ASTM C1515-01
(Guide)Standard Guide for Cleaning of Exterior Dimension Stone, Vertical And Horizontal Surfaces, New or Existing
Standard Guide for Cleaning of Exterior Dimension Stone, Vertical And Horizontal Surfaces, New or Existing
SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
Dimension stone is chosen for use in contemporary architecture in part because of its aesthetic appeal. Aesthetics can be significantly diminished when dirt, grime, fly ash, algae and other contaminants collect on the surface of stone.
This guide is intended to assist those who wish to preserve the original appearance of a new structure or to return a stone-clad building to its original color and appearance.
4.2.1 Note that cleaning may not be able to return discolored or faded stone to its original appearance.
This guide may be used as a construction document.
SCOPE
1.1 This guide describes materials and procedures which may be used to clean dimension stone exteriors as well as the conditions under which they may be used. It is intended to aid owners, maintenance supervisors and building managers, architects and engineers, and contractors clean vertical exterior dimension stone on commercial, residential and institutional structures. This guide may also be helpful to those who wish to clean stone masonry on bridges, retaining walls, ramps, and plazas, and free-standing stone objects such as statuary, memorials and grave markers.
1.2 This guide relates primarily, to routine maintenance of the surface finish of exterior dimension stone. The techniques noted herein may not be appropriate or cost effective with regard to restoration of disfigured, severely soiled or stained stonework, or of stonework of particular historic importance. In cases where staining occurs on surfaces which have cultural, civic, historic or architectural significance, consultation with a specialist is recommended.
1.3 The user of this guide must also obtain and have on file at both the job site and the office Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) describing the nature of all chemical products utilized during the cleaning process.
1.4 A file of literature from the manufacturers of all products involved within the scope of each project should be available for reference.
1.5 These procedures are not intended for interior stonework.
1.6 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety and health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory requirements prior to use.
General Information
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Standards Content (Sample)
NOTICE: This standard has either been superseded and replaced by a new version or withdrawn.
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Designation:C1515–01
Standard Guide for
Cleaning of Exterior Dimension Stone, Vertical And
Horizontal Surfaces, New or Existing
This standard is issued under the fixed designation C1515; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year of
original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision. A number in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval. A
superscript epsilon (´) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
1. Scope C503 Specification for Marble Dimension Stone
C568 Specification for Limestone Dimension Stone
1.1 This guide describes materials and procedures which
C615 Specification for Granite Dimension Stone
may be used to clean dimension stone exteriors as well as the
C616 Specification for Quartz-Based Dimension Stone
conditions under which they may be used. It is intended to aid
C629 Specification for Slate Dimension Stone
owners, maintenance supervisors and building managers, ar-
chitects and engineers, and contractors clean vertical exterior
3. Terminology
dimension stone on commercial, residential and institutional
3.1 This guide uses the term “qualified contractor,” defined
structures.This guide may also be helpful to those who wish to
as a person, persons or organizations having expertise in stone
clean stone masonry on bridges, retaining walls, ramps, and
cleaning, proved by documented projects demonstrating suc-
plazas, and free-standing stone objects such as statuary, me-
cessful work, consistency in business or consultancy for a
morials and grave markers.
period of five or more years.
1.2 This guide relates primarily, to routine maintenance of
the surface finish of exterior dimension stone. The techniques
4. Significance and Use
noted herein may not be appropriate or cost effective with
4.1 Dimension stone is chosen for use in contemporary
regard to restoration of disfigured, severely soiled or stained
architecture in part because of its aesthetic appeal. Aesthetics
stonework, or of stonework of particular historic importance.
can be significantly diminished when dirt, grime, fly ash, algae
Incaseswherestainingoccursonsurfaceswhichhavecultural,
and other contaminants collect on the surface of stone.
civic, historic or architectural significance, consultation with a
4.2 This guide is intended to assist those who wish to
specialist is recommended.
preserve the original appearance of a new structure or to return
1.3 The user of this guide must also obtain and have on file
a stone-clad building to its original color and appearance.
at both the job site and the office Material Safety Data Sheets
4.2.1 Notethatcleaningmaynotbeabletoreturndiscolored
(MSDS) describing the nature of all chemical products utilized
or faded stone to its original appearance.
during the cleaning process.
