Masonry Restoration and Preservation

Key Bank, Scorched & Streaked By *lpine Restoration 2000

Key Bank located in Burlington, VT. Click on picture for larger view One of Burlington's few Terra Cotta and Brownstone examples chemically cleaned and ruined beyond repair.

Liszt Restoration witnessed an inexperienced crew chemically cleaning this building, full direct sun, 90 degrees. Liszt contacted owner of building (Also GC) and was quickly dismissed as causing trouble.

After building was scorched, streaked and appeared light pink and chalky, owner asked about streaking and appearance and was told by "*lpine Restoration" that the masonry cleaning process uncovered the original masonry finish and it was like that. Owner accepted this and *lpine Restoration moved onto next building "Trolly Barn" in Burlington VT.

Indicates Original Condition

Building was not prepped for the masonry cleaning process. This area indicates were "Lease Sign" was located, basically the only area left with original brick protective finish. After the building was permanently damaged by improper cleaning techniques the contractor 'sealed' the building and made their damage a permanent example of their incompetence.

Lease Sign Only Protection

The Brick, Terra Cotta and Brownstone elements were cleaned in direct sunlight during the hottest week of summer. The result is that the cleaning material dried on the surface, which had not been properly 'pre-wet' to begin with. We observed the contractor during the process and noted the many mistakes. The person performing the work was constantly reading the label on the pail of cleaning materials. Obviously she had no experience with it. The Brownstone elements were also scared by the power washer operator who brought the pressurized water too close to the soft stone and left multiple 'swath' marks deep in the stone. Cleaning a masonry structure is a very delicate process and only a Qualified Restoration Contractor should be allowed to perform such work. Proof of at least 5 years experience, with references and pictures of successful masonry cleaning will prevent this kind of thing happening to your building. Large scale operations require further skills and considerations so be sure the contractor has cleaned structures of comparable size.

Scorched & Streaked

Chalky & Streaked

Pictures do not fully capture the result of the damage done here. Only a personal visit to this formerly beautiful Burlington Historic landmark will give the observer a full appreciation of the magnitude of the damage done by a contractor who is still working in the area and continues to hire temporary help to perform work they are not qualified for and have no experience in the trade.

Adjoining building

The building next door was damaged. A brass plague on adjoining building was "Acid" etched due to careless use of chemicals. The liabilities of hiring Unqualified contractors is endless, including damage to cars and personal injury to pedestrians. These cleaning agents are extremely potent and should never be in the hands of anyone but intelligent and careful technicians who take the proper precautions to insure no one is injured as a result of the cleaning process.