Problem Solving Forum
July 6 - July 9, 2021
I need to remove coatings from masonry on a historic-preservation project. What are my options for doing so without damaging the mortar joints?
Selected Answers
From
Tom Schwerdt of Active Transportation Advocates on
July 14, 2021:
I would first look at using pelletized dry ice bla ...read more
I would first look at using pelletized dry ice blasting.
From
Andrew Piedl of Steven Winter Associates, Inc on
July 13, 2021:
I've worked on several projects where chemical str ...read more
I've worked on several projects where chemical strippers were used with success. Damaging the brick or whatever type of masonry (not just the mortar, which can be replaced by repointing) is of equal, if not greater importance. Testing is critical; you may consider referring to NPS Technical Brief 1: https://www.nps.gov/tps/how-to-preserve/briefs/1-cleaning-water-repellent.htm
From
Jon Cavallo of Jon R. Cavallo PE LLC on
July 9, 2021:
Sponge-Jet white (non-aggressive) media has been s ...read more
Sponge-Jet white (non-aggressive) media has been shown to work in this application. I suggest that you contact Sponge-Jet for details and case histories.
From
Tim Greene of S&ME on
July 8, 2021:
Vapor or dry ice blasting
...read more
Vapor or dry ice blasting