UV-Light
The destructive power of UV ligth
Short-wave sunlight (UV light) destroys over time the common resins that are incorporated in most wall paints in order to ensure their elasticity. After 5 years, they already become brittle under the influence of UV radiation. Fine microcracks are created, through which water and harmful chemicals can penetrate the masonry.
Erosion
Wind and water in interaction
Wind, water and environmental toxins launch their large-scale attack on building surfaces day after day. A process that unfortunately does not only reveal itself on old buildings such as churches and castles. Once the protective function of the paint is "finished", the plaster is attacked and moisture penetrates.
Temperature fluctuations
The interactions from heath and cold
Facades must withstand drastic temperature fluctuations between day and night, especially in spring and autumn. The problem is that the different building materials expand and contract differently as the temperature changes. For most mineral facade paints, this leads to cracks in the surface after only a short time.
Humidity
Fundamental understanding about the "impact" of moisture
Each facade absorbs moisture from the environment. In the autumn and spring this is particularly clearly visible. A warm winter or a wet summer bring a lot of water into the facade. In winter, the frozen water breaks cracks in the facade paint and the plaster. That does not only make buildings seem unattractive with time, but can lead to the cause of a series of consequential damages. Algae, mould and further traces of decay promote the further entrance of moisture, as a result of which the plaster is permanently damaged.
With conventional facade paints only the uppermost layer dries. Only long periods of sunlight are able to dry the building. But on the shady side, facades rarely or never completely dry. The natural insulating effect of the building is drastically reduced. As little as 4% moisture in the building already deteriorates the natural insulating effect of a brick by 50%. Therefore, dehumidifying a building is one of the most important building blocks for improving the energy balance. With a reduction of building moisture by only 1%, an increase of 10% of the natural insulation effect can be achieved!
