Stone & Brick Cleaning Reviews
DOFF Cleaning: Stone Cleaning & Restoration Experts Scotland
The DOFF “Superheated water” system is a very different action to other “steam” or “hot water” systems currently available on the market and should not be confused with them. DOFF is a leading brand in steam cleaning systems and is used by the best and most experienced steam cleaners throughout the UK.
It uses “superheated” water which exits the nozzle, in a vortex pattern. The system uses a normal water supply, which then enters a high-pressure pump unit; the pressure is increased to the required level before entering the “Hotbox”.
The operator can adjust the pressure and is independent of temperature settings. With the heater unit, the temperature can be increased up to 150C, before it passes through a heat-resistant nozzle. This nozzle directs the super-heated water onto the surface to be cleaned in a scraper like a fan. It is then a case of moving “the scraper” over whatever is being cleaned in an even and systematic manner.
DOFF Exterior Cleaning Scotland
Doff steam cleaning” is a specialised cleaning method that involves using steam at a high temperature to clean surfaces. The term “doff” in this context is derived from the system known as the DOFF system. Here’s an overview of the process and its benefits:
DOFF Steam Cleaning
- High-Temperature Steam: The DOFF system uses steam at temperatures up to 150°C. This high temperature is effective in removing a wide range of substances from surfaces, including paint, biological matter (like moss and algae), and general dirt.
- Controlled Pressure: Unlike pressure washing, the DOFF system uses a lower pressure. This makes it gentle on the surfaces being cleaned, reducing the risk of damage. It’s beneficial for delicate surfaces like historic stone or masonry.
- Surface Compatibility: It’s suitable for a variety of surfaces, including stone, brick, concrete, tiles, and wood. Its gentle nature makes it ideal for heritage buildings and monuments where preserving the integrity of the surface is crucial.
- Environmentally Friendly: The process is environmentally friendly as it only uses steam and does not require harsh chemicals or detergents.
- Effectiveness Against Biological Matter: The high temperature of the steam is effective in killing spores from biological matter, preventing immediate regrowth. This makes it an efficient method for long-term cleaning and maintenance of buildings.
- Minimal Water Usage: The system uses significantly less water than traditional pressure washing, making it a more sustainable option.
Applications
- Building Restoration: Particularly useful for historic or listed buildings where gentle and effective cleaning is necessary.
- Graffiti Removal: Effective in removing graffiti without damaging the underlying surface.
- Moss and Algae Removal: Kills and removes biological growths on buildings and walkways.
- General Cleaning: Can be used for cleaning various public and private properties, including facades, pavements, and other outdoor surfaces.
DOFF Brick Cleaning
The DOFF machine can also be set up to work on brickwork. If you have bricks that need to be cleaned and restored, leave it to the experts, we can help you with your restoration project. We have completed hundreds of exterior stone and brick cleaning jobs across Edinburgh and Scotland.
DOFF Cleaning Cost per M2
On all stone or brick cleaning projects, it is a must that a test run is performed on the area you want to be cleaned on your property. Our test run service costs around £290+vat. Carrying out a test sample service allows us to better cost up the full job for you giving you a more accurate price as we will better understand how long the job will take plus material and the types of cleaning that will be required to complete the job safely and delicately.
We will give you an exact price for the test in writing before we proceed to book it into our schedule.
Our Stone & Brick Cleaning Includes
Paint Removal
Comprehensive study to determine which system suits best, DOFF® or TORC.
DOFF requires a clean water supply. TORC requires low air pressure, and an inert granulate which is applied to the target surface using a swirling vortex motion.
Non-Chemical - Peel away
Removing paint using water-based paint softener (a non–toxic substance that can be neutralised with water) before the start of the cleaning project. Recommended for cleaning wood works.
Remove organic matter
Gently removes organic matter, like mosses/lichens/algae’s, from most surface (especially stonework, wood and brickwork).
Sandblasting or Abrasive blasting
The more aggressive way to clean surfaces. Recommended to clean concrete and steel work.
Grafitti Removal
Removal of graffiti from stone or brick. It can be high-pressure steam cleaned or removed using a more delicate cleaning and removal system. This is dependent on the surface and type of building or property.
Chewing Gum Removal
If your property has a chewing gum problem we can remove chewing gum using our machinery above. We have completed many jobs across Edinburgh removing chewing gum from the streets, walls and any other surface.
Environmentally Friendly
DOFF and TORC systems can be used to remove organic matter (mosses/lichens/algae’s) from most surface especially stonework and brickwork, without damaging the fabric of the building.
The heat of the water also helps to kill the spores of organic matter thus increasing the length of time needed for cleaning. This does not, however, stop all regrowth.
To do this then a biocide of some type will be required. Advice can be given on this after contacting us with your requirements.
This system is also used to remove paints from stonework and brickwork – in some cases, a paint softener will also need to be applied to the surface to assist in removal. This system is very kind to the substrate that is being cleaned and is therefore liked by listed building officers throughout the country.
Heritage Masonry also uses abrasive blasting, more commonly known as sandblasting.
This system consists on forcibly propelling a stream of abrasive material against a surface under high pressure to smooth a rough surface, shape a surface or remove surface contaminants. We manly use the system to clean blast concrete and steel work.
We provide quality sandblasting services to clients throughout Scotland. We use a low-pressure sand blasting system which respect the specific materials used in the boating industry, and allows efficient stripping and deoxidation as part of the upkeep program for your boat’s hull.
When the weather is getting cooler,it’s almost time to pull the boats out of the water and give them them a clean up over the winter months. Our highly skilled team will give the hull a light sandblast in preparation for anti fouling.
Heritage Masonry Edinburgh
Heritage Masonry Edinburgh