IMI use two main cleaning methods for stone, both are approved by “English Heritage” and “War Memorials Trust”
Steam Cleaning – DOFF/Super Heated Water
This method uses super heated water to a temperature of 150 degrees celsius, at very low pressure. The system used low volume of water ensuring the area is dryer than other cleaning methods.
The detritus is removed by the action of the steam and then washed off by the condensating water, leaving the surface clean – with NO damage.
Torc/Jos System
This system uses low pressure, high volume air with inert safe abrasive powder and water, this system is extremely efficient in removing paints, carbon deposits and other hard detritus from surfaces. The system uses a swirling action that causes no damage to the stone surface.
Both the above methods are CHEMICAL FREE, additional information can be given upon request
The use of other methods such as below are NOT USED by IMI
- chemicals – create pollution issues for the owner with the Environmental Agencies, can damage the surface and some only mask the detritus – not removing it
- abrasive pads – these remove the stone surface, so are not approved by either English Heritage or The War Memorial Trust as the removal of stone is the last thing needed or required
- HIGH PRESSURE WASHING (jet wash) – this also removes the stone surface causing potential severe surface damage, regardless how the equipment is used, so are not approved by either English Heritage or The War Memorial Trust.
The above methods are mainly used by local jet washing businesses and stone masons as these are the methods they use for other none sensitive works which are not suitable for the delicate works required when cleaning Cenotaphs and other pubilic items.