Stone Building Restoration
Virtually all ancient structures have been constructed out of stone and over the years undergo stone structure degradation. If not restored immediately, the world might lose these stone structures completely. Archeologists have been highlighting this issue over the last several decades and governmental organizations usually move at a slow pace to start the restoration process.
The restoration process by itself is a time-consuming process and has to be started immediately. One of the major causes for the deterioration of stone buildings is the growth of organic growth such as mosses and lichens. This organic growth slowly eats away the strength of the structure and makes it more brittle. Over a period of time, the already brittle stone will become damaged and finally break down.
As a part of the buildings’ restoration process, the first thing that is usually done by the material engineers is the washing of stones with distilled water. This will remove the excess salt deposits on the stones. After cleaning the stone structure with water, the next step is the sterilization process. In sterilization, a solution of hydrogen peroxide and water is applied over the stone building by brushing or spraying. This process is very useful in containing the organic growth and also to remove the existing organic deposits on the structure.
Sometimes chemical agents might affect the buildings. In such a situation, the restoration process also has to include the spraying of protectants such as waxes, acrylic and silicon resins on top of the chemically affected stone structure. This will form a filmy layer on top of the affected surface and will remove the chemicals deposited in them.
There are many well-known and experienced stone building restoration service providers available in the market place. In United Kingdom, old buildings which require restoration, are listed as grade I and grade II listed buildings. Most of these buildings are churches. In London, some of the stone constructions that have been built in the 16th century have been restored to its original glory.
One of the major projects that had been undertaken in stone building restoration is the restoration of the monument to the great fire of London. The restoration took almost 18 months to complete. Similarly other European countries have taken up restoration of other important stone structures. The restoration of Tower Bridge in London is another recent restoration project that has been taken up the civic agencies.
