Conserving brick properties through
a complete package of cleaning
and restoration services.
Restoring your brick property
to its original aesthetic.
Bricks have been central to construction for centuries and deserve the best cleaning and restoration care. If there are signs of staining or damage on the brickwork and/or mortar degradation, then the best solution is to involve a company such as Spectrum specialised in brick cleaning and restoration to ensure conservation and an immaculate result.
When it comes to maintenance, repair, and restoration of brickwork our expert teams provide full brick cleaning, pointing, and tinting services. We restore brickwork back to its former glory using our pioneering, patented cleaning systems, even to heights up to eight floors from ground level. To ensure the optimum pointing repair is utilised, it is important to firstly and closely, analyse its makeup, as there are many variations that do exist so we can ensure an acceptable match is achieved.
A high-pressure water system will cause damage to any form of brickwork and hence the reason that Spectrum, only use non-abrasive brick cleaning techniques including Doff steam cleaning and chemical assisted brick cleaning products. This ensures brickwork is cleaned efficiently with no damage to the bricks or surrounding pointing whilst also removing all types of organic and biological matter, surface coatings, paint, and pollutants.
In most cases deep cleaning, using Doff steam cleaning is enough to bring a building back to prime condition. This is a fast and efficient cleaning process where a 'DOFF' machine, unlike simple steam cleaners, produces low pressure superheated steam up to 150º C making it incredibly effective at removing stains, whilst, due to low pressure, gently cleaning the substrate without damage.
Our team of operatives are highly trained and experienced in restoring heritage brick properties. At Spectrum, we understand the importance of conserving historic brick properties and the breathability demanded by this substrate.
We are proud to offer our clients a complete package of brick refurbishment and conservation services. By combining our years of specialist experience and range of services, we offer a comprehensive service for your building's needs.
Innovation is one of our core values. We look to improve our services' effectiveness and efficiency wherever possible, which has led us to designing our own cleaning equipment. When you work with Spectrum, you are working with pioneers of the property maintenance industry.
A Brick Works service is a comprehensive conservation service to maintain the structure and appearance of brick facades. This service is unique for each brick property and is designed to offer a complete transformation. Standard services combined to deliver this complete restoration package include:
● Doff Cleaning
● Torc Cleaning
● Brick Tinting
● Brick Repointing
Regardless of the property's age, our team of operatives are highly knowledgeable in identifying the most appropriate restoration solution to conserve historic brick properties.
Staining can have diverse causes and each needs to be identified to ensure most appropriate treatment.
This phenomenon, seen as an unsightly “bloom”, usually white occurs in brickwork where the normal escape of water vapour via the mortar is impeded because the cement mortar has hardened to the extent that it is no longer breathable.
The evaporation of moisture will then take place through the porous brick and even concrete and the water present will have dissolved salts that are naturally to be found in clay, sand, brick, and mortar and in the ground, where masonry may have been stored prior to being laid.
On reaching the surface the water will evaporate and leave behind, the crystalline structure of the salts on the surface.
The efflorescence can be removed, and the masonry renovated using a DOFF machine with superheated low- pressure steam. However, whilst a first treatment will remove that initial surface efflorescence the process will need to be repeated at least three or four times over a period of months as the salts with water will continue to leech out until the concentration of salts in the masonry has diminished.
Lime staining, lime running or lime leaching can occur on new masonry and sometimes on established brickwork. It emerges in a similar fashion to efflorescence. However, on drying it converts slowly to insoluble calcium carbonate. Lime staining will often be accompanied by efflorescence salts, but because lime staining is insoluble it will not weather away in the same way.
Iron staining, due to iron, manganese, or vanadium in the original clay, can produce orange through to dark brown stains and can impact both the brick face and the mortar joints. Manganese can result in similar brown staining. Vanadium salts cause a yellow to green stain. For the best results to avoid damage to the brick, professional cleaning is the best approach.
This is common during and after construction, and it is the run-off from the concrete component of a structure and leaves a residue on bricks. Mortar splashes are another cause which, once dried, can be tricky to remove without damaging bricks, especially if it has smeared. The best approach is to use a proprietary cleaner, and the operatives must follow all the health, safety, and environmental guidelines.
