Façade Gommage® - Thomann-Hanry

FAÇADE GOMMAGE® IS AN INVENTION OF THOMANN-HANRY®

The dry cleaning technique called “facade abrasion”, using powder and a suction cabin, and then wetting and vacuuming the dust has been patented and has a proprietary brand, as the only and unique technique in the field of facade restoration used in Poland. By cleaning we mean the removal of artificial, harmful layers formed over the years.

FAÇADE GOMMAGE® IS A DRY AND NON-INVASIVE METHOD

The principle of operation is the slow abrasion of layers by specially prepared abrasives (mineral or vegetable powders with a grain size of 50 – 100 microns, in special cases up to 20 microns) administered together with compressed air at low pressure. It is possible to choose the abrasive depending on the strength of the substrate and the thickness of the layers. Façade Gommage® stands out from others by the use of low air pressure used to feed the aggregate, which allows a gradual reduction in the thickness (abrasion) of the layers until they are completely removed. Furthermore, Façade Gommage® is a completely dry method, as the action of the powders is not supported by water. This eliminates from the conservation process the dampness of the facade and the migration of water-soluble salts. The abrasives we use do not contain substances that could penetrate the building and contribute to its destruction. Since the surface remains dry at all times, the risk of seeping water and harmful substances found in surface contaminants is also excluded.

POWDERS USED FOR THE FAÇADE GOMMAGE® PROCESS

They are certified by the National Institute of Hygiene. The powders are completely safe for the cleaned buildings as well as for the people working with them. The size of the powder grains used depends on the type and degree of soiling of the surface to be cleaned. At a constant speed of the injected abrasive, the grains, due to their very low mass, hit the cleaned surface with a force close to zero and, due to the low kinetic energy, remain in the air. Therefore, cleaning is not done by impact but by abrasion.

SELF-PROPELLED CABIN ON BOOM

To carry out the Façade Gommage® process, Thomann-Hanry has constructed professional “suction cabins” on booms that allow for greater processing power.

The suction cabin consists of a platform on which the operator stands and high-performance vacuums that suck dust. The dust collected by the vacuums is immediately wetted by water injection. The suction caused by the pressure presses the cabin against the surface and at the same time sucks in air through the side openings. The boom is movable and can be positioned freely. With a reach of 42 metres, it is long enough for most jobs. In cases where it is not possible to use cabins on hydraulic booms, cable suspended cabins are used.