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Handling
Limestone On-Site:
The quality control procedures of the Irish
Limestone Producers are designed to give the client a premium product that is free from
defects such as surface marks or discoloration, damaged edges and scratches or scores. The
material is dispatched from the works carefully secured to pallets or 'A' frames with
padding or packing as appropriate.
Many of the apparent flaws result from failure to observe the correct handling
procedures once the limestone has been delivered to the site and the cost of replacing
custom components is substantial.
General Protection
Palletized ashlar or components should be left in position and transported to the correct
location using fork lifts or cranes and web slings. Chains, hooks and wire straps should
be avoided where possible. Web slings should be used for any lifting when breaking down
pallets or 'A' frames. The use of crowbars or other steel tools to separate limestone
components or slabs should be avoided. A designated storage area should be available for
limestone deliveries. Oil, grease, paint, cement slurry or liquid agents liable to cause
staining should not be used in proximity to the storage area.
Protection of finished work:
Ashlar and Cladding.
Exposed limestone surfaces, particularly arrises and decorative features, should be
protected until the work is complete. Timber batons or strips should be used to reinforce
exposed edges and provide fixing points for polythene and or hessian sheeting. The former
is preferable where there is a risk of rain, snow, frost or liquid spillage onto the
limestone.
Suitable packing should be used to prevent scaffolding
damaging erected units. Rust staining from steel scaffolding is a frequently encountered
problem and all putlog holes should be blocked off to prevent contaminated rainwater being
blown onto the stone.
Protection of finished work: Flooring.
During the installation, access to the working area should be restricted to the flooring
operatives. Cement based adhesives and grouts should be wiped off the surface as the work
proceeds and must not be allowed to dry. Ample supplies of clean water must be available
for this purpose. Once the flooring is completed, it should be protected from overhead or
adjacent work by loose laid boards and polythene sheeting. Oil, paint, wet cement, and wet
plaster will cause surface damage to unprotected limestone flooring.
Cleaning and Maintenance of Irish Blue Limestone.
To preserve the texture and colour of the Irish Blue Limestone, it is recommended that the
exposed surfaces of cladding and ashlar are cleaned every 5 to 10 years. Washing down with
clean water and scrubbing where necessary using a bristle brush will usually be sufficient
to remove atmospheric pollutants that are conducive to decay.
The British Standard BS 6270 Part 1 1982: Code of Practice
for Cleaning and Surface Repair of Buildings should be consulted if contamination is
considered sufficient to justify the use of Water Spray, High Pressure Water Lance or
Steam Cleaning. Incorrect choice or inappropriate use of these techniques may result in
surface damage or discoloration.
Alkaline chemical cleaners, which are often based on sodium
hydroxide or potassium hydroxide, should only be considered for use in exceptional
circumstances such as the removal of graffiti. There is a risk of discoloration from these
materials.
WARNING
Acid-based cleaners and cement removers will cause irreparable damage to the surface
finish and structure of the Irish Blue Limestone and must not be used. |
