Project Overview
Industry: Historical Restoration
Location: VIC
Types of Laser Used: 100watt
Summary: A major fire severely damaged St. Paul Coptic Orthodox Church in Bendigo, a heritage structure that has served the local community for over 100 years. Due to its historical and religious significance, restoration was the key objective, rather than full reconstruction.
Precision Laser Cleaning, in partnership with Steamatic Australia, was engaged to carry out the fire damage restoration using Netalux laser cleaning technology. The primary challenge was the removal of heavy carbon build-up from interior brick surfaces. Conventional abrasive methods proved either ineffective or too aggressive, requiring a precise, non-destructive solution to preserve the integrity of the heritage materials.
)
){kind=spacer}
The Challenges
Severe Interior Contamination: The fire resulted in extensive carbon deposition throughout the church’s interior, with significant build-up across exposed brick surfaces.
Limitations of Conventional Methods: Abrasive and traditional fire restoration techniques trialled by the insurance builder failed to effectively remove carbon contamination without damaging the substrate
Preservation Requirement: The heritage brickwork required a non-destructive, highly controlled cleaning approach to prevent damage to the underlying substrate.
Escalating Time and Cost Pressures: Failed conventional cleaning trials led to delays and mounting costs, requiring a solution that could rapidly achieve results without further programme impact or financial overrun.
The Solution
Client Assurance Through Trials: PLC conducted a series of localised on-site trials to demonstrate the effectiveness of laser cleaning, providing the client with confidence prior to full-scale implementation following unsuccessful conventional methods.
On-Site Power Solution: PLC supplied a 20kVA generator to address the absence of three-phase power, ensuring uninterrupted project delivery.
Controlled and Safe Work Environment: A defined work zone was established, supported by high-efficiency extraction systems to capture airborne particulates and maintain safe conditions for surrounding personnel.
Cost-Effective Delivery: By eliminating the need for encapsulation and avoiding ineffective traditional methods, PLC delivered a faster, more efficient, and cost-effective solution aligned with project requirements.
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
The Results
Precision laser cleaning successfully achieved full removal of carbon contamination, restoring the brickwork while preserving the heritage fabric. The process delivered consistent results with zero damage to the substrate, where conventional methods had previously failed, and generated no secondary waste or requirement for encapsulation.
The approach improved programme efficiency and cost control while maintaining a safe working environment. The church was restored without the need for reconstruction, enabling the community to return and ensuring the structure is preserved for future generations.
Talk to an Expert Today
Precision Laser Cleaning delivers proven laser solutions that improve inspection results, minimise risk, and help reduce outage time.
Contact Us)