How to protect the facade from fading and the green wall effect?

The photo showing the problem of green walls is a bit exaggerated, but as soon as I saw this view I couldn't resist taking a photo and attaching it to the article about the greening of the facade walls. In reality, this is a building of a certain tourist resort, and this overgrown facade is a deliberate action.

Nevertheless, the problem of moss and lichens growing on the walls in our zone is a common problem. Not to mention the fading of facade colors.

You can invest in more expensive plasters that have more or better biocides. In the case of a problem with fading colors, you can use inorganic pigments for coloring, which can withstand more sun.

Did you know that...

There is a black plaster that is practically resistant to fading? A certain manufacturer of Italian decorative plasters has developed a black plaster with the addition of black mica flakes, it is called Black Decorative Plaster Creativo Black Hole, but I will write about this phenomenon on a global scale in another article. Let's get back to the topic.

Unfortunately, over time, external walls are exposed to various atmospheric factors that can cause colors to fade and lichens, algae and moss to grow, creating an unsightly effect of the so-called "green wall". So how can you effectively protect your facade from these problems?

The solution may be Guardi UV facade varnish

What is UV facade varnish?

UV facade varnish is a specialist preparation that creates a protective layer on the surface of walls, protecting against harmful external factors. The so-called filter.

This type of product was created with the aim of maximum protection of building facades. The key feature of this varnish is protection against UV radiation, which is the main cause of color fading.

How does UV facade varnish work?

In short, we can say that the varnish takes on the harmful effects of weather conditions. It is not indestructible and it degrades, but it is the applied filter that degrades at a cost of PLN 2 per m2, not the expensive plaster or facade panel.

Have you protected wooden furniture, a terrace, or a gazebo with impregnation or varnish stain? After 4-8 years, you have to repeat this procedure because the wood starts to turn blue and will lose its durability in a moment.

You should approach the protection of the building's facade in a similar way. The difference between varnish stain and UV varnish is that the facade does not need to be sanded to clean it of the decomposing UV varnish. A pressure washer and water are enough.

How do you know that the protective filter on the facade is no longer working?

You will notice this by the colorless powder that falls off the facade when you treat it with a paint brush with soft bristles.

The polymer connections have been broken, so the filter has lost its properties and turns into powder, which will be removed by wind erosion.

Will the UV filter last as long on a light facade as on a dark one?

Unfortunately not, it has been noticed that colours from group 4 heat up more strongly from the sun, which causes the polymer connections to disintegrate.

Write something more about colour groups and their relationship with UV?

When you choose the colour of your facade, ask for samples with the ISO 9001 certificate, which indicate the HBW coefficient, i.e. the light reflection coefficient. Customers who choose plasters or facade paints illustrate this as resistance to UV light.

HBW means something completely different, but these two issues are related and will more or less illustrate to the customer what they can expect on the wall in a few or several years.

Note that the circle of each colour has the HBW symbol and a percentage designation, the higher it is, the better. The lightest colours have a high percentage and these are the ones that heat up the least.

Group I is white (98%-100%), then every 20% interval you have another colour group, for example 98-80 is group II, 79-60 is group III and so on.

Protection against UV radiation

UV facade varnish effectively reflects radiation, which prevents the degradation of pigments contained in facade paints. Thanks to this, the colours on the facade remain intense and vivid for a longer time.

Moisture barrier: The varnish creates a waterproof layer that prevents water from penetrating the wall structure. This is crucial in preventing the formation of moisture, which promotes the development of lichens, algae and moss.

Protection against contamination: The UV facade varnish coating makes the surface less susceptible to the deposition of pollutants from the air, which makes it easier to keep the facade clean.

Durability and resistance: The varnish is resistant to mechanical damage and chemicals, which increases the durability and longevity of the protected surface.

Do you know why the wall of your house's facade is turning green?

Because it can. Lichens are two plants in one, i.e. (algae + fungus). They do not like an acidic environment and all they need is dust that settles on the facade thanks to a gust of wind.

The plaster will defend itself against lichens for 2-5 years depending on the type of biocide that was added to the plaster. Then it oxidizes and the wall begins to turn green.

Therefore, it is justified to protect the wall with UV varnish against the wall turning green.

I have ordinary mineral plaster from a bag on my wall and the wall does not turn green

It is true that plaster from a bag is not a breeding ground for lichens. If the wall of your building does not turn green, you have a reason to be sad.

Lichens are very sensitive to a polluted environment, especially to sulfur and nitrogen. If you have never seen lichens on the wall, it means that you live in a place where the air quality is really poor.

Krakow, Upper Silesia... You will hardly find green walls in the center of any large city because the air is polluted with sulfur from chimneys and lead from cars.

Why is it worth using UV facade varnish?

Using UV facade varnish brings many benefits. Here are some of the most important ones:

Long-lasting color protection: Thanks to protection against UV radiation, the facade retains its aesthetics for longer, which reduces the need for frequent repainting.

Easier maintenance: Protection against moisture and dirt makes the facade less exposed to the development of lichens and dirt, which facilitates its regular maintenance.

Cost savings: Investing in UV facade varnish can significantly reduce the costs associated with frequent painting and cleaning of the facade, which in the long run translates into financial savings.

Increase in property value: An aesthetically pleasing facade has a positive effect on the market value of the building, which is particularly important in the case of sale or rental.

How to apply UV facade varnish?

The process of applying UV facade varnish is not complicated, but it is worth following a few key steps:

Surface preparation: Before applying the varnish, thoroughly clean the facade of dust, dirt and any lichens and algae. If necessary, you can use a pressure washer.

Applying the varnish: The varnish is best applied with a roller, brush or spray. It is important to apply it evenly, avoiding streaks and unevenness.

Protective layers: Depending on the condition and type of surface, it is recommended to apply one or two layers of varnish, according to the manufacturer's instructions.

Drying time: The varnish should dry in dry and rainless conditions. Drying time may vary depending on weather conditions and the thickness of the applied layer.

How much does facade protection cost?

Using the example of Guardi facade protective varnish available in our online store Mybudio.eu.

It is available in 2.5 liters and 10 liters. Efficiency with one layer is 8-10m2/liter.

If we have a small area, i.e. up to 25m2, we choose a 2.5l varnish.

2.5 liters of such varnish costs PLN 99.

Then, for facade protection, we will spend about PLN 4/m2.

If we have a larger area, i.e. about 100 m2, we choose a 10l package.

10l of UV facade varnish costs PLN 319.

With such an area, facade protection costs us about PLN 3.20/m2.

Summary of the article

Protecting the facade against fading and the green wall effect is crucial for maintaining the aesthetics and value of the building. UV facade varnish is a new solution that provides effective protection against UV radiation, moisture and contamination. Thanks to this product, the facade remains beautiful and durable for many years.