Stone Conservation

From ancient monuments to historic buildings, stone structures are a testament to the craftsmanship and cultural values of past civilizations. However, weathering, pollution, biological growth, and human intervention can contribute to the deterioration of irreplaceable historic assets.

Stone conservation involves a comprehensive approach that includes assessment, preservation, restoration, and sometimes replacement of deteriorated stone elements. The process is guided by principles of minimal intervention and respect for the historical and aesthetic integrity of the structure. Key aspects of stone conservation include:

Assessment & Diagnosis: Understanding the type of stone, the causes of deterioration, and the extent of damage is the first step in any conservation effort. This may involve visual inspection, laboratory analysis, and non-invasive testing techniques.

Cleaning & Repair: Cleaning is carried out using methods that are gentle on the stone while effectively removing harmful substances like dirt, biological growth, and pollutants. Repairing stone involves filling cracks, consolidating weakened areas, and, when necessary, replacing severely damaged stone with materials that match the original in composition and appearance.

Preventive Conservation: This involves measures to protect stone from future damage, such as controlling moisture levels, managing vegetation, and applying protective coatings.

Documentation: Every stage of the conservation process is thoroughly documented to create a detailed record of the work done, which is crucial for future maintenance and research.

Our team of stone conservators design and implement treatments that are guided by stonework techniques and rigorous conservation processes. Conservation treatments are always applied in a minimally invasive and entirely reversible way, should a better technique become available in the future. A thorough assessment of the damage and the examination of all possible options precedes the determination of any specific treatment.