Case 1
- Introduction
- Causes of Defects
- Good Practices
- Standards
- Maintenance and Diagnostics
- Remedial
- Similar Cases
- References
Maintenance and Diagnostics
Maintenance
Consider availability of adequate water supply, drainage provisions and electrical power supply to choose a façade cleaning method. Records of cleaning operations (including photographs before and after cleaning, and drawings of nature of deposits, thickness and patterns) should be kept for buildings of significance in accordance with BS 8221-1, SS 509-1 or equivalent. Maintain the façade in a state as near as possible to its new condition. Ease of façade maintenance can be expressed by the frequency of necessary maintenance operations, labour and supplies necessary for each maintenance operation,
and number of possible ways of removing stains, graffiti, etc., or ISO 7361 or equivalent.
Detect/determine staining of porous substrates by joint sealants (ISO/NP 16938-1). Adopt the recommendations for treatments for controlling organic growth in accordance with BS 8221-2,
SS509-2 or equivalent. Repair painted surfaces damaged by wear and tear; wash down; remove defective
paint film; apply sealer/primer (if necessary); and repaint in accordance with BS 6150, SS 542 or equivalent. TiO2 only works where there is sunlight. Conventional cleanings are still needed for non-coated areas. For areas coated with TiO2, conduct neutral cleaning annually.
Periodic cleaning is necessary to maintain the aesthetics of tiled façades. A neutral cleaning agent should be adequate if a periodic maintenance schedule is performed.
Regular repainting of wall surfaces once every 5 years is recommended with a weather resistant paint. However, if the problem is to be completely rectified, the ducting and the light fixture would have to be removed and re-fixed and left with a clearance between the wall and fixtures.
Periodical inspection should be carried out on the façade to detect any defects. Once serious defects are detected, it is of immediate concern to repair the defect to preserve the aesthetic value of facade.
Diagnostics of Defects (see also NDT)
Abrasion resistance test may be performed to determine the seriousness of chalking. However normal chalking can be recognized with a soft powdery look.