manage the wet treatments through the easiest way possible.

  • Latex cleaning

It is a challenging and difficult technique to clean the stone structures but the experts in the business can handle the woes well. The latex is used to form a membrane upon the stony surfaces and it has the ability to clean off years of dirt and soil deposits from the stone surfaces very easily. It takes time and labour but the end result pays off well.

  • Regular inspecting and cleaning

Apart from all other techniques of stone cleaning and maintenance, there is no other substitute like regular inspection and cleaning of the stone surfaces. It is beneficial in many ways and any damage and dirt accumulation can be detected and treated well in advance before any severe damage to the surfaces. It is understandable that taking time out for regular maintenance of the stony surfaces is a bit difficult for people these days who lead a busy life and hustles everyday between professional and personal commitments, managing it at least once a while can be beneficial for them in many ways and save them greater hazards in the long run.

To conclude,

We all want our house to look good, be it the interiors or the exteriors! But sometimes, due to lack of knowledge for the same or being short of time to look after the facade cleaning, we tend to lose out on the cleaning department for long. And one fine day, when the damages become noticeable and it starts to show delicate signs of erosion, do we realize that it needs cleaning and maintenance.

This Is more likely to happen when the exteriors or interiors are made of stone; as with passing time and non-maintenance of the stones, it becomes delicately stained or destructive and thus, starts becoming eroded until it Is taken care of well. So, it is highly recommended to the homeowners to take out some time to clean the stone surfaces regularly or at least opt for complete cleaning treatments once in a while so that it does not lead to severe damages in the long run.

TECHNIQUES TO REPAIR AND RESTORE YOUR BUILDING EXTERIORS | INFOGRAPHIC

Exterior cleaning of the building is periodic maintenance activity which has to take place at least once in a year. Reason being, the atmospheric pollutants, biological growth, algae and other stains caused by moisture or prolonged dampness on the exterior of the building gradually damages the beauty and structure of the building.

Any exterior cleaning activity should be done by an experienced contractor who has the better knowledge of the process, which will make the overall activity hassle free for you. This activity primarily involves brick cleaning and stone cleaning, paint and graffiti removal, window restoration and rooftop cleaning from the building.

Cleaning can be performed by various methods such as chemical cleaning, or using environment-friendly substitutes, pressurized cold or hot water wash. Be careful while cleaning terra cotta, masonry or stone surfaces as they are delicate and prone to damage easily.

Graffiti and paint removal from the surface like wood, will need an extra care during the process. However, removing from the metal can be an easy one. Window restoration is a time-consuming activity as it needs minute attention while repairing the sides and corners. Rooftop repairing is hard to do a task, because finding a small leak is a bit difficult, and that can eventually damage your adjacent walls. Hence, always consult a professional for these activities, because taking these activities as the DIY project can backfire land you in trouble. Look for the infographics tips, it can yield you the some of the best results.

 

Techniques-to-Repair-and-Restore-your-Building-Exteriors

Cleaning & Maintenance Tips For Natural Stone

It is a fact that with time even the best of architectures fall apart and become shady. The glowing designs and the beautiful external appearance becomes pale and faded. It is a result of the adverse climatic conditions and the continuous exposure of pollution that the building architecture loses its glow.

And no one can prevent this from happening as because controlling the weather conditions or the pollution is not on our hands. The least we can do to maintain the architectural heritage of our properties is by rooting for proper maintenance and care of the structures.

The natural stone cravings used on the buildings must be cleaned regularly to sustain the luminosity of it. As it is of sparkling nature, the natural stones are not easy to maintain or clean but with the knowledge and tips about the same, you can still have a better stone cleaning done as compared to the other structural kinds.

Let’s get to know these stone cleaning guideline in details so that we can save them from erosion or from losing the charm of the heritage properties

  • Know your stone first

Every natural stone on your house is not of the same equality or material. They have different versions and versatilities and so, not all cleaning methods suit all of them. That’s why, before proceeding for the cleaning process, you have to identify the type of stone on your house. They can be calcareous and siliceous which further differentiates into limestone, marble, granite, slate, sandstone, soapstone and other such formulations.

The calcareous stones are highly reactive to the acidic substances and therefore such types of cleanser must be avoided for the same. The siliceous stones are a bit less reactive towards acid and thus can be used for the cleaning purposes. This is the reason why it is recommended that you know your stone quality well before opting for its cleanliness.

  • Choose the sealants wisely

When you choose the right kind of sealants, half the purpose of cleansing is already achieved. The natural stones often consist of such material which absorbs the liquids and people do the mistake of choosing such sealants which are high in liquids. When you use these sealants, it will definitely clean the stone surface but most of the times are unable to remove the etching of the stone or shows a minimum effect in dealing with discolouration issues also. That’s why you should choose such sealants which do more good than harm.