In urban areas and city centres such as London, Manchester and Newcastle, high volumes of traffic pollution and historic pollution from soot, contribute to airborne deposition of carbonic material. This can become ingrained in the exterior of brick and reduce the breathability of the building which is essential for its longevity as failure to remove the deposits will eventually lead to water damage internally. Specialist cleaning solutions are frequently necessary and require careful use by experienced teams. (THIS REQUIRES THE USE OF A TORC MACHINE)
A high-pressure water system will cause damage to any form of brickwork and hence the reason that Spectrum, only use non-abrasive brick cleaning techniques including Doff steam cleaning and chemical assisted brick cleaning products. This ensures brickwork is cleaned efficiently with no damage to the bricks or surrounding pointing whilst also removing all types of organic and biological matter, surface coatings, paint, and pollutants.
In most cases deep cleaning, using Doff steam cleaning is enough to bring a building back to prime condition. This is a fast and efficient cleaning process where a 'DOFF' machine, unlike simple steam cleaners, produces low pressure superheated steam up to 150º C making it incredibly effective at removing stains, whilst, due to low pressure, gently cleaning the substrate without damage.
The UK's history of pollution and smog have left many stone and brick properties in urban areas throughout the country with heavy carbon stains. Whilst a DOFF machine is highly effective at removing organic matter and most stains, heavily ingrained carbon stains require the TORC treatment.
The TORC is not a blasting system due to the sensitive controls available.
The unique feature of the TORC system is the revolutionary modulised nozzle (available in aperture sizes from 5 to 13mm) which create a gentle swirling vortex with low volumes of water, fine inert granulates, and compressed air.
With the appropriate nozzle fine detailed stone carvings can be cleaned with damaging the substrate.
Effectively removes carbon pollutants, lime & cement paints. paint and plaster residues, oxidised bitumen, lime-scale from Stone, brick, terracotta, ceramic tiles, concrete in addition to oxidation and sulphation from metallic surfaces.
We have a well-earned reputation for a professional ability to work using rope access, abseiling down building exteriors to review and effect repairs and restoration. This provides three major benefits for our clients.
● Speed with less time spent accessing and completing the project.
● No scaffolding and hence less access cost
● The lack of scaffolding minimises disruption to occupiers and the surrounding neighbourhood
● Surveyors can inspect work closely via our operatives wearing camera helmets, and can be directed by the Surveyor on the ground via radio contact.
With the application of steam from a DOFF machine, our operatives can remove stains and signs of wear, facilitating your brick property in breathing. Our Torc cleaning system can remove any stubborn stains!
Whether it is retinting the whole of your property's brick property or hiding repairs, our Brick Tinting service utilises expert colour matching to ensure the repair and restoration looks seamless.
Through our Brick Repointing service, we can restore the integrity of commercial and residential brick buildings.
Spectrum's Brick Works service is a high-quality, all inclusive brick maintenance service. This service has transformed the building.
Thank you to the team at Spectrum for delivering a thorough, highly professional cleaning and restoration service they completed for our historic brick building.
"For exceptional results on the exterior of a brick building, you need exceptional contractors. When you work with Spectrum, you can expect a service delivered to high standards by professionals.
Spectrum's team are truly specialists at transforming the exterior of brick buildings. Through their Brick Works service, they find identify the best solution for your property.
3rd June 2021
8th April 2021
24th March 2021
3rd June 2021
8th April 2021
24th March 2021
3rd June 2021
8th April 2021
24th March 2021
Spectrum is at Hackney, London
15 HOURS AGO
No matter which type of stain it is, stains on the exterior of brick properties are a big red flag as stains could lead to long term structural damage! 🚨
Get in touch today to have our team of masonry restoration experts preserve your masonry: https://www.spectrumspecialistsupport.co.uk/contact/
Spectrum is at Shoreditch, London
5 DAYS AGO
Unlike most companies, our team of highly trained contractors are able to remove stains from brick facades through the use of our DOFF machine via rope access! 😄
Discover the cost & time benefits of using rope access for your next brick cleaning service here: https://www.spectrumspecialistsupport.co.uk/abseiling-services-contractors/
Spectrum is at Whitehall, London
1 WEEK AGO
There is no "quick-fix" when it comes to removing efflorescence! 😣
Learn more about how our team can remove white stains from brick facades on our website: https://www.spectrumspecialistsupport.co.uk/brick-cleaning-and-restoration-contractors/
Spectrum is at Lewisham, London
2 WEEKS AGO
Have you noticed an accumulation of white staining on the exterior of your brick property?
