Removing Dirt Build-Up From Slate Shingles

Technical Procedures Disclaimer

Prior to inclusion in GSA’s library of procedures, documents are reviewed by one or more qualified preservation specialists for general consistency with the Secretary of Interior Standards for rehabilitating historic buildings as understood at the time the procedure is added to the library. All specifications require project-specific editing and professional judgement regarding the applicability of a procedure to a particular building, project or location. References to products and suppliers are to serve as a general guideline and do not constitute a federal endorsement or determination that a product or method is the best or most current alternative, remains available, or is compliant with current environmental regulations and safety standards. The library of procedures is intended to serve as a resource, not a substitute, for specification development by a qualified preservation professional.

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We’ve reviewed these procedures for general consistency with federal standards for rehabilitating historic buildings and provide them only as a reference. Specifications should only be applied under the guidance of a qualified preservation professional who can assess the applicability of a procedure to a particular building, project or location. References to products and suppliers serve as general guidelines and do not constitute a federal endorsement nor a determination that a product or method is the best alternative or compliant with current environmental regulations and safety standards.

PART 1---GENERAL

1.01 SUMMARY

A. This procedure includes guidance on removing surface dirt from slate shingles.

B. See 01100-07-S for general project guidelines to be reviewed along with this procedure. These guidelines cover the following sections:

  1. Safety Precautions
  2. Historic Structures Precautions
  3. Submittals
  4. Quality Assurance
  5. Delivery, Storage and Handling
  6. Project/Site Conditions
  7. Sequencing and Scheduling
  8. General Protection (Surface and Surrounding) These guidelines should be reviewed prior to performing this procedure and should be followed, when applicable, along with recommendations from the Regional Historic Preservation Officer (RHPO).

PART 2---PRODUCTS

2.01 MATERIALS

NOTE: Chemical products are sometimes sold under a common name. This usually means that the substance is not as pure as the same chemical sold under its chemical name. The grade of purity of common name substances, however, is usually adequate for stain removal work, and these products should be purchased when available, as they tend to be less expensive. Common names are indicated below by an asterisk (*).

A. For Light Dirt:

  1. Murphy's oil soap

B. For Heavy Dirt Build-up and Staining:

  1. Oxalic Acid (COOH)2 or (H2C2O4):
    • A poisonous strong acid that occurs in various plants as oxalates and is used especially as a bleaching or cleaning agent and in making dyes.
    • Other chemical or common names include Ethanedioic acid.
    • Potential Hazards: TOXIC; CORROSIVE TO CONCRETE, STEEL, WOOD OR GLASS.
    • Available from chemical supply house, dry cleaning supply distributor, drugstore or pharmaceutical supply distributor, hardware store, or photographic supply distributor (not camera shop). (Often sold under a manufacturer's brand name; the chemical name may appear on the label.)
  2. -OR-

  3. Muriatic Acid (generally available in 18 degree and 20 degree Baume solutions):
    • a. A strong corrosive irritating acid.
    • Other chemical or common names include Chlorhydric acid; Hydrochloric acid (30-35%); Hydrogen chloride; Marine acid*; Spirit of salt*; Spirit of sea salt*.
    • Potential Hazards: TOXIC, CORROSIVE TO FLESH; CORROSIVE TO CONCRETE, STEEL, WOOD OR GLASS, FLAMMABLE.
    • Available from chemical supply house, drugstore or pharmaceutical supply distributor, or hardware store.

C. Clean, potable water

2.02 EQUIPMENT

A. Clean, soft cloths

B. Stiff bristle brush

PART 3---EXECUTION

3.01 ERECTION, INSTALLATION, APPLICATION

A. For Light Dirt:

  1. Apply Murphy's oil soap to the slate and rub with a clean, soft cloth.
  2. Thoroughly rinse the slate with clean, clear water and allow to dry.

B. For Heavy Dirt Build-up and Staining:

  1. Mix oxalic acid with water using proportions recommended by manufacturer. -OR- Mix 1 part muriatic acid with 3 parts water. CAUTION: ALWAYS WEAR RUBBER GLOVES AND SAFETY GLASSES WHEN WORKING WITH ACID; ALWAYS POUR ACID INTO WATER (NEVER THE REVERSE); KEEP A PAIL OF WATER HANDY TO QUICKLY NEUTRALIZE ANY DAMAGE CAUSED BY SPILLAGE.
  2. Apply the cleaning solution to the slate and rub with a clean, soft cloth. Use a stiff bristle brush to aid in dirt removal.
  3. Thoroughly rinse the slate with clean, clear water and allow to dry.
  4. Repeat as necessary to achieve the desired level of cleanliness.