Boclair House Hotel DOFF Steam Cleaning

Site – Boclair House Hotel

Client – Manor View Hotels

Description of works – DOFF Steam Cleaning

Boclair House Hotel is a historic landmark in Bearsden, Glasgow however with the passage of time, its facade had accumulated layers of grime and pollutants which had caused the stonework of the building to become dirty and faded. Recognising the need to restore the historic building to its former glory while preserving its heritage, the proprietors of Boclair House Hotel turned to The Balmore Group to complete stonework cleaning using DOFF Steam Cleaning Services.

Client’s Request: The client’s foremost concern was to rejuvenate the hotel’s exterior without compromising its intrinsic character. It was imperative to retain the unique charm and historical significance of the building, even amidst the thorough cleaning process. Therefore, the client emphasised that while they wanted the stonework cleaning to be carried out, they did not want everything cleaned off so that the character of the historic building could be kept.

Approach: We crafted a tailored solution to meet the client’s specifications. Leveraging the advanced technology of DOFF Steam Cleaning, we devised a strategy that would effectively eliminate the many years of dirt, grime, moss and algae while safeguarding the integrity of Boclair House Hotel. The key aspect of their approach was the precise control of steam temperatures, ranging from 100 to 120 degrees Celsius, administered through powered access equipment.

Execution: Deploying the DOFF Steam Cleaning system, we delicately steam cleaned the hotel’s exterior stonework surfaces, including intricate architectural details and ornate embellishments. By adeptly adjusting the steam temperatures and utilising powered access equipment, we ensured thorough yet gentle cleaning, avoiding any damage to the building’s historic elements.

Benefits of DOFF Steam Cleaning

Doff Steam Cleaning is a stone cleaning system that uses super heated steam with temperatures reaching up to 150ºC. Controlled with a variable nozzle pressure, it can remove carbon staining, paint and biological matter from stonework without damaging the substrate. Perfect for sandstone cleaning on historic building maintenance.

  1. Gentle Yet Effective Cleaning: The DOFF Steam Cleaning method provided a gentle yet highly effective solution for removing layers of dirt, grime, and pollutants from Boclair House Hotel’s exterior. The controlled steam temperatures ensured thorough cleaning without causing abrasion or damage to delicate surfaces.
  2. Preservation of Character: By adhering to the client’s directive to preserve the building’s character, we successfully retained the original features and patina of Boclair House Hotel. The careful application of DOFF Steam Cleaning allowed them to achieve remarkable results while honouring the structure’s historical significance.
  3. Versatility and Precision: The versatility of DOFF Steam Cleaning, coupled with powered access equipment, enabled us to access even the most challenging areas of the building’s facade. This precision ensured comprehensive cleaning without compromising safety or efficiency.
  4. Environmentally Friendly: As a chemical-free and environmentally friendly cleaning method, DOFF Steam Cleaning aligns with sustainable practices. The absence of harsh chemicals minimises environmental impact while delivering superior cleaning results. There is also very little water used in DOFF Steam Cleaning and stonework quickly dries out rather than become saturated. This is vital to ensure the prevention of sandstone decay.

The Outcome

By using the innovative technology of DOFF Steam Cleaning, Boclair House Hotel has emerged rejuvenated and its exterior stonework is gleaming once again, all while its timeless character and heritage remain intact. The successful completion of this project underscored our commitment to excellence and preservation, setting a benchmark for future endeavours in historic restoration.

The meticulous balance between restoration and conservation is paramount. The Balmore Group’s exemplary execution of DOFF Steam Cleaning at Boclair House Hotel exemplifies this delicate equilibrium, showcasing how modern technologies can harmoniously coalesce with tradition to safeguard our architectural treasures for generations to come.

DOFF Steam Cleaning can be used both outdoors AND indoors on stone, brick and concrete. It meets the highest heritage standards for masonry cleaning and, combined with out use of TORC and Dry Ice Cleaning, we have become the preferred choice of many heritage buildings for building restoration and cleaning services.

If you would like to know more about this DOFF Steam Cleaning job or similar historic building restoration projects we have completed in Glasgow or across Scotland, please contact us today.

Based in Glasgow and offering our services across Scotland and England, we provide full through life asset maintenance services from initial inspection and repairs to specialist cleaning of high-value assets. We operate in multiple business sectors including construction, rail, offshore and renewables, offering the expertise of over 40 years in particular high aspect/difficult access works, roofing, rope access, industrial cleaning and drone inspection services across the UK.