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The facade of the house turned green? Proper maintenance helps to avoid this issue
2024-08-07
The facade of the house turned green? Proper maintenance helps to avoid this issue

It’s no secret that when setting up a house, it’s not only the interior but also the external solutions that create a cosy atmosphere.  Therefore, the facade finish of a building is of particular significance. Unfortunately, living in a country where the four seasons are constantly changing, the condition of the facade is affected by the constant frosts, thaws, the sun’s heat, and the inevitable air pollution. Consequently, the original appearance of the building can be altered over time. What steps can be taken to avoid these changes, and what are the main issues that can arise if the facade is not properly maintained?

“It’s worth noting that environmental changes affect both plastered and wooden surfaces. While some facade damage can be avoided by choosing the proper materials, others can be much more challenging to prevent,” says Gerardas Petraitis, a representative of KODERUS.

A wide array of facade issues

One of the most common problems is the green discoloration of the facade, which is particularly common for houses in shaded, enclosed or densely planted areas. It is caused by moss or algae spores which, together with dust and other deposits, cover the walls of the building. This not only creates an unaesthetic appearance but can also damage the wall surface over time. These green patches often lead to cracks in the plaster and, as they deepen, other issues.

“The increase of cracks in the facade raises the risk of mould growth. As it penetrates deeper layers of the wall and reaches the interior of the building, it endangers human health. Unfortunately, if a building is affected by mould, removing it can be rather challenging. After cleaning the damaged areas, it is important to cover the walls with water-repellent materials, ensure that they can ‘breathe’, and ensure that the coating applied layer does not prevent the evaporation of the accumulated moisture inside,” notes G. Petraitis.

Wooden facade surfaces also require special maintenance as wood is highly natural and one of the most variable materials. Like plastered surfaces, wooden facade surfaces are also at risk of mould, additionally, their walls can fade or darken due to moisture. To ensure that such a facade retains its properties for as long as possible, it is beneficial to impregnate the wood and, if you decide to paint it, to choose a quality weather-resistant paint.

Is it possible to prevent changes to the facade?

While it is not possible to completely prevent weathering of a facade, it is important to avoid certain actions to reduce the risk.

“Plaster defects can result from an incorrect choice of plaster layer thickness, insufficient adhesion to the surface, or using plaster that is too liquid. Mechanical damage and external impacts are also common factors; therefore, it is crucial to ensure that the materials used are of high quality and resistant to possible impact before plastering the walls. In addition, each plaster layer should have a lower stiffness relative to the layer or substrate beneath it,” stresses the Sales Manager of KODERUS.

Another useful solution for the house is to avoid planting near the building, as the shadows and the wetter environment can affect the external wall surfaces.

“Of course, an essential measure to protect the facade of a house is preventive cleaning, best done at least once a year in autumn or spring. Surface cleaning methods depend on the material and the nature of the contaminants. For some surfaces a water wash may be sufficient, while others may require special products,” he says.

For example, if the wooden facade of a house is already covered in green algae, simply repainting it will not suffice. Firstly, it’s important to wash the surface with a high-pressure water jet, then apply a microbiocide solution to kill the remaining algae, and only then apply the facade paint. In addition, paint loses its protective properties over time, so it is advisable to repaint the facade every 5-10 years.

Solutions to avoid worrying about the effects of climate

However, it is important to remember that the house should serve the person, not vice versa. Exploring modern and up-to-date building solutions can help minimize the environmental impact on the facade and make maintenance easier.

“One of the most practical and low-maintenance facade cladding options is the facade cladding thermal insulation panels, which are resistant to all weathering and harsh climatic conditions and excel in durability. Besides providing a practical finishing function, they also offer insulation,” says G. Petraitis.

 

These panels fuse the textured concrete with the insulation layer without the use of additional adhesive additives. This bonding method ensures a more robust adhesion and the quality of the material. The technology employed prevents the accumulation of algae spores and moisture inside, therefore avoiding the risk of green discoloration or other adverse environmental impacts. The panels can be easily washed off to maintain their perfect appearance.

“Furthermore, for those concerned that concrete slabs will not provide the desired aesthetic, it is worth noting that this method allows a wide range of textures, including stone, tile, and wood patterns. Additionally, surfaces can be painted in the desired color, creating a facade that is both durable and has a distinctive design,” points out the representative of KODERUS.