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PurposeThis research examines the association of physical development density, prevalence and types of microbes in colonized façade finishes of buildings in Enugu metropolis, Nigeria.Design/methodology/approachSurvey and experimental research designs were adopted. A total of 383 buildings were investigated with samples collected from those with colonized façade finishes. The microbes were identified using the standard procedure for genomic sequencing with descriptive statistics, and the chi-square test used to analyse the data.FindingsThe results revealed a 64% prevalence of microbial colonization and a significant association between this and physical development density with 71.0% of the colonized buildings located in high-density neighbourhoods of the metropolis. The sequencing also showed 24 different microbes with Trichophyton tonsurans, Trichophyton mentagrophytes and Trichoderma harzianum species being the most common in the colonized façade finishes.Practical implicationsThe research informs building professionals and owners of the specific microbes involved in the colonization of façade finishes of buildings in high-density urban areas. It also provides a clue about the nature of damages and defects associated with microbial colonization of building façades and the type of biocide additives required for the production of microbial-resistant façade finishes in the hot-humid tropical environment of Nigeria and beyond.Originality/valueThe study has shown that there is a significant relationship between the intensity of urban land use and microbial colonization of façade finishes of buildings. It also identified some new or less known microbes responsible for the biodeterioration of façade finishes and the effects this has on the buildings and public health in the hot-humid tropics of Enugu, Southeast Nigeria.

PurposeBuildings respond differently to microbial invasion depending on the design, type of construction materials and finishes used and extent of exposure to climatic factors. However, in the hot-humid tropical environment of Nigeria, much is not known about how buildings with different types of façade finishes or claddings are liable to microbial decay. The purpose of this research is to investigate the susceptibility of buildings with different types of façade finishes to microbial decay in Enugu metropolis, southeast Nigeria.Design/methodology/approachA survey involving physical observation of purposively selected 383 buildings and questionnaire administration to their owners was carried out in the study area. The data were subjected to descriptive and logistic regression analyses.FindingsMost of the 383 buildings sampled were less than 41 year and 47% of them had painted façade finishes followed by 25.1% with cementitious finishes. Around 63.4% of the buildings had their façade finishes or claddings colonised by microbes. Older buildings of 15 years and above and those with cementitious materials and paints as their predominant façade finishes were more likely to experience microbial decay than newer ones and those having refractory bricks, ceramic tiles, aluminium composite materials and plastics/polymers as their predominant façade finishes or claddings.Practical implicationsThe study identifies the categories of buildings that are likely to be more susceptible to microbial decay; and thus contributes to research on how to slow down the rate of biodeterioration of building façade finishes or claddings in the hot-humid tropical environments.Originality/valueThis is the first study on the susceptibility of buildings with different types of façade finishes or claddings to microbial decay in the hot-humid tropical environment of Enugu metropolis, southeast Nigeria. It also provides a clue on the age at which buildings become more vulnerable to microbial decay in the study area.

This paper presents an iterative framework for carrying out fieldworks on biodeterioration studies in the built environment with specific reference to the fieldwork on Microbial Colonisation of Building Finishes and Facings in Enugu. The paper discusses the step-by-step preparations prior to and during fieldwork and their importance in fruitful data collection, respondent’s responses and accompanied field interview. It highlights the pros and cons of fieldwork showing reasons why fieldwork is vital in biodeterioration research in the built environment. In doing so, the various stages of the fieldwork are discussed with their implications. At the end of the fieldwork, useful lessons learnt include the essence of digital compass in geolocation, the effect of good first impression during interview, and sourcing of data from government and organizations amongst others.