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Masonry Cleaning: Nebulous Spray This article is reproduced from

The Building Conservation
Directory, 2003

Ian Constantinides and Lynne Humphries

Author
IAN CONSTANTINIDES is the
Managing Director of St Blaise
Conservation is generally not a dramatic process. It is
Ltd and has worked in the field
frequently imperceptible and by its very nature, usually
for around 20 years.
subtle. Consequently, cleaning can be one of the most
satisfying processes of conservation because its results are LYNNE HUMPHRIES MA
immediately visible, and it appeals to building owners since (RCA/V&A) is a conservator of
their investment is readily seen. However, focusing on the both architecture and
aesthetic benefits of cleaning does risk overlooking the sculpture. She has worked and
cause of the soiling and ignoring the history of the building. studied in museums and
Cleaning has become one of the most controversial aspects historic buildings and formerly
of conservation, raising fundamental questions. Is it always managed conservation for St
necessary or even beneficial? Are we too ready to clean? Blaise Ltd.
Many buildings have been damaged by cleaning in the past,
and even the most appropriate cleaning techniques can be
harmful. Arguably the most beneficial aspects of cleaning are Further information
to reveal the condition of the building where the dirt may RELATED ARTICLES
have concealed cracks or structural faults and to slow down
deterioration by removing damaging materials. Cleaning

Of the various methods available, nebulous spray cleaning is Masonry

Flexible heads directing a carefully controlled fine spray of water onto stone
among the gentlest. This article looks at some of the many mullions (photograph by Nimbus Conservation Limited) Stone
factors to be considered before selecting this cleaning
method as the most appropriate one, as well as giving a very RELATED PRODUCTS AND
general account of what it involves. SERVICES

Masonry cleaning, chemical

TYPES OF SOILING
Masonry cleaning products
Dirt or ‘soiling’ can simply be defined as material which is in
the wrong place1. The question is how to remove this
material without causing irreversible damage to the material
which is in the right place, either directly or by introducing
new material. To clean a building or material successfully we
need to start by understanding the nature of the dirt.

Dirt or soiling may take many forms: airborne particles,

gaseous pollutants and organic aerosols from industrial or
vehicular emissions; biological soiling by algae, fungi,
bacteria and lichen; non-biological soiling by iron staining, Site Map
paint or graffiti, for example; and the list goes on. In turn,
© Cathedral Communications
these may all be affected by water, temperature and wind,
Limited 2010
and by the effects of microclimate.

It may be that the soiling causes stone deterioration or

decay, or reduces the permeability of the substrate; or it may
simply appear as an unsightly surface discoloration. Over
time architectural surfaces build up a patina that is due in
part to airborne particles, weathering cycles and the
mineralogy of the stone itself. Unlike surface dirt, the patina
does not simply lie across the surface of the stone but is
combined to varying depths within the masonry, be it stone,
brick or terracotta. Although not necessarily damaging in
itself, removing this layer detracts from the historic interest of
the original and may expose a weaker substrate to decay.
Another consequence of removing the build-up of patinas or Fixed heads creating a nebulous mist effect on flat areas of masonry
encrustations is the potential mobilisation of minerals (photograph by Paye Stonework & Restoration Ltd)

beneath the stone surface, leading to discolouration.

Consideration should also be given to potential re-soiling of the stone. Industrial emissions and environmental factors
have changed since many of our buildings were last cleaned, and it is unlikely that re-soiling will take the same form.

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SELECTING THE CLEANING METHOD

To select a cleaning method or even to assess the need for cleaning, it is important to survey the building first. The aim is
to establish the types of material, their condition, the architectural style, previous treatments and the nature, cause and
pattern of the soiling for each area. All these criteria must be considered in the context of the building itself, its history,
construction, location and proximity to other buildings etc.

Next, cleaning trials should be carried out on inconspicuous areas, preferably using the operator who will be doing the
work finally, as skill is just as important as method. The trial will help to:

• further ensure that the correct method or methods are selected

• determine how clean the surface can become (the ‘level of clean’) without risk to the fabric
• highlight potential problems.

