Cleaning Historic Masonry


This is the James and Susan Hoban memorial in Washington D.C.

James Hoban was the architect of the White House. This ornate marker made of Aquia Creek sandstone needed careful cleaning, reversal of previous mismatched patching and re-establishing the details in the carved stone. Andy deGruchy aided in these processes.

This job was accomplished in it's majority by Clint Bush of Midway Kentucky, Chantou Ouer of Washington, D.C., and Andy deGruchy.
BEFORE CLEANING AFTER CLEANING
  2 photographs taken before the restoration washing of this building. deGruchy Masonry washed the building only. The repointing found underneath was performed by another masonry company.

After a restoration wash. Located in Bethlehem, PA
Before cleaning work at the Mount Airy Train Station, Philadelphia, PA
After cleaning work at the Mount Airy Train Station, Philadelphia, PA
Before Paint stripping
After Paint Stripping
                          

This local university library needed a thorough cleaning of the interior marble walls.We tested the pH of the stone prior to the introduction of any acidic cleaner. We regulated the pressure and maintained a low 400 p.s.i. water pressure and continually monitored the pressure with an attached gauge. We confirmed that the condition of the pH of the marble was unchanged upon completion.
This photo shows a "during" shot of the cleaning of historic brick which have absorbed atmospheric pollutants that have caused them to turn black.
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