Full Exterior Facade Cleaning
The Brief
St Ninian’s Parish Church, Falkirk presented a sensitive cleaning challenge typical of historic ecclesiastical stonework. Years of biological growth, atmospheric soiling, and organic staining had accumulated across the full exterior façade, dulling the appearance of this important heritage building and contributing to ongoing surface deterioration.
StoneClean was instructed to clean the full exterior facade, restoring the stonework to a clean, consistent finish while ensuring full protection of the historic substrate throughout.
Our Approach
We selected a two-stage treatment process for this project, combining the Lightening Cleanze and Biocleanz systems both chosen for their suitability on sensitive and porous historic masonry.
Lightening Cleanze was applied first to lift and remove surface soiling, atmospheric staining, and discolouration from the stonework. This was followed by an application of Biocleanz, a biocidal treatment that penetrates the surface to eliminate biological growth at the source, providing long-term protection against regrowth.
Access & Safety
The cleaning programme tackled:
• Biological growth including moss, algae, and lichen
• Organic staining and atmospheric soiling
• Black crust and surface discolouration
• Residual contamination embedded within the stonework
Careful consideration was given to the historic nature of the building throughout, ensuring all methods used were appropriate for a heritage structure and fully compliant with conservation best practice.
All works were carried out from ground level, negating the need for any elevated access equipment. All works were completed under site-specific risk assessments and in full compliance with health and safety requirements.
Result
The Lightening Cleanze application immediately lifted surface soiling and restored clarity to the stonework. The Biocleanz treatment will continue to work progressively over the coming months, gradually eliminating biological growth at the source as it takes full effect. Once fully activated, this two-stage approach will deliver a clean, consistent, and long-lasting finish across the full exterior facade a sympathetic and effective solution that respects the integrity of this important historic building.
