Need Any Help?
Natural stone is the hallmark of London’s most prestigious architecture. From the grand Portland Stone facades of Central London to the York Stone steps of Victorian terraces and the delicate Bath Stone dressings of Georgian townhouses, stone defines the character of our city. However, natural stone is a porous, living material that requires expert care to survive the rigors of London’s urban environment.
Need Any Help?
London’s history of heavy industry and coal fires has left a lasting legacy on its buildings. Atmospheric pollutants, carbon soot, and sulfur dioxide react with the calcium carbonate in stones like Portland and Bath stone, creating a hard, black “sulfation crust.”
If left untreated, this crust traps moisture behind the stone surface, leading to “sub-florescence”—a process where salt crystals grow within the stone’s pores, eventually causing the surface to shatter or “spall.” Our restoration process is designed to remove these harmful layers while restoring the stone’s natural ability to “breathe.”
We are London’s leading specialists in DOFF cleaning. Unlike traditional pressure washing, which can scour the surface and drive moisture deep into the masonry, the DOFF system uses super-heated steam (up to 150°C).
When a stone element—such as a window sill, cornice, or decorative carving—has decayed beyond the point of cleaning, we perform stone indenting.
Many stone buildings in London have been incorrectly repaired with hard cement mortar. This is a primary cause of stone decay. Cement is non-porous; it forces moisture to exit through the soft stone rather than the mortar joint, causing the stone edges to crumble.
For buildings located near busy London roads or those with heavy carbon “crusting,” we utilize the TORC system. This creates a gentle, swirling vortex of low-pressure air, water, and a fine granulate (calcite). It effectively “erases” the black soot from the stone without the aggressive impact of sandblasting.
Protect Your Building’s Heritage – Speak to a Brickwork Specialist in London
Alongside our core expertise, we provide a full range of brickwork and restoration services in London, delivered by experienced craftsmen using proven techniques to protect, restore, and enhance residential, commercial, and heritage properties across the capital.
Expert brick cleaning services across London, restoring and protecting residential, commercial, and heritage properties.
Specialist paint removal in London, carefully restoring original brick surfaces while protecting historic and modern masonry.
Expert repointing services in London, using appropriate materials to preserve durability, character, and long-term building performance.
Pebble dash removal services in London, revealing original brickwork and improving breathability, aesthetics, and property value.
With three decades of experience in the capital, we have developed a reputation for excellence based on three core pillars
We provide professional brick cleaning, repointing, paint removal, and pebble dash removal services across London, delivering consistent quality workmanship in every area we serve.
Professional brick cleaning and repointing services across North London for homes, heritage buildings, and properties.
Expert brick cleaning and repointing solutions throughout South London for period homes, extensions, and properties.
Specialist brick cleaning and repointing services in West London for residential, commercial, and heritage properties.
Trusted brick cleaning and repointing experts serving East London homes, historic buildings, and modern developments.
Get expert answers on Stone Restoration London, covering techniques, safety, and property restoration.
In high-pollution areas of London, we recommend a professional DOFF clean every 5 to 10 years. Regular cleaning prevents the buildup of carbon crusts, which are the primary cause of long-term stone decay.
Yes. This "melting" appearance is usually the stone losing its surface detail due to acid rain. We can often restore these details using lithomex (a specialist stone reconstruction mortar) or by carving new stone indents to match the original architecture.
Because every stone type and building height is different, we provide bespoke quotes. Factors include the necessity for scaffolding, the severity of the soot buildup, and the amount of stone carving required. Our surveys are free and our prices are fixed.
We take immense pride in our site management. We mask all windows, protect surrounding walkways, and use water-recovery systems where possible. We leave your property cleaner than we found it.
From the grand residences of Chelsea (SW3) and Hampstead (NW3) to the historic townhouses of Greenwich (SE10) and Richmond (TW9), we bring expert stone care to all London boroughs. Whether it’s a single York stone step or a full Portland stone facade, we deliver the same level of artisan care. Don’t let your stone decay further. Contact Tony Wallace today to arrange a professional assessment of your property’s masonry.