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March 22, 2024Damp Facade: Why Do Mold and Algae Appear on Facades?
Mold and algae on facades are a common phenomenon, not only in old buildings and tenement houses but also in new construction. The decisive factors influencing the presence of these microorganisms are local and environmental conditions that promote moisture retention on the facade.
Microorganisms carried by the wind are virtually everywhere, but they require specific conditions to grow. The substrate must have sufficient moisture, adequate light, and a nutrient-rich surface.
Moisture Issues on Facades: Why Is Your Facade Damp?
There are many reasons why your home's facade may become damp. The first and most commonly considered issue is weather conditions. While we cannot control the frequency of rain, snow, or fog, we can effectively protect against them by using appropriate waterproofing systems and renders.
Additionally, the building's location and surroundings, such as shadows cast by neighboring structures, trees, and shrubs, as well as limited airflow, can contribute to moisture retention on the facade.
An often overlooked yet highly significant issue is design and construction errors, poor water drainage from the roof, and capillary water absorption from the ground. These problems often stem from a lack of knowledge and the use of inappropriate building materials. As a result, this issue affects not only thin-coat renders and insulation systems but has a much broader impact. Frequently, the problem is caused by a lack of or poorly executed waterproofing.
All the above factors contribute to the appearance of mold and mildew on facades, regardless of the type of material they develop on.
Moisture Issues on Facades: Why Is Your Facade Damp?
There are many reasons why your home's facade may become damp. The first and most commonly considered issue is weather conditions. While we cannot control the frequency of rain, snow, or fog, we can effectively protect against them by using appropriate waterproofing systems and renders.
Additionally, the building's location and surroundings, such as shadows cast by neighboring structures, trees, and shrubs, as well as limited airflow, can contribute to moisture retention on the facade.
An often overlooked yet highly significant issue is design and construction errors, poor water drainage from the roof, and capillary water absorption from the ground. These problems often stem from a lack of knowledge and the use of inappropriate building materials. As a result, this issue affects not only thin-coat renders and insulation systems but has a much broader impact. Frequently, the problem is caused by a lack of or poorly executed waterproofing.
All the above factors contribute to the appearance of mold and mildew on facades, regardless of the type of material they develop on.
How to Prevent Mold and Mildew on Facades?
The primary step in this situation should be identifying the root causes of the problem. It is best to schedule a technical consultation with an expert who can advise on the right solution. Sometimes it may be a superficial issue, but more often than not, the stains are a symptom of a more serious underlying problem (e.g., defective waterproofing, design or construction errors, or moisture in exterior walls caused by damaged or leaking gutters and downspouts).
While external conditions related to the building’s location cannot be changed, appropriate solutions can be applied to protect the facade (thermal insulation, waterproofing, render, and paint).
The most effective way to prevent mold and mildew is properly designed and executed waterproofing. Algae and fungi only grow on facades when there is sufficient moisture. Therefore, it is essential to use products that protect the facade from moisture. Unfortunately, in modern architecture, the same waterproofing methods are often reused without considering many individual factors that impact the building’s condition.
Green Deposits on Facades: How to Remove Mold and Mildew?
To combat algae and mold on facades, you can use Farby KABE Algizid by following these steps:
- Initial Cleaning: Mechanically clean the facade surface, for example, using a hard-bristle brush. Then thoroughly wash the entire surface with high-pressure steam or a dispersed water stream.
- Apply ALGIZID: Apply ALGIZID to areas affected by growth. After 12 hours, rinse the treated areas with high-pressure water. For heavily contaminated surfaces, the disinfection process may need to be repeated.
- Protection Against Regrowth: Once the surface is cleaned and disinfected, protect it against the recurrence of algae and mold by applying a plaster or facade paint containing biocides.
Algizid Kabe Paints
Properties of ALGIZID:
- Effectively removes most algae, mold, and lichen commonly found in construction.
- Odorless and colorless.
- Safe to use.
- Easy to apply.
- Suitable for both exterior and interior applications.
Application:
ALGIZID is a preparation designed to remove algae, mold, and lichen deposits on both the exterior and interior surfaces of buildings. It is particularly recommended for cleaning and disinfecting substrates before applying new paint coatings or plaster finishes. It is suitable for use on all typical mineral substrates (e.g., concrete, stone, cement plasters, cement-lime plasters, fiber cement boards), as well as on surfaces with synthetic-based coatings or plasters.
Note: When using the preparation on substrates not listed above, it is advisable to conduct a preliminary test on a hidden area. To ensure long-term protection against algae or mold growth, surfaces cleaned with ALGIZID should be secured with plaster or paint containing an active protective agent (additional service).
Consumption:
- 0.15–0.20 liters per m², depending on the intensity of the deposit.
Contact our waterproofing and renovation expert, who will assist you in selecting the best technical solution tailored to your needs:
Rely on Professional Technical Advice. We offer assistance through telephone and online consultations, but we strongly recommend the opportunity to assess specific cases in person.
Dobór technologii i materiałów izolacyjnych
Selection of Technology and Materials
Schedule an online meeting or visit us at SANIER headquarters (recommended) to learn more about:
- Vertical, horizontal, external, and internal waterproofing, moisture-proofing, and restoring insulation.
- Building renovations.
- Sealing cracks and fissures in ceilings and slope re-profiling.
- Repairs of structures, basements, balconies, loggias, terraces, and floors.
- Finishing terraces and balconies.
- Building extensions and reconstructions.
