CCW Cleaning of the West Porches of St. Albans Abbey

The West Front Porches act as the main entrance and exit points from the Cathedral on ceremonial occasions and services. The West Porches' ancient stonework was damaged and weathered. CCW were asked to reverse the effects and put in preventative measures to protect the West Front in the future.

The damage to the building came from salts and other issues associated with the damp caused by a burst internal down pipe, as well as biological soiling and serious sulphation on the undersides of mouldings and details.

Using ThermaTech equipment leased by Restorative Techniques alongside onsite consultation, CCW were able to carry out the cleaning work to the Abbey successfully. By controlling the method of cleaning, and using stable non-hazardous waste products, the St. Albans was cleaned to high standards and taken back to its beautiful natural ancient stonework.

Clients and the locals loved having the Abbey looking clean and sparkly again! CCW also completed a number of repairs, carvings, and stone replacements, as well as implementing a full lighting scheme which beautifully highlighted the newly clean building.

St Albans Cathedral has received the St Albans Civic Society’s Trevelyan Prize Commendation 2016 for the cleaning and restoration of the Cathedral’s west front. This prestigious award was presented at a special ceremony held on 11th October, 2016. Cliveden Conservation and Richard Griffiths Architects were recognised as part of the award for their exceptional conservation and restoration work on the project.