DOFF Steam Cleaning for Heritage & Listed Buildings
Safe, compliant stone cleaning that meets Historic Environment Scotland guidance
Trusted by estates teams, FM providers, conservation officers, and local authorities.
Suitable for listed buildings subject to conservation officer approval and method sign-off.
Superheated steam at low pressure. No damage to delicate masonry. Full conservation documentation provided. Trusted by universities, councils, and heritage estates across Scotland.
RAMS, insurance certificates, and conservation documentation provided as standard.
Why DOFF Steam Cleaning for Heritage Stone?
High-pressure washing damages delicate masonry. Chemical cleaners stain porous stone. DOFF is the only method approved for Scotland's listed buildings.
Low Pressure, High Heat
Steam at 150°C but only 1-2 bar pressure. Penetrates stone pores without erosion — unlike pressure washers at 150+ bar.
Safe for sandstone, limestone, and soft Victorian masonry.
Chemical-Free Process
Steam only — no bleach, acids, or solvents that stain light-coloured sandstone or void conservation approvals.
Meets Historic Environment Scotland requirements.
Longer-Lasting Results
Heat kills organic growth at root level. Buildings stay clean 2-3 years vs 12-18 months with pressure washing.
Reduces long-term maintenance costs.
Who Uses DOFF Steam Cleaning?
We work with estates teams, conservation officers, and FM providers managing Scotland's most important buildings.
Universities
Historic sandstone campuses
Churches
Listed religious buildings
Councils
Civic buildings & monuments
Heritage Estates
Conservation properties
Commercial
Listed office buildings
NHS
Historic healthcare sites
War Memorials
Public monuments
Restoration
Conservation projects
University of Glasgow Graffiti Removal
Spray paint graffiti on Category A listed sandstone — removed completely with DOFF steam, zero damage to 150-year-old stonework.
Delivered under conservation oversight with full photographic reporting.
How DOFF Steam Cleaning Works
The technical process behind heritage-safe stone cleaning.
Suitable Surfaces
Removes
DOFF Steam Cleaning vs High-Pressure Washing
Understanding the critical differences between DOFF and pressure washing for heritage buildings and delicate stonework.
DOFF Steam Cleaning
- Low Pressure (1-2 bar)
Won't erode soft stone or damage mortar joints
- Superheated Steam (150°C)
Penetrates pores to lift contaminants from within stone structure
- No Chemicals Required
Steam only - won't stain or discolor porous masonry
- Meets HES Conservation Standards
Compliant with Historic Environment Scotland guidance for listed buildings
- Safe for All Heritage Stone
Sandstone, limestone, granite, marble - all safe
- Long-Lasting Results
Heat kills organic growth at root level - stays clean longer
- Protects Building Insurance
Using approved methods maintains heritage building coverage
High-Pressure Washing
- Very High Pressure (100-200 bar)
Erodes soft sandstone and damages mortar joints over time
- Drives Water Deep Into Stone
Saturates porous masonry - causes frost damage in winter
- Often Requires Harsh Chemicals
Bleach and acids can stain light-colored sandstone permanently
- Not Approved for Listed Buildings
Breaches conservation requirements - voids listed building consent
- Damages Delicate Features
Destroys carvings, inscriptions, and decorative stonework
- Shorter-Lasting Results
Doesn't kill organic growth - algae and moss return faster
- May Void Heritage Insurance
Using non-approved methods can invalidate building coverage
When to Use Each Method
Use DOFF Steam Cleaning For:
- Any listed building (Grade A, B, C, I, II, II*)
- Sandstone, limestone, and soft stone facades
- Heritage buildings in conservation areas
- Church stonework, monuments, war memorials
- Buildings with decorative carvings or inscriptions
- Graffiti removal on porous stone
- Victorian and Edwardian masonry
- Any delicate or valuable stonework
High-Pressure Washing Suitable For:
- Modern concrete structures
- Car parks and industrial floors
- Hard granite or dense stone (with care)
- Render and modern cladding systems
- Tarmac and paving (non-heritage)
- Non-listed commercial buildings
- Modern brick (not Victorian/heritage brick)
High-pressure washing is not suitable for:
Listed buildings, heritage stone, sandstone, limestone, Victorian masonry, or buildings in conservation areas. Use may breach conservation requirements.
Why Method Selection Matters for Heritage Buildings
Using high-pressure washing on heritage stonework can cause irreversible erosion, blown mortar joints, and damaged carvings. Non-compliant methods may breach listed building consent and affect heritage insurance coverage.
Need Heritage-Approved Stone Cleaning?
Get a conservation-compliant quote within 24 hours. Send us photos of your building for a preliminary assessment.
RAMS, insurance certificates, and conservation documentation provided as standard.
DOFF Steam Cleaning Across Scotland & the UK
We provide heritage-approved DOFF cleaning for listed buildings, universities, churches, and civic properties nationwide.
For high-level heritage facades, we combine DOFF with IRATA rope access. For general stone and masonry, see our jet washing services.
DOFF Steam Cleaning FAQs
Common questions about DOFF cleaning for heritage buildings and listed properties
Ready to Discuss Your Heritage Building?
Get a conservation-compliant quote for your listed building, church, university, or heritage property.
RAMS, insurance, and conservation documentation provided as standard.