This could be a sign of efflorescence, which usually occurs in brickwork where the normal escape of water vapour via the mortar is impeded and no longer breathable. 👎
While this masonry stain is not easy to remove, our team has a tried and true solution! Discover how we effectively remove efflorescence here: https://www.spectrumspecialistsupport.co.uk/brick-works-contractors/
Spectrum is at Fulham, London
2 WEEKS AGO
Have you noticed stains on the exterior of your brick masonry? Are they white, black, or maybe even brown?🤔
Read our latest blog to discover what each of these stains is, the implications they could have on your building, and the method of stain removal recommended by property restoration experts! 🤓
https://www.spectrumspecialistsupport.co.uk/blog/what-are-the-stains-on-my-brick/
Spectrum is at Soho, London
2 WEEKS AGO
Does the white, crystalline substance growing on this brick facade look familiar?🤔
If so, then you may have a case of efflorescence on your hands! 😧
While this is a common stain for us to see in the property restoration industry, it is far from the easiest to remove! In fact, I would highly recommend turning away any contractor that promises they can remove efflorescence in one cleaning session as this stain requires routine sessions with industrial-grade equipment to completely remove it!
Visit our website to discover the professional efflorescence removal cleaning process we have developed to remove this stubborn stain from brick properties: https://www.spectrumspecialistsupport.co.uk/brick-works-contractors/
Spectrum is at Chelsea, London
1 MONTH AGO
Efflorescence is renowned for being one of the most challenging stains to remove from brick properties!
Do you want to know the secret to completely removing these white stains??
The secret is TIME! ⏰
Through consistent treatment, our team is able to completely remove every sign of efflorescence! Learn more about our professional masonry cleaning system here: https://www.spectrumspecialistsupport.co.uk/brick-cleaning-and-restoration-contractors/
Spectrum is at Notting Hill, London
1 MONTH AGO
Our TORC/Jos cleaning system allows our team of professionals to deliver jaw-dropping results!?
Discover how the swirling vortex emitted from our TORC machine can remove deep stains without scraping the surface of your masonry on our website: https://www.spectrumspecialistsupport.co.uk/torc-cleaning-contractors/
Spectrum is at Shoreditch, London
1 MONTH AGO
Our Torc/Jos cleaning system has become instrumental in allowing us to both conserve and revitalise the exterior of client's commercial and residential properties! ?
Interested in how our Torc/Jos cleaning system could restore your property? Learn more on our website ?:
https://www.spectrumspecialistsupport.co.uk/torc-cleaning-london-south-east/
Spectrum is at Clapham, London
2 MONTHS AGO
Do you know what this salt-based stain is on this brick surface? ?
The answer is efflorescence!
Named after the French word "to bloom", efflorescence is a product of the water cycle drawing out salt from masonry and it one of the hardest stains for contractors in our industry to 100% remove!
If you want to learn more about this common masonry stain, I recommend reading our recent blog post:
https://www.spectrumspecialistsupport.co.uk/blog/what-are-the-white-stains-on-my-brick-building/
Spectrum is at Clapham Common, London
2 MONTHS AGO
Can you guess what the salty, white stains on your masonry are? ?
These stubborn to remove stains are most likely efflorescence and they require experienced contractors with the proper tools to completely remove them! Learn about how we remove these stains here:
https://www.spectrumspecialistsupport.co.uk/torc-cleaning-london-south-east/
Spectrum is at Battersea, London
2 MONTHS AGO
Have you noticed a build-up of unsightly white stains on your masonry? This is most likely efflorescence- a salt-based stain that can be very challenging for most contractors to completely remove.?
