Stonehealth, the stone cleaning equipment supplier, has introduced a rosette symbol for its trained stone-cleaning customers to identify them as bone-fide users of Stonehealth products.

Stonehealth, the company that introduced the JOS gentle abrasive cleaning system to the stone industry in the 1980s and subsequently developed it into Torque, and then introduced the DOFF superheated water cleaning system in the 1990s, says that even today cleaning is carried out using grit blasting, inappropriate chemicals and flooding with water, causing irreparable damage to buildings.

The company says that will not happen with contractors who use its products and have been trained to use them to deliver the level of clean required, especially when it is a conservation clean. Those companies can now be identified by the Stonehealth Rosette.

Doff, the latest version of which is the Integra, operates at 150ºC, removing most types of paints, bitumen and biological growth. Because it cleans off moss and algae there is no need to use potentially polluting biocides. And experience has shown that the spores are killed off and re-growth does not take place for at least as long (if not longer) than with a biocide.

Stonehealth systems have a valued reputation with architects and conservators, which is why they are specified. But it is not unknown for less reputable companies to claim to have Stonehealth systems when they don’t. Some even fraudulently claim to be on Stonehealth’s Approved List of Contractors, says the company.

The Stonehealth Rosette should remove any doubt. It will be available only to Stonehealth customers and will ensure that the contractor is using genuine Stonehealth equipment and has been trained to use it properly so the work meets a prescribed standard.

Stonehealth points out that it does not receive any royalties or commissions from contractors for referrals. But it considers it has a responsibility for passing on enquiries only to genuine contractors who will carry out work in the prescribed manner.

In discussion with architects, other specifiers and contractors, Stonehealth was encouraged to tighten up the criteria for eligibility on to its Approved List of Contractors and the idea of the rosette was developed and has been enthusiastically supported.

For the Rosette to be awarded, contractors will be required to inspect and service each machine at least once every year. Contractors will be required to use only genuine Stonehealth parts and materials and will have to agree that operators are correctly trained by Stonehealth in the use of the systems. The operators will also have to undergo a review at least once every two years to ensure they have not developed any bad habits.

Stonehealth warns that legal action will be taken against any company that fraudulently claims to use Stonehealth DOFF or TORC systems or the Rosette.