South West firm’s steam-clean machine offers a brighter future for historic buildings
Conservation experts have used specialist machinery made in the South West to carefully clean some of the most historic buildings in Scotland’s fourth-largest city.
The cutting-edge Doff superheated steam cleaner, produced by Gloucestershire firm Stonehealth, was deployed to bring old stone and brickwork back to life in Dundee, preserving and protecting the buildings for future decades.
Historic building and landmarks can often be susceptible to a condition called spalling – the peeling away of the surface of sandstone which has been exposed to years of moisture and freeze-thaw cycles.
Pressurised steam, superheated to 150 degrees C, is the gentlest way of cleaning sensitive stonework.
Stonehealth, based in Cam near Dursley, has recently launched the Doff III, the third iteration of its superheated steam-cleaning machine favoured by architects, specifiers and cleaning industry professionals in the UK and worldwide.
The technology was used by EcoGuard on buildings such as Dundee’s Custom House, built in 1842, and the former Dundee Savings Bank building, which dates back to 1914.
The former bank is now occupied by Alba Chiropractic Clinic, whose owners decided the building needed restoration work to its roof and façade.
EcoGuard is now expecting to be involved in more high-profile projects in and around the city in coming months.
“We’re delighted and honoured to be involved in conserving the heritage of Dundee – the city’s historic building and landmarks,” said EcoGuard director Matthew Allan.
“Residents of Dundee who care about the heritage of this city can rest assured that the combination of our expertise, the machinery and the techniques we are deploying will ensure this stonework is restored and preserved extremely well.”
The Dundee-based firm is one of a select group of approved Doff users around the UK that are licensed to use the machinery.
Stonehealth chairman Brian Crowe said: “It is always a pleasure to see our equipment being properly used on iconic buildings around the UK, supporting the conservation of our nation’s cultural heritage.
“Many local authorities, architects and other specifiers who are issuing contracts for the cleaning and restoration of old buildings are specifically requesting that our equipment be used, as it is so highly regarded and renowned in the industry.
“We look forward to seeing the results of EcoGuard’s ongoing work in Dundee and will share in the pride of the people of the city as its historic landmarks return to their former glories.”
