Specialist Beam Cleaning and Restoration in Southampton
Wooden beams are a defining feature in many of Southampton’s historic and character-rich properties. Whether exposed in listed buildings or found in period homes, these beams often require careful cleaning and restoration to remove staining, paint, soot or general wear – without compromising the material beneath.
At Polar Ice, we provide a safe, non-abrasive approach to beam restoration using dry ice blasting. Our methods are suitable for sensitive timbers and surfaces where heritage and structural integrity must be preserved. If you’re looking for professional beam restoration in Southampton, we’re here to help.
Why Choose Polar Ice for Beam Restoration in Southampton?
We’ve worked on projects across the South Coast, from listed cottages and heritage pubs to larger commercial buildings. With an approach approved by conservation officers and heritage consultants, our dry ice blasting technique has become a preferred solution for:
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Removing years of soot, smoke damage, or surface grime
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Cleaning off paint or varnish to reveal original finishes
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Preparing beams for inspection or further conservation
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Reviving the visual impact of exposed timber features
Our Southampton team combines technical expertise with a strong understanding of local heritage standards, offering safe, reliable results with minimal disruption.
How Dry Ice Blasting Works
Dry ice blasting is a gentle yet highly effective cleaning method. It involves propelling solid carbon dioxide (CO₂) pellets at high speed onto the beam surface. Upon contact, the pellets sublimate – changing from solid to gas – lifting away unwanted layers without moisture, residue or abrasion.
Unlike traditional methods like sandblasting or chemical stripping, dry ice blasting:
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Does not damage or erode the wood grain
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Requires no water, solvents or detergents
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Leaves no secondary waste for disposal
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Is ideal for use in occupied properties or sensitive environments
For properties in Southampton where building materials are original or listed, this approach provides peace of mind.
What Can Be Cleaned from Beams?
Our dry ice cleaning technique can effectively remove:
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Soot and smoke damage
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Old paint and varnish layers
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Water staining from leaks or humidity
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General dirt, grime and build-up
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Algae or mould from exposed timber
Every project is unique. We tailor our process depending on the age, condition and finish of the beams in question – always focusing on preserving what matters most.
Heritage and Listed Buildings in Southampton
If your property is listed or falls within a conservation area, any work on structural features – including beams – may require listed building consent. Our team works closely with homeowners, conservation officers and heritage professionals to ensure all restoration work aligns with local planning regulations.
Dry ice blasting is widely recognised as a heritage-friendly technique. It has been used by national bodies such as English Heritage and is regularly specified on projects involving:
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Timber-framed cottages
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Georgian and Victorian buildings
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Historical commercial properties
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Converted barns and chapels
We understand what’s involved in meeting both aesthetic and compliance goals.
Serving Southampton and Surrounding Areas
Our beam restoration services are available throughout Southampton and surrounding areas including:
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Bassett, Portswood and Bitterne
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Ocean Village and the Old Town
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Totton, Eastleigh and Romsey
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New Forest and rural Hampshire properties
Whether you own a city-centre townhouse or a period home in the countryside, we bring precision and care to every job.
Is Listed Building Consent Required?
If your beams are part of a listed structure, you may need permission from your local authority before restoration work can begin. We are happy to provide method statements and technical documents to support applications. We can also liaise directly with heritage consultants if required.
Not sure whether consent is needed? Get in touch. We’ll advise on the best course of action and help you plan accordingly.
