At Clarke Restoration we specialise in the repair, restoration and conservation of historic and listed buildings.
These buildings form our heritage, so it is vital that these buildings are preserved and protected to be cherished for generations to come.
Like us, buildings will age and their life can be prolonged with proper care, treatment and maintenance.
We provide a range of services to restore and protect historic and listed buildings;
Building Repair
We offer a wide range of techniques for building repair including;
- Stone cleaning
- Rendering
- Decorating
Stone Masonry
Our stone masonry services include;
- Stone carving
- Stone replacement
- Stone repair
- Stone building
- New build
Conservation
When restoring historic buildings, it is imperative that the correct techniques are used to ensure there is no potential to cause damage.
We have over 30 years experience and use only appropriate techniques suited to each individual building.
New Build
Often historic buildings require new adaptations for a number of reasons including accessibility and building regulation requirements.
We build using traditional techniques to ensure any new build adaptations are compatible with existing buildings.
Techniques
At Clarke Restoration, our highly skilled team uses a wide range of specialised techniques including;
DOFF System Steam Cleaning
The DOFF system is a steam based stone cleaning system. It is not like any other steam system and it is able to reach temperatures of 150c at the nozzle end. The operator of the system is able to vary the temperature and pressure to remove either many types of paint or biological matter. All operatives are fully trained & accredited in the use of the Doff System. Using this method means no chemical biocides are required & pressure on the surface being cleaned is very gentle.
Brickwork Pointing and Stonework Pointing
There are numerous reasons for the building owner to commission the restoration of an existing building over the past two centuries. The construction materials used tended to be of stone and brick. All of which benefit from longevity. Today there is a substantial percentage of aging buildings suffering from deterioration in the pointing element of the construction and will eventually lead to the poor performance of the building as a whole.
Repointing will aid with conservation, image and property value.
TORC Cleaning System
The TORC system has a revolutionary modulised nozzle which creates a gentle swirling vortex utilising low volumes of water, fine inert granulate and air.
The TORC system is one of the most sensitive and efficient methods of cleaning masonry.
The TORC method is ideal for;
Tuck Pointing & Lime Pointing
Tuck Pointing & Lime Pointing using traditional materials and methods.
Pressure Grouting
Pressure grouting is the name given for the injection of a liquid grout into voids under pressure. This product sets in the form of a solid or gel to fill the voids. It can be used on;
- Infilling redundant service pipes and ducts
- Filling voids under machines bases
- Stabilising loose fill material
- Strengthening cavity or rubble stone walling
- Make good washout ( masonry bridges, dams, culverts etc )
Pressure Pointing
Pressure can be carried it using hand held pointing guns or by a machine pumping the mortar through a hose with a hand control valve. It is ideal for the replacement of water eroded or defective joints which have being raked out and ready for the application.
Pressure pointing enables the new joints to be installed quickly and consistently with good compaction and ensuring a complete fill of the void.
The mortars are normally pre–bagged so a consistent colour can be guaranteed and can be applied in overhead situations such as vaulted arches, culverts tunnels etc special lime blends can be used for heritage or listed buildings.