Maintaining the aesthetic appearance of buildings is a constant challenge in the face of environmental aggressions. Protecting and maintaining buildings with SCALP products is essential to counteract the effects of weather and pollution. These factors deteriorate exterior surfaces, making regular maintenance and specific treatments necessary to preserve the original appearance of buildings. This degradation can not only affect the visual appeal of buildings but also their value and structural integrity. This article explores these issues in depth and offers practical and innovative solutions provided by SCALP, a company specializing in the manufacture of special products for building renovation and protection.

Weather: A Silent Enemy

Weather conditions pose a continuous threat to the integrity of buildings. Rain, snow, freeze/thaw cycles, and UV rays cause damage that, without proper maintenance, can compromise the safety and appearance of buildings.

Weather causes various problems for buildings:

Rain and Infiltrations:

Rainwater can infiltrate structures, causing leaks that damage internal materials and promote the growth of microorganisms. Facades and roofs, constantly exposed to precipitation, become vulnerable to water infiltration, which can lead to humidity problems inside buildings. These infiltrations can also weaken foundations and walls, making the structure unstable in the long term.

Freeze and Thaw:

Freeze and thaw cycles cause the expansion and contraction of materials, leading to cracks and progressive deterioration. In winter, water infiltrated into cracks turns into ice and expands, worsening existing cracks and creating new ones. This repetition of cycles can rapidly degrade building materials, necessitating frequent and costly repairs.

UV Rays:

Ultraviolet rays degrade exterior coatings, causing them to age prematurely and lose their color. Materials such as wood, paint, and plastics are particularly sensitive to UV rays. Over time, they can become brittle, crack, or discolor, affecting both the aesthetics and durability of the building.

 

Solutions for Protecting and Maintaining Buildings

To counteract the harmful effects of weather, it is crucial to use appropriate products and techniques. SCALP offers a comprehensive range of innovative solutions.

Waterproofing Products:

Products such as SCALPFUGE 35 and AQUAFUGE 18 waterproof exterior walls and protect them from moisture while preserving their natural appearance. SCALP ANTI-TACHES 07 protects floors and terraces against liquid infiltration and stains, thus facilitating their maintenance. These waterproofing agents create an invisible barrier on surfaces, preventing water from penetrating while allowing the materials to breathe.

Anti-Moss and Anti-Salt Treatments:

SCALP ANTI-M eliminates moss, lichens, and microorganisms and prevents their reappearance with long-lasting preventive action. SCALP NDS 72 treats surfaces contaminated by salts and efflorescence, preventing structural and aesthetic damage. These treatments are essential for keeping roofs and facades clean and in good condition, thus avoiding high future repair costs.

Stripping Products:

Strippers such as SCALPEX AL 23 and SCALPEX SD+ prepare surfaces for further treatment. These products are essential for removing old layers of paint and coatings, providing a clean and smooth surface ready for a new finish.

Air Pollution: A Progressive Degradation

 

Air pollution is a subtle threat that severely impacts buildings, particularly in urban areas. Fine particles and various chemical compounds present in the air attack the exterior surfaces of buildings, requiring regular interventions to preserve their integrity and appearance. This progressive degradation, often invisible to the naked eye, can lead to significant maintenance and restoration costs.

Air pollution poses two major challenges to buildings:

Pollutant Accumulation:

Fine particles, sulfur dioxide, and nitrogen dioxide settle on facades, causing unsightly stains and discolorations. These deposits can make buildings look dull and unattractive, affecting their aesthetic and market value.

Acidification:

Atmospheric pollutants contribute to the acidification of building surfaces. This chemical process makes construction materials more fragile and accelerates their deterioration. Stones, concrete, and other materials can crumble under the effect of this acidity, compromising the very structure of the buildings.

How to Protect Buildings from or Remedy This Problem?

To counteract the harmful effects of air pollution, SCALP offers a range of specialized products. Each solution is designed to address a specific issue caused by atmospheric pollutants, providing long-lasting protection and facilitating building maintenance.

Exterior Cleaners:

The product SCALP RENOV’EXPRESS is particularly effective for removing pollution traces from facades. This cleaner works quickly to restore surfaces to their original appearance by removing fine particle deposits and stains caused by sulfur dioxide and the nitrogen dioxide. For maintaining stone surfaces, such as Haussmannian buildings, SCALP PIERRE AQUA 89, is ideal—a next-generation cleaner perfect for stone substrates.

Waterproofing Products:

Waterproofing products like SCALPFUGE 35 and AQUAFUGE 18 play a crucial role in protecting surfaces from the corrosive effects of pollutants. These treatments create an invisible barrier that prevents pollutants from infiltrating construction materials.

An Ecological Approach:

In a context where environmental concerns are increasingly important, it is crucial to adopt environmentally friendly solutions for building protection and maintenance. SCALP meets this requirement with its EKO'R range, which offers ecological and biodegradable products. These innovative products provide a sustainable alternative for maintaining the integrity and appearance of buildings without compromising the environment.

The EKO’R Range:

SCALP has developed the EKO'R range using natural raw materials, ensuring maximum effectiveness while reducing environmental impact. This range is suitable for various substrates such as plaster, concrete, stone, and wood, allowing versatile use on different types of buildings.

The stripping and cleaning products in the EKO'R range are designed to be effective while adhering to the strictest ecological standards.

Stripping Products:

The EKO’R stripper can remove old layers of paint and coatings without releasing harmful substances into the environment. This product prepares surfaces for restoration or new treatment, ensuring a clean and healthy base while respecting surrounding ecosystems.

Cleaning Products:

Cleaners from the EKO'R rangeare formulated to remove grease, oils, and other residues while being biodegradable. They restore the original shine of surfaces while respecting the environment. By using these cleaners regularly, property owners can maintain building cleanliness sustainably.

Waterproofing Products:

The waterproofing product from the EKO'R range plays a crucial role in protecting exterior surfaces against moisture and water infiltration. SCALPFUGE EKO’R creates a protective barrier that prevents water from penetrating materials, thus reducing the risk of deterioration and discoloration. By forming a waterproof layer, this product extends the lifespan of materials while preserving their natural appearance.

SCALP’s ecological approach, illustrated by its EKO’R range, demonstrates that it is possible to protect and maintain buildings effectively while respecting the environment. These innovative solutions meet current demands for sustainability and ecological responsibility.

 

Weather and air pollution pose significant challenges for building protection and maintenance. By adopting these specialized and environmentally friendly products, property owners and managers can ensure the aesthetic appeal and structural integrity of their assets for years to come.

For more information on SCALP's solutions, visit our product page and discover how they can transform your projects.