At WGL, innovation isn’t a buzzword — it’s a way of working. Over the last two decades, we’ve developed and refined specialist cleaning and restoration techniques to meet the evolving needs of buildings, clients, and the climate. Every method we use is guided by three core aims:
Innovation at WGL starts with close attention to each building’s condition, materials, and context. We regularly trial different acid dilutions, abrasives, and cleaning methods to find the right combination for the job — always favouring the gentlest, most effective approach. Whether we’re restoring delicate historic masonry or tackling heavy carbon staining, our goal is to reveal the building’s character while protecting its integrity.
We no longer use abrasive blast cleaning for most external facades — instead, we rely on specially developed low-impact systems: from ultra-mild acid washes with super-heated steam, to dry blasting inside water cones for dust suppression. We’ve pioneered adaptations for narrow joint raking, developed ways to clean within live prison environments, and use spectral photometers to colour-match mortars with accuracy.
Our attention to detail goes beyond cleaning. We protect vents, pilot lights, and glazing as standard, and our cleaning process is often followed by sealing, biocide application, and repointing where necessary — ensuring lasting results, not just a quick fix.
This commitment to thoughtful innovation is why leading contractors across the North of England trust us to deliver not just clean surfaces, but stronger, longer-lasting buildings.
Our approach is backed by academic research, including work by Dr. Martha Zurakowska (University of the West of Scotland), which demonstrates the long-term structural benefits of masonry cleaning.
Current innovations and methodologies include:
For mortar colour matching
For internal abrasive blasting
A bespoke solution for HM Prisons
For eco-conscious façade cleaning
To protect glazing and building features during works
To reinforce sandstone structures
Vibratory/orbital cutters for precise joint raking
For delicate Portland stonework
For repair and reinforcement
For column and stone reconstruction
We are also at the forefront of fireproofing solutions through:
Enhancing structural fire resistance while maintaining aesthetic standards. This method has proved highly effective for fireproofing in both new and heritage projects.
Intumescent paint is a specialist fire-resistant coating that expands when exposed to high temperatures, forming a protective char layer that insulates steel and slows structural failure in the event of a fire. It’s a vital safety solution — often a legal requirement — for buildings where steelwork is exposed or integral to the frame.
At WGL, we don’t just apply intumescent systems — we prepare the materials with precision to ensure they perform as intended. That starts with abrasive grit blasting to clean and texture the steel to the exact standard the coating system demands. We then apply a certified primer and measured intumescent layers to specification, ensuring full compliance with fire protection requirements.
Our recent work on the old Odeon cinema building in the Bradford city centre is a perfect example. After restoring over 850 historic terracotta tiles on the façade, we were asked to tackle the extensive internal steel frame. We prepared and primed over 3500 m² of steelwork — helping secure the building’s future both structurally and safely.
Whether you’re preparing a property for sale, restoring a listed building, or tackling a complex commercial project, our innovative methods deliver: