Environmentally safe system for treatment of bio corrosion of ETICS

Abstract

Abstract. Effects of microorganisms on building facades are responsible for aesthetic, bio-geophysical and biogeochemical deterioration. The process of cleaning of contaminated facades involves the removal and eradication of micro flora on the surface of insulation using chemical products, killing cells and eliminating all living mass, including organic ingredients. The removal of bio corrosion coating from ETICS structure by means of chemical and preservative substances (biocides) is currently the only effective and most used technology. Uncontrolled leaching of the used biocides is unacceptable. Meantime, new technology for environmentally safe maintenance of ETICS is needed. Scientists have been working on replacement the biocides currently used in facades treatment with eco-friendly biocides that have no negative effects on the environment or human beings. While the eco-treatment will be available, safe dewatering of chemicals being leached from the surface of the facade could be provided by e.g. special drain systems adjusted to the building type, use and age. The paper gives an overview of the problem in context of Slovakia and examples of leaching systems designed for new and renovated buildings.

External Thermal Insulation Composite Systems (ETICS) from Industry and Academia Perspective

“…There is another aspect of the environmental impact being the subject of the publication related to the maintenance of ETICS. It applies in particular to the aspect of possible leaching of chemical compounds derived from the biocides used, which Minarovičová emphasizes in her works [96][97][98]. Recognizing the importance of maintenance of ETICS, it is worth noting that damages or degradation of ETICS do not occur more often than in the case of walls covered with traditional renders.…”

The Environmetal Aspect of Etics Regular Maintenance

“…Figure 4. Example of leaching systems according to [12]: a) easy operational temporary solution with absorbing mats (they must be treated as hazardous waste; there is a risk of leaching of liquid into the ground), b) gutter leaching system as temporary structure, c) line drainage channels as permanent structure that is part of the building design.…”

“…According to [12] there are more ways of disposal of contaminated water drained from the façade-one of them is gutter leaching system as temporary structure (Fig. 4b) or line drainage channels as permanent structure as a part of the building design (Fig.4c).…”

Application of additional insulation to ETICS on surfaces with biocorrosion

“…The effects of microorganisms on facades, namely their aesthetic, bio-geo-chemical and bio-geo-physical damage, and the options for removing such microorganisms with special drainage systems, are described in publication [18] from the year 2018. According to [19], in practice, it is necessary to identify all symptoms that contribute to the creation of microorganisms on the plasters typically used.…”