Gentle soft washing that lifts years of soiling and organic growth without damaging masonry or mortar.
360+ five-star reviews from genuine customers
Free site survey. Clear pricing. No obligation.
No obligation. We only use your details to prepare your quote.
Understanding how to safely clean and preserve historic masonry, brickwork, and natural stone protects your building’s structural integrity and preserves its architectural character. Below are detailed answers to the most common questions we receive regarding our professional brickwork and stonework restoration services.
Yes, using high-pressure jet washing on brickwork or stone can cause irreversible damage. High pressure strips away the fire-skin protective coat of historic clay bricks, turns soft stones like Portland stone or limestone brittle, and easily blows out lime mortar joints. Forced high-pressure water also drives moisture deep into structural wall cavities, causing efflorescence (white salt staining) and internal dampness. At GES, we use gentle, temperature-controlled steam systems—such as superheated low-pressure steam—and targeted chemical soft washing to restore masonry without etching stone or eroding mortar.
DOFF steam cleaning is a specialized low-pressure, high-temperature washing system designed specifically for historic architecture and delicate masonry. It heats water up to 150°C at the nozzle while operating at very low pressure. The high thermal energy instantly melts away heavy carbon deposits, oil, biological growth, paint, and bitumen without needing abrasive force or harsh chemicals. Because the water volume is extremely low, the masonry surface dries within minutes, preventing thermal shock, water saturation, and salt migration.
Dark grey or black crusts on urban brickwork and stone are primarily caused by atmospheric pollution, vehicular exhaust emissions, and carbon soot binding with environmental moisture over decades. Red and green staining, on the other hand, is caused by living organic colonies of algae, moss, and lichens that thrive in damp, shaded masonry pores. If left untreated, biological growths release organic acids that slowly dissolve mineral binders in brick and stone, accelerating surface erosion.
Yes, we specialize in non-destructive paint and graffiti removal from brick and stonework. Modern chemical strippers or high-pressure blasting can easily ruin brick faces. We apply specialized, non-caustic paint softening agents that break down the binder in spray paint, masonry paint, or bitumen without harming the underlying stone. Once softened, the paint residue is gently lifted away using our low-pressure high-temperature steam systems, restoring the original masonry texture underneath.
Efflorescence is the white, powdery salt deposit that appears on brickwork when soluble salts inside the masonry are brought to the surface by evaporating water. While natural rainfall can slowly wash away minor surface salt, severe efflorescence requires careful treatment. We use specialized neutralising washes that dissolve white salt crystals without reacting adversely with the brick chemistry, followed by low-pressure rinsing to stabilize the surface.
Every natural stone type has unique mineral properties and porosity. Alkaline or acidic cleaners used incorrectly on calcium-based stones like limestone or marble can cause immediate chemical burns or permanent discolouration. We begin every stonework project with a thorough substrate identification process. We then select the exact combination of temperature, low-pressure steam, or pH-neutral biocide treatments required to lift grime safely while preserving the stone’s natural color and texture.
Yes, property protection is a core part of our restoration process. Before applying any specialized soft-washing solution or steam treatment, we cover adjacent glass, architectural timber, decorative metalwork, and surrounding garden areas with protective heavy-duty sheeting. Plants and lawns are pre-drenched with fresh water to prevent chemical absorption. Once the job is completed, all runoff is safely managed, leaving your property immaculate.
In many cases, heavy organic growth, moss, and thick carbon crusts mask existing structural defects, crumbling mortar, or spalled brick faces. Removing this grime exposes the true condition of your masonry. If soft or missing mortar joints are uncovered during the cleaning process, our technicians can advise you on suitable lime mortar or cement re-pointing options to ensure your wall remains completely weatherproof.
While not strictly mandatory, applying a breathable, hydrophobic (water-repellent) impregnating sealer is highly recommended for porous stone and brick surfaces. Unlike cheap topical sealers that trap moisture inside the wall, breathable sealers allow internal vapor to escape while preventing rain, oil, and organic spores from penetrating from the outside. This dramatically reduces future algae regrowth and protects against winter freeze-thaw spalling.
