Restoration Experts Deploy Specialist Systems On Dundee Landmarks
- dcb1960
- Apr 9
- 2 min read
Conservation experts are using Gloucestershire-made machinery to carefully clean some of Dundee’s most historic buildings, while gearing up for future projects in the city.
Pioneering local experts EcoGuard Scotland are using high-pressure steam superheated to 150 degrees C, using the cutting-edge Doff machine by Gloucestershire manufacturers Stonehealth. The steam is the most gentle way of cleaning sensitive stonework, which can often be susceptible to a condition called spalling – the peeling away of the surface of sandstone which has been exposed to years of moisture and freeze-thaw cycles.
Stonehealth, based in Cam near Dursley in Gloucestershire, has recently launched the Doff III, the third iteration of its iconic superheated steam cleaning machine favoured by architects, specifiers and cleaning industry professionals in the UK and worldwide.
Company chairman Brian Crowe said: “It is always a pleasure to see our equipment being properly used on iconic buildings around the UK, supporting the conservation of our nation’s cultural heritage. Many local authorities, architects and other specifiers who are issuing contracts for the cleaning and restoration of old buildings are specifically requesting that our equipment be used, as it is so highly regarded and renowned in the industry. We look forward to seeing the results of EcoGuard’s ongoing work in Dundee and will share in the pride of the people of the city as its historic landmarks return to their former glories.”
EcoGuard have recently deployed the technology on buildings including the Custom House on Dock Street and, just this month, the former Dundee Savings Bank building in Princes Street. Itself dating back to 1914, the old bank is now occupied by Alba Chiropractic Clinic, whose owners decided the building needed restoration work to its roof and façade. Now complete, the project has given a new appearance to the old stonework, preserving and protecting it for future decades.
EcoGuard are now expecting to be involved in several more high-profile projects in and around the city in coming months. “We’re delighted and honoured to be involved in conserving the heritage of Dundee – the city’s historic building and landmarks,” said Matthew Allan of EcoGuard Scotland. Residents of Dundee who care about the heritage of this city can rest assured that the combination of our expertise, the machinery and the techniques we are deploying will ensure this stonework is restored and preserved extremely well.”
EcoGuard Scotland was set up 13 years ago by Matthew’s father Charlie, who still leads the small family team which constitutes the business. Based in Monifieth, Dundee, the company is one of a select group of approved Doff users around the UK who are licensed to use the machinery. https://stonehealth.com/