The word “Algae” in the construction industry is used to describe the various organic growths on buildings. Not only can it grow on the render but it can also affect metal, plastic and wood. Algae produces really quickly and only needs sunlight, water and carbon Dioxide to grow. Property location plays a key factor in...Read More

The damp conditions in homes and properties encourages the growth of  micro-organisms in particular black mould on the walls The mould then begin to spread from the source of the dampness to regions where there is less dampness by releasing spores into the atmosphere. These airborne spores are thought to be inhaled by unsuspecting household...Read More

Silicone rendering may be a possible solution for: property owners who have to unnecessarily spend large amounts of their income on heating due to dampness being present within the structure of the property If you live in a house where damp is a problem property owners who are unable to insert insulation into the cavity walls. Note...Read More

All cement renders irrespective of how they are formulated will eventually develop surface cracks due to the nature of cement curing and hardening. Sand and Cement renders are highly alkaline, rigid and brittle surfaces that develop surface cracks through cement shrinkage and thermal expansion & contraction from daily temperature fluctuation. Sand and Cement Render is...Read More

Lime bloom is the most common form of efflorescence ( formation of a salt crystal crust or covering through a chemical change) on cement based renders. It is caused by the migration of lime water molecules (Ca(OH)2) to the surface of the damp external render because of diffusion i.e. the surface of the damp external render contains a high...Read More

Textured wall coatings or even smooth painted areas don’t usually become infested with moss but normally either an algae or lichen. The colour and type of growth of the algae or lichen depends upon what area of the country it occurs. However, regardless of what type of micro-organism is infesting the textured wall, the treatment...Read More

There are organisms i.e. algae that can survive extreme and constantly changing environments such as externally rendered surfaces/ façades. The most important factors that control the growth of such organisms on a façade are the relative humidity and the temperature. Fig.1: Microscopic view of an algae micro-organism             Every biological organism has different...Read More

The original Mediterranean villas in Europe were externally rendered and painted white to help reflect heat from the Sun during the Summer season, the white pigment of the paint being due to  titanium dioxide A rendered finish is generally guaranteed to provide protection of the duration 15-20 years if properly applied while the addition of paint...Read More

Lime is known as a traditional material that has been used for many years. It is also a material that is being increasingly recommended by conservationists and architects because it does not have the potential to damage traditionally constructed buildings greatly in comparison to hard cement mortars and gypsum plasters which are well known to be  inappropriate...Read More