Heritage masonry repair requires a very different approach from standard brick restoration. Historic buildings like the Pump House are best treated with compatible materials and non-abrasive cleaning methods that protect the original masonry rather than forcing it to perform like modern construction. For this project, our team used low-pressure steam cleaning to gently remove dirt, staining, and biological growth from the brickwork, followed by precise repointing with traditional lime mortar to restore the joints and allow the wall to breathe naturally.
Traditional lime mortar is a key part of proper heritage repointing. Unlike harder modern cement mortars, lime-based mortars are more flexible and vapour-permeable, making them far better suited to historic brick and stone structures. In a coastal environment like Esquimalt, where moisture is a constant factor, lime mortar helps reduce the risk of trapped water, cracking, and spalling, while supporting the long-term health of the masonry.
Steam cleaning is also an important conservation method for heritage brick buildings. Abrasive cleaning can damage soft historic masonry, erode mortar joints, and permanently alter the appearance of older structures. By using a controlled steam cleaning process, we were able to clean the Pump House façade safely and effectively while preserving the building’s original texture, colour, and historic character.