The elevation requires from us constant care of its aesthetics, but mainly it is important to check its technical condition. Constant maintenance and cleaning of the facade is very important. It is negatively affected by atmospheric conditions, including hail, rainfall, or vegetation such as algae. Skilful cleaning and repair of the façade will ensure that we do not have to worry not only about its appearance, but above all its insulating qualities.
In order to maintain thermal insulation parameters as well as aesthetics of the building, the condition of elevation has to be regularly checked. It is affected by various external factors. Over time, mechanical damage also appears. After winter, when the temperature falls below zero, it is important to check the façade for cracks and scratches. They lead to the formation of so-called thermal bridges, through which heat “escapes”. This in turn contributes to higher heating bills. Restoration work consists mainly in sealing the holes and cracks caused by adverse weather conditions. This can be done with the help of, for example, adhesive mortars and plasters. A special adhesive for plaster is applied on the crack. After it dries, we apply plaster, which will level the whole thing. It can be polished with a float and sandpaper. Then the plaster is painted in the same color as the facade. More complex repairs should be done with mortar. Regular inspection of the façade will help us to discover possible faults and repair them before they get bigger. Such an inspection of the façade should be done after winter and also after heavy rains.
It is also quite important to react quickly to fungi and mold growth on the facade. They cause that the elevation not only has a greenish color and does not look aesthetically pleasing, but above all moisture accumulates on it, which may lead to cracking of the plaster. This is a very unfavorable situation because its resistance to external factors decreases and its thermal insulation is compromised. Vegetation on façade appears when the façade is shaded and moisture collects on it. To get rid of algae and moss from the façade, gently remove them mechanically with a metal spatula. Larger pieces of algae may leave the façade together with part of the plaster, so it is advisable to touch up the plaster afterwards and paint the façade. Smaller dirt can be removed with a pressure washer
A good way to minimize dirt is to prepare the elevation properly. At the beginning of plastering works it is worth to use plasters which are resistant to dirt. The shaded part of our house should also be covered with concrete or wood-like panels. Algae and other types of vegetation that are difficult to remove are less likely to appear on such a surface. You can also choose self-cleaning and silicone paints, much easier to wash with a pressure washer alone
Otherwise, you can remove algae only with manual scrubbing with a brush and a special detergent. The effect will be very good, and the effort made will certainly make the facade look elegant and aesthetic
If our elevation is in a bad condition, it is worth renovating it. First, wash it thoroughly with detergent and pressure washer. Move the pressure washer evenly, so that the water reaches every part of the façade. Then wait for the façade to dry. After this time we prime it with a special agent that makes it less susceptible to moisture penetration. It is applied with a wide brush. After the primer is applied and has dried, the facade can be painted with a paint that has a special UV filter to protect the color from fading.
