How to clean stone wall of an old church?

MARI2

Could the 1. E xterior be washed & made ivory colour again?? 2. Could the terrible drak brown grout / cement be removed on the inside? Seem like this was done much later and not part of the original installation. 

I am going to use the space for a little shop.

The floors are also badly damaged by termites. 

MitchellMc

Welcome to the Bunnings Workshop community @MARI2. It's wonderful to have you join us, and many thanks for your question about restoring a building.

Restoring the exterior and interior stonework of an old church is a significant project that may require the expertise of professionals who specialise in historic building restorations, as preserving the integrity of the materials and structure is important.

For the exterior, you might be able to restore the stonework to an ivory colour, but it would require careful cleaning. A chlorine-based exterior cleaner or 30 Seconds, combined with a high-pressure water washer, could help remove dirt and grime, but you'll need to be cautious not to damage the stone or grout. It’s essential to test the cleaner on a small, inconspicuous area first to ensure it won’t cause any discolouration or harm. If the stone is particularly old or delicate, it might be wise to consult a restoration expert to avoid any unintentional damage.

The interior grout or cement, which appears to have been added at a later stage, can be removed, but this would be a labour-intensive process. You would need to carefully chip out the existing grout or mortar. This can be challenging, especially in older buildings where the stonework is more fragile. As an alternative, you might want to consider painting the grout to match your desired colour, which could be a less intrusive solution while still achieving a fresh look.

Regarding the floors, which are damaged by termites, it’s essential to first have the entire building inspected for further damage. Any remaining termite infestation should be eradicated to prevent further destruction. Afterwards, you can replace any affected timber, ensuring that the new materials are treated for pest resistance. This process might also involve stabilising the rest of the timber to prevent future issues, and again, a professional may be required to ensure the preservation of the building's structural integrity while restoring the floors.

Please let me know if you have any questions.

Mitchell