4.3 This guide may be used as a construction document.
1.4 A file of literature from the manufacturers of all prod-
ucts involved within the scope of each project should be
5. Description
available for reference.
5.1 “ExteriorDimensionStone”isageneraltermforastone
1.5 These procedures are not intended for interior stone-
installed in a location where temperature, moisture and wind-
work.
carried contaminants are regulated solely or primarily by the
1.6 This standard does not purport to address all of the
forces of nature.
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
6. General Information
priate safety and health practices and determine the applica-
6.1 Exterior stone is used in honed, textured, or polished
bility of regulatory requirements prior to use.
finishes in many modes in exterior environments. However,
trade experience discourages the use of a polished finish
2. Referenced Documents
2 marble or limestone on exterior applications due to suscepti-
2.1 ASTM Standards:
bility to damage by acids in rain or snow, and by wind-driven
C119 Terminology Relating to Dimension Stone
dirt particles.
6.2 The use of dark colored marbles and limestones for
This guide is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee C18 on Dimension
exteriors is discouraged because fading in direct sunlight has
Stone and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee C18.07 on Environmental
beenexperienced.Discoloredorfadedstonemaynotbeableto
Properties, Behavior, and Cleaning.
be returned to its original color by cleaning.
Current edition approved Dec 10, 2001. Published March 2002. DOI: 10.1520/
C1515-01.
Annual Book of ASTM Standards, Vol 04.07.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959, United States.
C1515–01
6.3 Only marbles with an “A” Soundness Classification 8.1.2.1 CAUTION:Donotusebleach,acid,orstrongalkali
should be used for exterior installations. An exception is solutions on marble or limestone because colors may be
travertinemarble(“C”SoundnessClassification)whichmaybe lightened and the surface etched.
installed with its natural voids either filled or unfilled. 8.1.2.2 Select a cleaning agent which suits the nature of the
6.4 Stoneinstalledinamortarbedshouldbeallowedtocure stone.
properly. Do not apply surface treatments to stone set horizon-
9. Honed Dimension Stone
tally in a mortar bed for at least four weeks following
9.1 A honed finish is a satin smooth surface with relatively
installation.
6.5 Carefully identify all wet pedestrian areas with barri- little light reflection.
9.1.1 Normal maintenance of a honed finish involves as-
cades, “danger” signs or bright red or orange-colored “danger”
pylons. needed washing with clean, potable water and neutral (pH7),
mildly abrasive cleaners.
7. Normal Maintenance
9.1.2 Surfaces should be first wetted with hot, clean water.
7.1 In accessible areas, routinely follow maintenance pro- Then, using a mildly abrasive, alkaline cleaner and a medium
cedures as specified for Polished Stone, Honed Stone or bristlebrush,washinoverlapping,swirlingstrokes.Workfrom
Textured Finish Stone as applicable. The large expanses of top down or follow manufacturer’s directions if different.
stone traditionally found on exterior multi-story installations 9.1.3 Rinse thoroughly then wipe dry with cotton, cotton
shouldbecleanedasoftenasnecessarytoremoveaccumulated flannel, or a chamois. Wipe carefully to avoid streaking. Or,
pollutants. allow to air-dry.
