DBR (London) Ltd

Works consisted of erection of scaffolding externally and internally for roof covering replacement and repairs to the roof structure with the rebuilding of a repaired pinnacle on the Tower. Various stone work and timber repairs on the Nave and Clerestory were also carried out. The renewal of roof coverings with repairs to the roof structure together with plaster work repairs and redecoration to the East and West Aisles was also undertaken. The installation of Lightning protection was also a part of the project.

DBR cleaned the facade, using steam, Nebulous, Jos and poultice systems. Extensive masonsry replacement and indenting using Harry Croft and Cadeby magnesian limestone, Clipsham stone and Caen Stone. A prodigious deal of carved work was replaced including Gothic revival tracery, mullions and cills along with replacement embrasures to castellated parapets. On the other hand, Conservation works were carried out to gargoyles; including micro pinning and sheltercoating. In terms of The Royal Gallery, there was extensive masonry repairs to the internal window tracery followed by the re-stencilling of the decorative surfaces.

The works at the Palace consisted a designed scaffold and temporary roofs, traditional lead and slate roof repairs/replacement; rebuilding of stone parapets, stone replacements, indents and pointing. Other work consisted a quantity of stonework repairs at four locations, the largest area of which was the Garden Screen Wall on the East side of the main courtyard.

The Bath Stone and Kentish Ragstone were heavily soiled with sulphurous deposits. The heavy clinker was removed carefully by masons’ hand tools. This was followed by two passes of steam cleaning and whilst the soiling was softened by steam, the Jos wet vortex cleaning system was used to gently remove the more stubborn deposits. All cleaning work was carried out by DBR’s highly skilled stone cleaners with preparation work undertaken by DBR’s skilled stonemasons. Replacement of eroded bath stone dressings including the spire lucarnes, ashlar stonework, string courses, clock surrounds, gablets and buttresses. The project required a great deal of the stonework installation to be worked to full size templates on site. Lead dressings have also been introduced to the string courses.