Dirty Facades Are a Health Risk

When washing and painting buildings, we very often encounter the problem of algae and mould settling on facades. These organisms not only damage the aesthetic appearance of buildings but can also have serious consequences for the health of residents. A recent training course we attended at Umyjem to focused specifically on the issue of algae on facades and only reinforced how important regular facade cleaning truly is.

How do mould and algae form on facades?

Microorganisms reach the surface of facades through the air and, under suitable conditions, multiply and form a surface film. Many factors can cause a facade to become affected by microorganisms, but the most important of these is moisture, which is a prerequisite for their reproduction.

Mould and algae certainly do not stop at the facade — on the contrary, they make their way inside apartments very easily. Through micro-ventilation or regular airing, spores enter buildings, where they can once again settle and multiply.

Health risks associated with mould

Mould and algae easily make their way into building interiors through micro-ventilation or regular airing, leading to their spread inside dwellings and affecting the health of residents.

Common adverse effects on human health include skin problems, dermatophytosis and mycoallergosis, which can manifest as a runny nose, itchy nose, sneezing, eye inflammation, headaches or even asthma. Children and older people are the most at risk, as they are more susceptible to developing health problems.

The difficulty also lies in identifying the problem, as allergy symptoms can overlap with the pollen season or other allergens. The sooner the root cause is addressed, the sooner health complications can be resolved. The most important step is therefore to wash the facade thoroughly and carefully, removing all microorganism deposits so that they can no longer spread into the interior.

The importance of regular maintenance

According to manufacturers of insulation systems, as well as our many years of experience, facades should be cleaned regularly every three to eight years to prevent the accumulation of dirt and the formation and spread of microorganisms. Algae and mould on facades are not just a visual problem. The training course emphasised that poorly maintained facades can pose a significant health risk. From a health perspective, it is also important that neighbouring buildings are kept clean, which means that systematic and regular washing of all buildings is essential.

Unfortunately, we also know that many owners and managers of apartment buildings neglect and underestimate the need for regular facade washing, resulting in greater contamination and damage.

One solution may be for property owners themselves to pursue regular maintenance not only of their own building but also of the surrounding ones.

A legislative gap

Although the problem of mould on facades is evident and harmful and is being highlighted with increasing frequency, Czech legislation lacks clear regulations or decrees that specifically define how much mould contamination on a facade is still acceptable or how often apartment buildings should be cleaned. This legislative shortcoming complicates not only maintenance but also the health protection of residents.

The importance of regular facade maintenance is undeniable, for aesthetic, practical and health reasons alike. The training course we attended repeatedly emphasised that proper care of an apartment building's facade can prevent many problems. It is clear that this issue needs to be approached comprehensively, including a reassessment of existing legislative frameworks. It is therefore time for this problem to be brought to the attention of the wider public and professionals alike, and for an effective solution to be found that ensures a healthier environment for everyone.