+44 7788 821121
Conservation Science Applied To Paving

Why Jet Washing Fails on Lichen & Black Spots

High pressure decapitates top growth while pushing root systems 1.5mm deeper into stone pores. We restore luxury block paving through **hydrated 100°C thermal shock** — zero toxic bleach, zero stone damage.

The Jet Wash Illusion

Most contractors rely on raw water pressure or heavy chemical shortcuts. Here is why the growth returns within months.

Standard Jet Washing

Decapitation, Not Eradication

Crustose lichen (Verrucaria nigrescens) roots 1.0–1.5mm inside stone pores. High-pressure water strips only the top crust, leaving living hyphae behind while pitting the delicate face of your paving blocks.

Sodium Hypochlorite (Bleach)

Toxic & Surface-Level

Chemical bleach disguises spots by whitening them temporarily. It leaves caustic salt deposits inside stone pores, destroys nearby lawn borders, and poses severe hazards to pets and groundwater.

Proprietary Process

The 3-Stage Thermal Shock Method

Built on published stone conservation research. Engineered for long-term purity.

STAGE 01 — ABRADE

Controlled Rotary Clean

A skirted rotary cleaner operating at a calibrated 2,000–2,200 PSI lifts bulk surface debris, weeds, and old kiln sand without pitting or stripping bedding layers.

STAGE 02 — EXPOSE

Cortex Stripping

A targeted open lance removes the lichen's dense outer protective layer (upper cortex). Stripping this shield leaves the living organism beneath vulnerable to heat.

STAGE 03 — KILL

Hydrated Thermal Shock

When pre-saturated with water, lichen loses heat tolerance (dying at >35°C). Boiling water at 100°C penetrates 1.5mm deep, permanently killing root organisms inside stone pores.

Guarantees & Paving Safety

✓ Zero Thermal Stress to Stone

Concrete damage requires temperatures exceeding 220°C to 600°C. Our 100°C application provides maximum organism mortality while sitting safely within a 100% safe threshold for stone integrity.

✓ Pet, Lawn & Drainage Safe

We rely exclusively on kinetic control, pre-saturation, and thermal physics. Zero caustic acids, zero toxic runoff, zero threat to garden borders or household pets.

Request an Estate Assessment

Serving Great Horkesley, Boxted, West Bergholt, Nayland, and North Essex estates. Speak directly with craftsman Lee Miller.

Call +44 7788 821121