subject: Hellifield War Memorial Restored Using State-of-the-art Stone Cleaning Technology [print this page] Building conservation experts at Stone Edge have restored Hellifield War Memorial, in North Yorkshire, which commemorates local residents who were killed or missing in World War I and World War II.
The monument was restored with the aid of the very latest superheated water cleaner from Bristol-based Restorative Techniques.
The brand new system, ThermaTech was used for stone cleaning by removing pollutants and dirt build using nebulous water sprays.
Highly effective in removing soot and grease, oil and organic matter from a wide range of materials, ThermaTechs high temperature can melt and remove anything from paint and surface treatment to chewing gum and wax.
Unlike conventional pressure washers, the system combines high temperature and pressure with low water volume, providing a superheated liquid spray at 150C. It also uses less water than conventional pressure washers.
ThermaTech was designed and built by Restorative Techniques, an innovative manufacturer and supplier of surface cleaning systems and in the formulation of restoration products.
In addition to stone cleaning of the memorial, Stone Edge re-painted the names of the war heroes and carried out repairs and general conservation work.
The conservation project was completed in preparation for the 100-year anniversary of World War I in 2014.
The memorial was originally erected after the First World War. Names of those who died in the Second World War were later added.
Hellifield is the first memorial conservation project carried out by Stone Edge in 2012.
Stone Edge is one of the UKs leading historic building restoration companies.
The firm restores buildings to their former glory, while protecting their heritage value.
As a leader in stone masonry, Stone Edge specialises in all aspects of high-quality stone maintenance, stone cleaning, reconstruction and repair of historic buildings.
Stone faade cleaning is a complex process and Stone Edge utilises state-of-the-art systems and methodologies to ensure the best possible results:
1. Multiple nebulous water sprays for limestone facades
2. Hot water vacuum system (internal works)
3. Stone health JOS/TORC vortex cleaning system
4. Stone health DOFF utilising low pressure steam cleaning system
5. Restorative techniques; New Thermatech and Votech heritage cleaning systems
6. Poultice cleaning; for delicate tooled areas and where water is not permissible
Stone Edge employs skilled stonemasons, trained in both traditional natural stone masonry and modern techniques.
The stonemasons use their expertise to hand finish the stone to the highest quality standards.
Tips for natural stone cleaning at home
To ensure longevity of your natural stone it is important to keep it well maintained.
Because stone is more porous than other ceramics, it requires a much more intricate approach.
Certain cleaners are specifically designed for natural stone because they are acid-free and concentrated neutral pH cleaners. These ensure the stone is unblemished during the cleaning.
Prior to the stone cleaning, the stone needs to be dampened to make the cleaning solution work better.
Allow the stone cleaning solution to settle and then carefully clean the surface with a sponge or harder utensil.
After it has been cleaned, you can apply a wax to enhance the stone.