Trial areas should be selected on their ability to illustrate as far as possible the range of soiling types and fabric
conditions, to establish levels of clean which are not just desirable but also achievable, with the least risk.

Bear in mind that a uniform surface is rarely achieved without excessive and highly damaging masonry cleaning. An
uneven patchy finish is more likely as buildings are subjected to a variety of weathering patterns: regularly rain-washed
areas often appear brighter than protected areas, particularly on limestone buildings: and flat facades may also have
uneven soiling due to apparently similar stones varying in porosity, pore size, capillary action, or surface texture. The art
of cleaning, on aesthetic grounds, is to find the balance between the extremes. Often it is better to under-clean.

APPROACHES
There is a multitude of different cleaning methods, which may be wet or dry, chemical- or water-based, abrasive and
nonabrasive, many of which have a place in conservation. There are positive and negative points to all methods and
there is rarely a single method suitable for all situations. The least harmful method or combination of methods should be
selected for each case.

NEBULOUS SPRAY OR INTERMITTENT MIST SPRAY

Low-pressure water washing is probably the least aggressive form of cleaning. Its application is particularly useful where
water-soluble dirt is present or water-soluble chemical compounds bind the dirt. Thicker encrustations of soiling which
tend to form in protected areas of a building not regularly washed by rain may be softened by the water and subsequently
mechanically removed. However, it cannot be used to remove soiling or staining which is insoluble in water.

Nebulous spray, also known as intermittent mist spray, is a development of low-pressure water washing. The aim is to
apply the minimum amount of water for the minimum duration to soften the dirt, thereby enabling its removal by scrubbing
or other relatively gentle treatment. Ordinary low pressure water washing, by comparison, risks saturating the masonry,
causing damage to the wall by mobilising salts and causing fixings to corrode for example, as well as damaging other
features fixed to the wall such as internal plasterwork, timber or decorations. It can also lead to dry rot.

Only once all the investigations have been carried out, questions answered, options considered and the conclusion
drawn that nebulous water spray cleaning fulfils all the criteria, should cleaning be commenced by those trained and
skilled in the use of this cleaning method and following the guidelines established during trials.

GENERAL PROCESS
The system of nebulous sprays is based on the principle of passing water through a very fine mesh or filter to create a
mist that is then passed through fine nozzles. The mist spray system can be set up with nozzles at intervals along the
building, concentrating on areas of greater need and reducing the level where less dirt is present. The level of water may
be controlled electronically or by timers, allowing pulse or intermittent spraying, to avoid ever having water running down
the face of the building. Before starting, the porosity of the stone can be assessed in order to balance the amount of
water and duration required.

As the system produces such a fine mist it is important to place the nozzles close to the building’s surface in order to
ensure the water is directed correctly. Depending on the location and exposure of the elevation it is frequently necessary
to erect a screen to reduce the risk of wind disturbance.

Nebulous spray systems can be designed to be incredibly flexible, directing the spray only where needed. Straight or
flexible hoses may be employed depending on the requirements of the surface being treated and the nozzles from the
hose may be grouped or spaced according to the severity of the dirt or encrustation being treated. Flat surfaces often
require less water than a carved heavily soiled detail, which may require a cluster of nozzles positioned on an articulated
hose to the profile of the carving.

ADVANTAGES
The most obvious advantages of cleaning with water are that water is cheap, readily available, safe and environmentally
friendly. It is also particularly effective for cleaning limestone and marble.

The impact of the mist on the surface is negligible, reducing the risk of mechanical damage unless the surface is
extremely friable. Consequently the risk of washing away weak pointing material or decaying stone is almost entirely
eliminated.

Encrustations and dirt are softened progressively, reducing the risk of mechanical damage, and allowing greater control
over removal and permitting more frequent monitoring of the surfaces. This ensures that the right levels of clean are
achieved and reduces the risk of over cleaning. It also gives greater opportunity to re-evaluate the method or levels of
cleaning than with many other cleaning methods.