Fortunately, our team has both the tools and knowledge to remove these stains without causing further damage to your masonry! ?
Learn more about how we can remove these stubborn stains here? https://www.spectrumspecialistsupport.co.uk/torc-cleaning-london-south-east/
Spectrum is at Richmond, London
2 MONTHS AGO
Brick repointing is not a simple as a maintenance project as you may think! Some of the complexities in repointing include the removal of old mortar and matching the mortar in the original style of pointing to achieve a seamless result. ?
While it may not be simple, repointing is vital for maintaining the structural integrity of your masonry! ?
Discover our professional repointing service here: https://www.spectrumspecialistsupport.co.uk/brick-repointing-and-repair-london-south-east/
Spectrum is at Whitehall, London
2 MONTHS AGO
Our operatives are both knowledgeable and equipped with the proper tools to remove white efflorescence stains from brickwork! ?
Learn more about the effectiveness of our Brick Works service here: https://www.spectrumspecialistsupport.co.uk/brick-works-london-south-east/
Spectrum is at Piccadilly Circus, London
2 MONTHS AGO
Did your parents ever say: "it's what is on the inside that matters"?
Mine certainly did! But what they didn't realise, is that the same principle applies also to stone buildings! ?
If you took a microscope and examined the inside of every individual brick and block of stone constituting the facade of your building, you would see a variety of chemical processes taking place! It is because of the presence of moisture (the water cycle), naturally occurring salts together with surface atmospheric pollutants such as carbon and acid rain and their interactions that your building starts to look aged and become structurally unstable.?
Who would have thought that is under the surface of a beautiful building like this??
If you are interested in learning more about the do's and don'ts of maintaining masonry, visit our blog: https://www.spectrumspecialistsupport.co.uk/blog/
Spectrum is at Clapham Common, London
2 MONTHS AGO
What do you think the white, salt stains on your masonry could be??
The answer is C. Efflorescence!Efflorescence is the white, brown, yellow, or green crystalline stains that form on stone and brick as the substrate picks up salt from the ground, absorbs the salt by osmosis, and then concentrates the salt.
This deep concentration into the body of the stone makes these stains challenging to completely remove. Through regular treatments with a TORC/Jos cleaning system, we are able to remove these stubborn stains! ?
Do you have white salt stains on the exterior of your stone building? Get in touch with us to book a consultation today? https://www.spectrumspecialistsupport.co.uk/contact/
Spectrum is at Hackney, London
2 MONTHS AGO
Have you read our latest case study? ?
In this project, we showed off our team's expertise in creating scaffold-free access solutions! When a decorating company struggled to clean the masonry on this residential property, we utilised abseiling and Doff cleaning to transform the property face! ?
Read the full case study here: https://www.spectrumspecialistsupport.co.uk/case-studies/abseiling-brick-cleaning/
Spectrum is at Mayfair, London
2 MONTHS AGO
Are there white stains covering the exterior of your brick property??
This might be a sign of efflorescence!?
Learn more about this salt-based stain and how we can effectively remove it from your brick building on our most recent blog here:
https://www.spectrumspecialistsupport.co.uk/blog/what-are-the-white-stains-on-my-brick-building/
Spectrum is at Waterloo, London
2 MONTHS AGO
Our brick restoration specialists are IRATA trained abseilers. This allows them to repair, clean, and tint brick buildings of any height without the use of scaffolding, saving our clients money and increasing our efficiency!?
To learn about the complete professional brick refurbishment services we offer, visit our Brick Works page here: https://www.spectrumspecialistsupport.co.uk/brick-works-contractors/
Spectrum is at Holborn, London
2 MONTHS AGO
Regular maintenance on the masonry on your property is essential not just for the appearance of your buildings, but also for the longevity of the building's structure!?
Brick property restoration services often involve the repairing and cleaning of a building or structure’s exterior, but these can take many forms depending on the building’s unique requirements! Read our 'Ultimate Guide to Brick Restoration' blog to learn more?
https://www.spectrumspecialistsupport.co.uk/brick-repointing-and-repair-contractors/
