HERITAGE STONE CLEANING & MASONRY RESTORATION
Neath Port Talbot Council - Tai Bach Library, Port Talbot, SA13
Client's Challenge
The front elevation of Tai Bach Library had become visually degraded due to long-term moss growth, atmospheric soiling and general environmental contamination. As a prominent public building within Neath Town Centre, the condition of the façade was impacting both civic presentation and the surrounding streetscape.
In addition to appearance, the Council required the cleaning works to support long-term asset protection. Areas of loose or failing lime mortar pointing were suspected, and these needed to be exposed and identified so that future repairs could be planned before water ingress and structural deterioration occurred.
The works needed to be delivered using a heritage-appropriate method that would protect dressed stone and decorative sandstone features, while being completed around library opening hours to minimise disruption to staff and the public.
Assessment & Planning
APT ICC carried out a detailed inspection of the library’s frontelevation to assess:
• Stone and sandstone substrate types
• Extent of moss growth and surface contamination
• Sensitivity of architectural detailing
• Condition of existing lime mortar pointing
• Public interface risks in a town-centre environment
A trial clean was agreed to confirm that soda blasting media, operated at low pressure, would deliver effective cleaning without damaging the historic fabric. The trial validated the approach and allowed pressure ranges to be set to safely remove contamination while preserving surface detail.
Planning also focused on sequencing works around library opening hours and maintaining safe, segregated public access throughout delivery.
Methodology
Step 1: Site set-up and public safety controls
Controlled work zones and protective measures were established to ensure safe delivery within a live town-centre environment.
Step 2: Low-pressure soda blasting for stone cleaning
Heritage-safe soda blasting was carried out across masonry, dressed stone and decorative sandstone surfaces using low operating pressure (approximately 2–3 bar). The bicarbonate media gently lifted moss, biological growth and surface
soiling without abrasive damage.
Step 3: Progressive façade cleaning and detailing
Cleaning progressed methodically across the elevation, allowing architectural details to be cleaned evenly while maintaining full control over surface condition and finish quality.
Step 4: Mortar joint exposure and inspection support
As contamination was removed, areas of loose or degraded lime mortar pointing became visible. These areas were identified and recorded to support future repair and conservation planning.
Step 5: Final inspection and presentation check
On completion, the façade was inspected to confirm a consistent, clean finish and ensure the building was returned to a presentable standard suitable for public use.
Site Access & Logistics
Equipment
• Soda blasting system with regulated low-pressure control (2–3 bar)
• Specialist blasting heads for sensitive masonry and detailing
• Containment and protection materials for public-facing areas
Chemicals
• No liquid chemical cleaning agents were required – all cleaning was delivered using controlled soda blasting media
The Results
APT ICC delivered a significant visual improvement to Tai Bach Library’s front elevation, restoring masonry and sandstone surfaces to a brighter, cleaner and more presentable condition.
Key outcomes included:
• Effective removal of moss and surface contamination using a non-abrasive method
• Preservation of historic stone and decorative detailing
• Identification of loose and failing lime mortar joints for future repair planning
• Positive public feedback and improved town-centre appearance
The project met both aesthetic and asset-management objectives, supporting the Council’s long-term approach to heritage building care.
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