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Where the use of harsher methods of cleaning are unavoidable, prolonged use may be reduced by first cleaning with the
nebulous spray system.

Removing softened material by brush between spraying cycles may accelerate the cleaning process and has the added
advantage of enabling progress to be monitored.

A further advantage is the ability to control the quantity of water used. Excess run off, which this method avoids, is a
particular problem with traditional water washing methods where weathered wash patterns formed by rainwater may
channel the spray, avoiding adjacent areas of the masonry. As mist sprays use less water, a more even wash is
achieved, avoiding the weathered wash channels and reducing the probability of saturation as the stone does not get so
wet.

DISADVANTAGES AND RISKS

• Although the nebulous spray system reduces the risk of saturation enormously, this problem may still arise as a
result of a failure in the timer, switch or in judging the porosity of the stone which can mean damage to internal
finishes, hidden timber and ferrous fixings.
• Water cleaning methods may exacerbate deterioration when used on badly deteriorated masonry. The risk of water
penetration through defective joints or fractures is still present with the nebulous spray system, illustrating the
importance of carrying out a thorough survey externally, and continuous monitoring of the interior as cleaning
progresses.
• As with all water treatments, the work should not be carried out when there is potential for frost damage.
• The network of hoses and bars situated close to the face of the building can restrict access and make monitoring or
brushing down awkward.
• Efflorescence on the surface is possible where water treatments are carried out. Generally it is possible to estimate
the risk of this prior to commencement.
• Water cleaning is less effective on siliceous stones such as granite and sandstone where the soiling is tightly bound
to the silicate surface in insoluble compounds. Dirt on limestone is generally bound to relatively soluble chemical
compounds.
• A frequent problem with many limestones and some sandstones is brown or orange staining caused by naturally
occurring free iron within the stone being mobilised and carried to the surface. Consideration must also be given to
the possibility of previous treatments, which may have been carried out, such as the application of a solution of
copperas (ferrous sulphate) to Portland limestone in the 19th century in order to emulate the more fashionable
Bathstone. Earlier conservation or cleaning treatments may also have a detrimental effect on the success of water
cleaning.
• Finally the set-up and cleaning time required for the nebulous spray is greater than many other cleaning methods,
however, this must be weighed against the increased control and gentleness of this type of spray.

RECENT DEVELOPMENTS IN TECHNOLOGY

Time controllers can be programmed to open a valve for a set period, the length and frequency of spray being
determined by the nature of the material being treated. Water flow meters are available to measure the quantity of
delivered water and to calculate the output for sprays. The use of articulated pipe allows greater control over the location
of the nozzles.

FUTURE DEVELOPMENTS
The employment of moisture switches, which react to differing levels of moisture in the stone, may negate the need to
predetermine the porosity of the stone.

~~~
Recommended Reading
• C Andrew, Stone Cleaning: A Guide for Practitioners, Historic Scotland & The Robert Gordon University, Edinburgh,
1994
• Jonathan Ashley-Smith, Science for Conservators, Book 2 - Cleaning, Conservation Science Teaching Series, The
Conservation Unit, 1983
• John Ashurst and Francis G Dimes, Conservation of Building and Decorative Stones, Butterworth-Heinemann,
London, 1990
• Robert C Mack and A Grimmer, Assessing Cleaning and Water-Repellent Treatments for Historic Masonry Buildings,
Preservation Briefs 1, HPS, National Park Service, Technical Preservation Services
• F Matero et al, 'An approach to the evaluation of cleaning methods for unglazed architectural terracotta in the USA',
Architectural Ceramics: Their History, Manufacture and Conservation, A joint symposium of English Heritage and the
United Kingdom Institute for Conservation, 22–25 September 1994, James & James, 1996
• RGM Webster, Stone Cleaning and the Nature, Soiling and Decay Mechanisms of Stone, Donhead, London, 1992

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http://www.buildingconservation.com/articles/nebulous/nebulous.htm 26/02/2011