Restoration of Old Gaol, Sligo

CLEANING CONTRACTOR: Conservation Solutions

This page documents the cleaning and restoration work performed on the Sligo Gaol.

Sligo Gaol Construction of the County Gaol started in 1818, with completion in 1823. The County Gaol was built to the shape of a polygon with the Govenors house (photo) located in the centre, and cost £30,000 or 38,090 Euro, the contractor for the project was Mr John Lynn. The Sligo County Prison (not open to the public) was officially closed in June 1956, after serving as a prison since 1818, although there were a number of earlier prisons and correctional institutes in various locations around Sligo Town. Brick Repointing The sand and cement pointing was removed using hand tools ensuring that the brickwork is not damaged. After removing the sand & cement to a depth of 2.5 times the width of the joint the brickwork was rinsed using low pressure water to ensure all debris had been removed and repointed using a suitable hydraulic lime based mortar. The Rotec System The brick was cleaned using the Rotec Cleaning System. Some quantities of glass powder combined with low pressure air was used to remove the dirt from the brick. The Rotec unlike conventional mist blasting units is fitted with a flat angled impact nozzle which causes the glass powder to clean the brick in a skimming motion without damaging the surface of the brick. We find this cleaning system to be less aggressive toward the building, cutting down on damage caused by chemicals.

Conservation Solutions Specialising in brick cleaning, stone restoration and graffiti removal http://www.conservationsolutions.ie email: info@conservationsolutions.ie

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