Cleaning and treatment of a cotto and stone floor in Montefalco

In the picturesque town of Montefalco, the company Lineaperta Cooperativa di Servizi has recently completed an intervention of considerable importance: cleaning from algae, lichens and scale, followed by a targeted treatment on a floor in Umbrian cotto and limestone of a prestigious hotel.

Montefalco: Umbrian pearl

Montefalco is a charming town located in the province of Perugia, in the region of Umbria, in the heart of central Italy. Known as “the balcony of Umbria” for its panoramic position offering breathtaking views over the valley of the river Topino, it is renowned for its rich history, vibrant culture, delicious food and wine and the enchanting landscape. It boasts a thousand-year history that has its roots in ancient Roman civilization. However, it is during the Middle Ages when its development takes effect, with the construction of defensive walls and towers surrounding the historic core of the city. During this period, Montefalco was an important commercial and cultural center, known for the production of fine fabrics and for the presence of artists and scholars.

One of the most famous artistic treasures of Montefalco is the church of San Francesco, which houses the famous cycle of frescoes by Beato Angelico, one of the most important masterpieces of Italian Renaissance art. These frescoes, completed between 1450 and 1452, narrate the life of Saint Francis of Assisi and are an unmissable point of interest for visitors to the city. Montefalco is also famous for its food and wine tradition. The region is renowned for the production of Sagrantino di Montefalco DOCG wine, a robust and complex red wine made from the grapes of the Sagrantino grape, autochthonous of the area. This wine is considered one of the best Italian red wines and is often combined with local cuisine, characterized by rustic and tasty dishes such as wild boar meat, pecorino cheese and cold cuts appetizers. Montefalco hosts numerous events and festivals throughout the year, celebrating the culture, history and traditions of the region. Among the most popular events there is the “Grape Harvest Festival”, held in September and celebrates the grape harvest with parades, wine tastings, shows and live music. In addition to its rich cultural and food and wine offer, Montefalco also offers numerous opportunities for outdoor lovers. Visitors can explore the surrounding countryside through hiking or cycling along the many scenic trails that run through vineyards, olive groves and woods. In addition, the proximity to the Natural Park of Mount Subasio offers additional possibilities for excursions and adventures in nature.

First step: removal of organic scale

The first phase of the restoration involved the removal of biological incrustations, including algae and lichens. A careful cleaning with a pressure washer was carried out by the artisans to eliminate the most obvious incrustations. Subsequently, the product ALGANET has been applied, a stain remover that cleans, sanitizes and helps to remove residues of algae, moss and other incrustations of organic origin from the surfaces. After 24 hours, a thorough rinsing phase with the pressure washer completed this part of the process.

Second step: removal of limestone scale and cotto treatment

The targeted cleaning of the limestone incrustations was carried out with attention to the type of surface. Since limestone is more sensitive to acids, it has been carefully covered before the application of the product VIACEM, a strong buffered acid detergent specific to remove cement grouts, efflorescence and limestone incrustations on cotto and terracotta, 50% diluted in water. A single brush equipped with a tynex disc has been used for effective cleaning.

After completing the cleaning, the surface was treated with a dual approach. Initially, the TIM hydro-oil repellent product was applied, designed to protect the cotto from damage caused by water and to preserve the aesthetic and protective characteristics of the treatment, slowing down the natural degradation over time. Subsequently, the PAV05 finish wax was applied, giving the floor additional protection and a refined aesthetic appearance.

The floor, once afflicted by algae and scale, now reveals its authentic beauty thanks to the skill and expertise of the company Lineaperta Cooperativa di Servizi. The intervention has not only restored to the floor its original vitality and shine, but has also implemented preventive measures to ensure its durability.

The use of Marbec products, renowned for their effectiveness in cleaning and protecting surfaces, and the expertise of the Lineaperta artisans in handling sensitive materials have played a key role in transforming a neglected floor into a shining and welcoming surface. The success of this intervention in Montefalco underlines the importance of relying on qualified professionals and using high quality products in the treatment of floors made of natural materials.