Pollution Process

The harmful impact of the atmosphere can cause facades to lose their original outstanding appearance and functionality.

Gaseous air pollutants such as sulfur dioxide and nitrous gases dissolved in rainwater (acid rain) wash across the surface of buildings. In addition, solid particles such as dust and soot can occur as airborne particles and settle on the surfaces of buildings.

With porous facade materials the dirt particles are not washed away by wind and rain but are transported into deeper levels and become firmly attached.

Close to railway stations or the metal-working industry, metal dust is often deposited on facades, where it combines with moisture to form a rust film. Both on porous and smooth surfaces oil and grease particles result in better adhesive properties so that the facade subsequently becomes dirty even more quickly.

Moreover, in the course of time oil and grease pollutants harden. Generally speaking these influences occur simultaneously to varying degrees.