7.1.1 A practice as simple as a hosing down with potable 9.1.4 If further cleaning is needed, make a paste to the
water on a regular basis will prevent accumulation of dust and consistency of thick syrup by combining a mildly abrasive
acidic deposits left by rain or snow. alkaline cleaning powder and clean, potable water. Apply the
7.1.2 Thecleaningofstoneshouldbedoneonlybyqualified paste uniformly over the surface with a broad brush and allow
contractors who have the craftsmen, equipment, resources, and
to stand until dry. Then, use a medium bristle brush with
technical expertise to do the work, as well as make any repair, additional water and scrub vigorously. (More cleaning powder
resetting, or repointing that may be necessary.
may be applied at this point.) Rinse thoroughly and dry as
7.1.3 Generally, the processes used in multi-story cleaning described above. Follow manufacturer’s directions.
will be similar to normal procedures, except that pumps for
9.1.4.1 See 11.1 and 11.2 for poultice information.
pressure wash, or steam and rinse water may be employed to 9.1.5 CAUTION: Do not use bleach, acid, or strong alkali
economize on the amount of time necessary to the work.
solutions on marble or limestone because colors may be
7.1.4 Consult material suppliers and qualified contractors to lightened and the surface etched.
obtain their recommendations for maintenance, materials or
9.1.5.1 Select a cleaning agent which suits the nature of the
repairs. stone.
7.1.5 Always test any cleaning method on a sample area to
10. Textured Finish Dimension Stone
determine its effectiveness.Always refer to the manufacturer’s
instructions. 10.1 Examples of textured finish dimension stone include
Thermal Finish Granite, Thermal Finish Limestone, Unfilled
7.1.6 Always try the least aggressive cleaning media (po-
table water) first. Travertine, Rock Face, Split Face, Natural Cleft Slate and
NaturalCleftQuartz-Based(Sandstone)Stone.Abrasive,bush-
7.1.7 Evaluate project conditions with regard to required
protection of adjacent properties and public safety. The protec- hammered, and sand-blasted finishes are also included in this
category.
tion needed for cleaning multi-story structures will differ from
that needed for one or two-story buildings. 10.1.1 Regular maintenance becomes difficult if dirt is
allowed to accumulate on the uneven surfaces of these stones.
8. Polished Dimension Stone
If convenient, textured finished stone may be vacuumed clean.
8.1 Polished Stone has a glossy surface that reflects light 10.1.2 Normal maintenance of textured finish stones in-
and emphasizes the color and markings of the material.
volves as-needed washing with clean, potable water and
8.1.1 Normal maintenance involves only periodic washing
neutral (pH7), mildly abrasive cleaners.
with clean, potable water and neutral (pH7) cleaners. “Soap-
10.1.3 Surfacesshouldfirstbewettedwithhot,(notboiling)
less” cleaners are preferred because they minimize streaking
cleanwater.Then,usingamildlyabrasive,alkalinecleanerand
and filming. Abrasive cleaners should be avoided.
a medium bristle brush, wash in overlapping, swirling strokes.
8.1.2 Stone surfaces should first be wetted with clean, hot
Work from top to bottom. Rinse thoroughly with clean water.
(not boiling) water.Then, using the cleaner solution (following 10.1.4 CAUTION: Do not use bleach, acid, or strong alkali
manufacturer’s directions) wash in small, overlapping sweeps
solutions on marble or limestone because colors may be
fromtopdown,orfollowmanufacturer’sdirectionsifdifferent. lightened and the surface etched.
Rinsethoroughlywithclean,potablewatertoremovealltraces
10.1.4.1 Select a cleaning agent that suits the nature of the
of soap or cleaner solution. If rinsing is done by hand, change stone.
the water in the rinse pail frequently. Dry with a soft cloth,
11. Stain Removal
cotton flannel or chamois, wiping carefully to avoid streaks.
The surface may also be allowed to air-dry. 11.1 General Poultice Method:
C1515–01
11.1.1 The General Poultice Method is a special cleaning 12.3 Stains in stone will generally be caused by one of three
procedure for removal of deep-seated, time-set dirt and grime. major category sources: organic materials, metallic materials,
The poultice may be applied to honed or textured stone, and is or oils and greases.
particularly useful on intricate carvings, moldings and other 12.4 As a general rule, begin maintenance with simple
detailing difficult to scrub. The general poultice is essentially a methods and progress to more aggressive treatments as neces-
strong cleaner, applied by way of a holding medium, that sary.
concentrates its effort over a period of time.
