Specialist cleaning and conservation-led surface restoration of historic and heritage buildings
to safely preserve original materials and appearance.
• Preserves the character and appearance of historic buildings
• Removes harmful dirt, staining, pollution, and biological growth
• Helps prevent long-term deterioration caused by surface build-up
• Improves presentation while respecting conservation requirements
• Suitable for listed, sensitive, and culturally significant structures
UK-Based Specialists in Building & Heritage Restoration
APT ICC provides specialist building and heritage restoration cleaning services across England and Wales, working with conservation bodies, heritage organisations, local authorities, museums, and private estate owners. Our focus is on cleaning and surface restoration only, helping to preserve historic buildings by removing damaging contamination while leaving original materials intact.
This service is often referred to as heritage cleaning, conservation cleaning, historic building cleaning, or façade restoration cleaning. While the terminology varies, the purpose remains the same: to carefully clean and conserve historic surfaces without carrying out repairs or altering the fabric of the building. Every project is approached with a strong understanding of conservation principles and the importance of minimal intervention.
APT ICC works on a wide range of heritage and historic structures, including churches, castles, museums, historic hotels, former industrial buildings, and listed commercial properties. We clean surfaces such as brickwork, stone, limestone, sandstone, concrete, timber, and decorative masonry. Each building is fully assessed before work begins to ensure the most appropriate and least invasive cleaning method is selected.
Building and heritage restoration cleaning is commonly required to address pollution staining, algae and biological growth, soot, historic grime, and the effects of long-term weathering. Depending on the surface and condition, methods may include gentle chemical cleaning, super heated steam (DOFF) cleaning, soft washing, soda blasting, or other controlled low-impact techniques. All methods are chosen to protect original materials and comply with conservation expectations.
With over 35 years of experience, APT ICC is trusted to carry out sensitive heritage cleaning works on nationally and locally important buildings. Recent projects include conservation cleaning at Burleigh Church in Wales, surface restoration of brick and stonework at the former Corus Steel Works General Offices in Ebbw Vale, heritage cleaning at the Talbot Hotel on the Fitzwilliam Malton Estate in Yorkshire, specialist works for CADW at Newport Castle and Blaenavon Iron Works, cleaning at Tenby Lifeboat House, and conservation cleaning at St Fagans National Museum of History. All works are delivered under strict health, safety, and environmental controls, ensuring careful, conservation-led results across England and Wales.
“I would like to express my sincere thanks to APT for the excellent job they carried out at Tai Bach. The project was a much needed one and now that it is completed it has really helped to improve the look of the town. We have received many good comments from the public which is always a good sign.”
Kevin Hiller - Property Surveyor, Neath & Port Talbot Council
“We employed the services of APT to renovate a Grade 2 Listed Building. Under the directive of Cadw we were not allowed to use any wet process or chemicals within the interior of the building. APT used Soda Blasting on sandstone, brick, ceramic glazed tiles, metal work, paintwork on ceilings, coving, woodwork and ornate fixtures.
It was a great achievement to have one system for all the surfaces that needed cleaning and restoring and one that also ticked all the boxes of the environmental and conservation officers. The process saved us both time & money in being able to have just one company on site. We are very grateful to APT for their hard work on this project.”
Tim Luke - Gee Construction
“I would like to thank APT-ICC for their excellent work and assistance on the Barclays Bank project. They delivered the scheme and additional works on time and without issue thanks to Andrew and his team for all your extra effort, long hours and commitment. I look forward to using them on future renovations.”
Graham Lowe - Project Manager, Overbury Plc
“We have been receiving an overwhelming number of positive comments about the war memorial cleaning. Yesterday, during the small ceremony at the Penrallt column on the 1st World War anniversary, many expressed their appreciation for how splendid the memorial looks after the cleaning. We anticipate sharing photos on the internet page later this week. Additionally, we have shared your details with another person who serves as the clerk to two other local councils. Thank you once again for the exceptional work.”
Janice Davies - Gwynedd Council
Building and heritage restoration cleaning focuses on carefully removing dirt, staining, and pollution from historic buildings without damaging original materials. The aim is to preserve appearance and surface integrity, not to repair or alter the structure.
Yes, when the correct methods are used. Heritage cleaning uses low-impact, controlled techniques chosen specifically for the surface and condition of the building. Assessment is essential to avoid damage to sensitive or historic materials.
Heritage restoration cleaning is more controlled and conservation-led. Standard building cleaning focuses on appearance and hygiene, while heritage work prioritises preservation of original materials and minimal intervention.
In many cases, yes. Work is often planned around site activity to reduce disruption, especially in public or operational buildings. The approach depends on access, foot traffic, and the sensitivity of the structure.
Small, low-risk areas may be manageable internally. Larger façades, delicate surfaces, or listed structures usually require specialist experience and equipment. Incorrect cleaning methods can cause permanent damage.
Heritage cleaning is commonly used to remove pollution staining, algae, moss, soot, and long-term environmental build-up. Removing these contaminants helps slow further surface deterioration while improving appearance.
APT ICC provides building and heritage restoration cleaning across England and Wales. We work on sensitive, high-profile, and historically important buildings, and can also advise on suitable professional cleaning chemicals where full restoration services are not required.
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