Pricing depends on several key variables, including total wall square footage, building height, access requirements (e.g., cherry picker vs. scaffolding), the type of masonry, and the nature of the contamination (e.g., organic algae vs. heavy atmospheric carbon or multi-layer paint removal). We provide completely free, no-obligation on-site or digital evaluations to supply a transparent, fixed-price quote with zero hidden extras.
Historic and modern masonry defines the character and structural integrity of Surrey properties, but exposure to urban pollution, carbon exhaust, and invasive organic growth can dull its natural beauty over time. Using aggressive high-pressure washing on brick or delicate natural stone risks shattering mortar joints, etching surface faces, and driving penetrating damp inside your home. At GES Exterior Cleaning, we utilize specialized superheated low-pressure steam systems and gentle, eco-friendly chemical soft washing to lift decades of atmospheric carbon, graffiti, lichen, and algae, safely restoring your masonry to its original architectural finish.
Preserving stone facades, historic brickwork, and garden walling requires architectural knowledge, regulated thermal equipment, and balanced chemical selection. Professional masonry restoration enhances your property’s value while protecting your structural walls against moisture degradation.
Porous bricks and soft stones absorb moisture held against them by moss, lichen, and heavy atmospheric soot. During winter freeze-thaw cycles, trapped water expands inside the masonry, causing brick faces to pop off (spall) and mortar joints to crumble. Deep cleaning removes moisture-retaining layers to protect the structural masonry unit.
Decades of vehicle exhaust, carbon deposits, and dark fungal growth leave brickwork looking tired, dark, and neglected. Gentle thermal steam cleaning strips away heavy black crusts to reveal the vibrant red, yellow, or terracotta tones of your brickwork and the true natural grain of your stone, instantly elevating property aesthetics.
Removing spray paint, old masonry coatings, or bitumen from stone without destroying the delicate surface face is a complex task. Our combination of specialized soft-wash strippers and low-pressure steam dissolves synthetic binders, allowing paint to be gently washed away without etching or scarring the masonry substrate.
Invasive organisms like black spot lichen and moss produce organic acids that slowly dissolve mineral binders inside natural stone and lime mortar. Our specialized biocidal treatments penetrate deep into masonry pores to destroy root structures completely, guaranteeing a clean finish that lasts far longer than water washing alone.
Historic properties built with lime mortar, soft red rubbers, or delicate limestone require an exceptionally gentle cleaning touch. By utilizing low-pressure superheated steam (up to 150°C), we achieve deep sanitization and stain removal without relying on harsh high pressure or aggressive chemicals that violate heritage care guidelines.
Following deep cleaning, we offer modern breathable masonry protection treatments. These advanced hydrophobic sealers create an invisible barrier that repels water droplets and oil while allowing the building to breathe naturally, preventing future damp issues and keeping your masonry clean for years.
Drag each slider to compare the surface before treatment with the finished result on homes and businesses across Surrey.
Watch how the GES team restores render, patios, roofs and driveways on properties in Epsom, Banstead, Surbiton, Esher and across Surrey and the South East.
Careful preparation and the right method for the surface, every time.
Commercial equipment and treatments that deliver visible improvement.
Edges, joints and finishing touches that reflect the GES standard.
From Epsom and Ewell to Cheam, Banstead and Kingston upon Thames, GES has built its reputation one property at a time — through careful workmanship, clear communication and results customers are happy to recommend.
Based in Stoneleigh near Epsom, we provide brickwork and render cleaning throughout Surrey — including Sutton, Cheam, Kingston, Leatherhead, Reigate and Guildford — as well as South West London and the wider South East. If your property is nearby but not listed, get in touch — we’ll happily confirm whether we cover you.
Speak to Mike and the GES team to arrange your free site survey anywhere in Surrey — from Epsom and Stoneleigh to Wimbledon and Guildford. We’ll recommend the right approach for your surfaces and provide a clear, no-obligation quote.
Free site survey. Clear pricing. No obligation.
No obligation. We only use your details to prepare your quote.