13. Removal of Organic Stains
11.1.1.1 A poultice applied to polished finish marble will
13.1 Most organic (carbon-oxygen based) stains require an
dull the surface, requiring repolishing.
oxidizing agent treatment, and will generally respond in
11.1.2 The poultice is used primarily to attack and reduce
varying degrees to hydrogen peroxide or commercial chlorine
heavy deposits of normal soiling, or to remove stains resulting
bleach treatments and poultices. Hydrogen peroxide (H O)in
from the action of moisture on normal soiling.
2 2
a hair-bleaching solution can be used. Chlorine bleaches in
11.1.3 For stains resulting from a known origin, see Section
commercially available strengths as sold for laundry and
12.
household use can be used.
11.2 Preparation and Application of a Poultice:
11.2.1 Mix kaolin or Fuller’s earth with either a common 13.1.1 CAUTION: Do not combine bleach and ammonia.
The combination produces a toxic gas.
laundry bleach or a commercial hair-bleaching solution of
hydrogen peroxide (H O ) to form a paste the consistency of 13.1.2 CAUTION: Do not use a poultice containing bleach,
2 2
acid, or strong alkali solutions on marble or limestone because
peanut butter or cake icing. (For estimating purposes, figure a
consumption rate of one pound of paste per square foot of colors may be lightened and the surface etched.
13.1.3 In the presence of moisture, leaves, bark, bird and
surface.)
11.2.2 Moisten the surface of the stone with the same liquid animal droppings, and foods may cause pinkish-brown stains.
When the sources are removed, normal sun and rain action will
used to make the paste, wetting beyond the extent of the
generally eliminate the stains. Tobacco stains usually respond
stained areas.
in the same manner.
11.2.3 Apply the poultice paste to the stone with a wooden
13.1.4 Urine stains on light-colored stone should be at-
or plastic spatula, insuring a uniform coat about ⁄4-in. thick.
tackedwithastrongchlorine-bleachpoultice,orsprinkledwith
Cover the entire area to be cleaned and somewhat beyond to
a chlorine-bleaching powdered cleanser, dampened, and left
prevent the soil from being forced into the clean stone. Insure
until dry, then washed with clean water. Or, they can be simply
the poultice is in full contact with the stone with no entrapped
rinsed and allowed to bleach in the sun.
air pockets or voids.
13.1.5 Fire and smoke stains, caused by burning wood or
11.2.4 Tape plastic sheeting over the poulticed area to
paper, can be removed with the application of a commercial
prevent quick drying-out and to allow it to act for 48 h.
Fireplace Cleaner, or by washing the stained surface with a
11.2.5 After this standing period, dampen the poultice with
solution of caustic soda (lye: sodium hydroxide) (NaOH).
clean,coolwatertopreventunduedustgeneration.Removethe
poultice with a wood or plastic spatula to avoid scratching. 13.1.6 CAUTION: Caustic soda is corrosive. Care must be
taken to protect skin, eyes, and clothing from burns. If contact
Rinse the cleaned area thoroughly with clean water; blot or
wipe off excess water; allow it to dry. occurs, rinse the contact area with cool, clean water.
11.2.6 When water-spotting has disappeared after complete
14. Removal of Metallic Stains
drying, inspect for remaining soil. A second poultice applica-
14.1 Metallic stains require chemical treatment with a
tion may be necessary.
reduction agent, that is, an agent that will attack the metallic
11.2.7 CAUTION: Do not use a poultice containing addi-
salts and reduce them to soluble, colorless salts which can be
tives (such as bleach or solvent) other than water on dark
rinsed away or drawn out by poultices.
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