Heritage restoration and adaptive reuse projects are on the rise across all Australian capital cities. In Sydney alone, an estimated $100 million worth of heritage property exchanged hands in 2018. With heritage restoration and adaptive reuse now in vogue, a critical look at outdated surface restoration methods is needed, especially pertaining to the risks such methods pose to the health of contractors and occupants, the environment and the heritage buildings themselves.

Balancing health and heritage: The safe method in heritage surface restoration and conservation provides a summary of the rise of heritage restoration and adaptive reuse projects in Australia and a critical examination of the risks inherent to traditional methods of surface restoration such as grinding, blasting, burning and sanding and their impact on public health, safety, and the environment. The risk of damage to the structure and appearance of heritage buildings from abrasive restoration methods is also briefly discussed. The “poultice method” is presented as a viable, safe solution that supports core sustainability principles.

For more than 25 years, Peel Away has led the Australian market in safe, efficient paint removal solutions. Proudly Australian-owned and operated, Peel Away offers a complete, innovative and easy to use system for surface restoration that does away with harmful solvents and provides full containment of hazardous particles such as lead and asbestos. Peel Away is preferred by designers and construction professionals across a range of industry sectors. Peel Away products are patented and manufactured to exacting Australian standards.

Download this whitepaper to understand the risks associated with traditional surface restoration methods and the alternative method that can help you maximise the benefits of heritage restoration.

Architecture & Design Team

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