Exterior 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.

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.

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 in cleaning 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 should 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 guide offers an organized collection of information or a series of options and does not recommend a specific course of action. This document cannot replace education or experience and should be used in conjunction with professional judgment. Not all aspects of this guide may be applicable in all circumstances. This ASTM standard is not intended to represent or replace the standard of care by which the adequacy of a given professional service must be judged, nor should this document be applied without consideration of a project’s many unique aspects. The word “Standard” in the title of this document means only that the document has been approved through the ASTM consensus process.

1.7 The values stated in inch-pound units are to be regarded as standard. The values given in parentheses are mathematical conversions to SI units that are provided for information only and are not considered standard.

1.8 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.