Does laser cleaning risk micro-fractures in masonry binders?
- Q-switched 1064 nm above ~1.0 J/cm² induces thermal shock and micro-cracking in lime mortar. LQS pulsing at 0.6–0.9 J/cm² removes contaminants selectively while preserving binder cohesion.
How is efflorescence managed on historic facades?
- Laser ablation removes surface salts without mobilizing deeper residues. Low-fluence synchronized processing avoids water activation of efflorescence common in traditional wet cleaning.
Is laser cleaning practical for large historic facades?
- Portable systems with scanning optics and real-time fluence adjustment enable efficient coverage of extended masonry surfaces. Layer-by-layer ablation ensures uniform safety and speed.