  • Use damp sponges or clothes for the cleaning purpose

Always opt for softer clothing or damp sponges for cleaning the natural stone surfaces as they make a suitable cleaning agent by not harming the surface extremely. You must also use pH-neutral cleaning agents on the sponges to avoid causing any harm to the natural stone surface.

  • Don’t use abrasive cleaners or rough products for the cleaning purpose

Never ever use a rough clothing or abrasive cleaners for cleaning the natural stones as they may prove very harmful for the stone surface. In severe cases, they might even rip off the surfaces and damage the natural stones unconditionally. Use brushes which have soft bristles are recommended the best for cleaning the stone surfaces.

  • Regular and consistent cleaning must be brought into effect

Most people generally neglect the idea of cleaning the natural stones regularly, irrespective of whether it is placed in the interiors of their house or exteriors. It is understandable that taking out time of the busy schedules every day and cleaning the stones might not be possible for all but it would be great if you can hire someone or attend the housemaid for the work.

As because the regular cleansing of the natural stone keeps the shine and glow retained for a longer period and saves it from further eradication. When you don’t clean the surfaces of the stones regularly the stains become harder and the damage and discolouration show a harsher effect on the stones.

  • Use organic substance for stain cleaning rather than opting for chemical means

You should use the natural cleansing agents more often rather than using the chemical or acidic means for the purpose. As these chemical agents are more likely to cause harm to the stones, avoiding them is the best option.

The stone cleaning London tends to provide services to the citizens of the UK for minimal costs with better results. You can hire them anytime you feel like cleaning your building or house of the dirt and stains. It is not always easy for us to regularly work on the cleaning of the natural stone so we need to hire experts for doing the same for us. And when we get cost-effective cleanliness of our home then why not opt for the services? After all, a cleaner house leads to a better health and environment.

How to Remove Mould from Brickwork | Infographic

How to clean brickwork off mould? It is the question that all owners or managers of buildings and houses containing external brickwork must face some day. Brick cleaning is hard enough. Add mould to the mix and the task becomes even harder. If you are looking for a simple way to clean your mould-ridden brickwork, refer to the infographic below.

For brickwork laden with mould, a method that involves washing with a bleaching or brick cleaning solution is a better choice than going with pressure washing straightaway. Removing mould from walls requires more than just brute force. That is why dislodging or killing the mould with a bleach solution and scraping it off is recommended. Not only does it cost lower but also doesn’t cause any damage to your brickwork, which is not always a given with something like pressure washing or sandblasting.

The method prescribed below can get rid of most mould issues from your brickwork. However, in case it fails to get you the desired results, feel free to call us. Basildon Stone is a leading provider of brick cleaning services in London. We’ve been in the business for close to two decades and have extensive experience in cleaning several of London’s landmark brick buildings. Get in touch with us today for a ‘free’ quote to remove the mould from your brickwork and make your building or house resplendent again. Our other services include stone cleaning, graffiti removal, paint removal and surface protection.

How to Remove Mould from Brickwork

Which Methods are Used for Cleaning Masonry? | Infographic

Your building’s masonry, regardless of whether it’s made from brick, stone or concrete, stands exposed to dirt, grime, moss, mildew and pollutants for years together. The combined effect of these elements causes your building’s exterior to appear dirtier and older. This not only makes your building less attractive but can also impact its structural integrity.

Fortunately, modern masonry cleaning techniques have evolved to such a level that almost any type of stain or blemish can now be removed from different types of masonry. Our focus here is on two such methods, TORC cleaning and DOFF cleaning. Both these methods represent the pinnacle of masonry cleaning technology. On the plus side, they are as suitable for stone cleaning as for brick cleaning.

The choice of whether to opt for a TORC cleaning or DOFF cleaning system hire depends upon the type of stain your building’s masonry has been plagued with. TORC is among those stone cleaning methods that use a combination of air, water and chemically-neutral abrasives to get rid of a variety of stains. A DOFF system, on the other hand, is a stone cleaning machine that relies on the power of steam to remove blemishes from your building’s exterior surface.

For instance, DOFF cleaning in London is recommended for buildings that are repeatedly affected by algae and moss growth. Steam cleaning for buildings is also advised as the first line of offence against graffiti and paint stains. TORC stone cleaning in London is considered ideal for buildings that have suffered lime scale and paint damage. In fact, the abrasive used in a TORC system is safe enough to be used for brick cleaning London buildings, many of which date back to the mid-20th century. Another advantage of both these methods is that they are quite environment-friendly.

To know more about how these masonry cleaning techniques make your building’s exterior spotless, give us a call today. Basildon Stone is based in London and offers cleaning services for brick, cement and stone masonry. Our TORC and DOFF cleaning prices are highly affordable while our services ensure your building looks fresh as a daisy.

Methods Used for Cleaning Masonry

BASILDON STONE LTD

Basildon Stone Ltd provide a specialist service for the cleaning of all brick and stone facades, graffiti/paint removal and the application of surface protection.

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