Village Squire, 1980-10, Page 17Chemical cleaning can have a corrosive effect on paint or
glass, and the portions of building elements most vulnerable to
deterioration may not be visible. such as embedded ends of iron
window bars. Some types of masonry, such as marble and
limestone, are dissolved easily by acidic cleaners, even in dilute
forms. The colour of the masonry may be changed by the
chemicals, not by the removal of dirt; the cleaner also may leave
a hazy residue in spite of heavy rinsing.
Older brick buildings are particularly susceptible to damage
from hydrochloric acid. although unfortunately it is widely used
on these structures.
All types of cleaning methods injure our buildings, but
sandblasting is the most corrosive, while the other two types can,
under strictly controlled conditions, create a minimum amount of
damage.
WHY CLEAN?
The reasons for cleaning any building should be carefully
considered before arriving at a decision. Is cleaning desired to
improve the appearance of a building or to make it look new? The
"dirt" actually may be weathered masonry, not accumulated
deposits; if cleaned, a portion of the masonry itself will be
removed. Is there any evidence that dirt and pollutants are
having a harmful effect on the masonry? Improper cleaning can
accelerate the deteriorating effect of pollutants.
The source of dirt on a building must be considered in order to
remove it most effectively and in the least harmful manner. Full
evaluation of the type of dirt and its effect on the building may
require one or several kinds of expertise: building conservators,
geologists, chemists and preservation architects. Local sources
would include a LACAC (Local Architectural Conservation
Advisory Committee) group.
BEFORE YOU
GET ALL TIED UP
In the Christmas rush, select your
gilts at leisure now while our new
shipment of merchandise Is
complete.
Distinctive and
Exclusive Gifts
Take advantage of our Christmas
lay -away plan.
SEAFORTH
JEWELLERS
Main St., Seaforth
Phone 527-0270
In Huron County there is no major industry which could cause
a great deal of corrosive damage to older structures. We are a
farming community, and by all accounts the masonry of our
commercial and residential buildings is in mint condition. It is
the wood portions of our buildings -eaves, windowsills, rooves,
doorways -which we must maintain and protect; the masonry will
look after itself for many more years.
EDUCATING THE EXPERTS
Unfortunately, Canadian schools of architecture have yet to
be awakened to the need for training architecture students in
preservation techniques or the recycling possibilities of older
structures. It becomes a case of the blind leading the blind -we,
the uninformed public, are advised by "experts", who know
nothing about preservation, to sandblast, rip out, or tear down to
our hearts' content what was a structurally sound or clean
edifice. The term used by conservationist Martin Weaver for
such useless destruction in our cities and towns is "urban
vandalism," a highly appropriate phrase.
It is a sad commentary on our times that the only older
structures consistently maintained in our municipalities are
funeral homes.
If you have considered sandblasting your home or commercial
building, contact someone knowledgeable in the field of
preservation. Your decision will permanently affect the future of
that structure. The construction of the building, the effect of the
environment, the time of year, and the methods of cleaning
should be carefully considered. A hasty decision could cause
incalculable damage and great expense to a well-meaning
owner.
So the next time you drive by a sandblasted building with its
beautiful facelift, stop and take a closer look! New wrinkles may
already be appearing.
• Bath & Kitchen Boutique
• Gourmet Section Filled with
Gadgets and Cookware
• Fine Porcelain Dinnerware by
Goebel
• Imported Glass and Crystal
• Table Linens
A Unique Line of
GIFTS AND ACCESSORIES
for your home
Bridal Registry
420 Main St.
EXETER, ONT.
Phone 235-1252
M ary Jane Taylor
The Tree Trunk
•New & used
furniture
•Antiques
•Collectables
Tom & Dawn Papple
STORE HOME
527-0514 527-0940
5 Main St.,
Seaforth
(formerly Crich's)
VILLAGE SQUIRE/OCTOBER 1980 PG. 15