Unique technology eliminates algae and molds on facades

Algae and mold on facades present a significant problem for insulated houses - and not just for them. Thanks to a unique photoactive technology developed in cooperation with Czech scientists, it is now possible to very effectively remove microorganisms and prevent their further spread.

It is surprising how many insulated houses? throughout the Czech Republic are affected by microorganisms and how this number is rapidly increasing. For owners of apartment buildings who have invested in costly revitalizations, this is an unpleasant discovery. Initially, algae only present an aesthetic problem and are not health-threatening. However, over time, various types of mold begin to appear on the algae, which do pose health risks. The particularly vulnerable groups are children, seniors, and people with weakened immunity, who may experience various allergic reactions.

Coating developed by Czech scientists

One of the companies that specializes directly in the issue of microorganisms on facades is Pragotherm, facade service. It uses a unique photoactive coating system Balclean for removing algae and mold, which was created based on years of research by Czech scientists. This highly effective photocatalytic coating was developed in collaboration with the Technical University of Liberec, the Institute of Physical Chemistry J. Heyrovsky of the Czech Academy of Sciences, and the Institute of Inorganic Chemistry of the Czech Academy of Sciences. It is produced by the company Barvy a laky Teluria, exclusively for Pragotherm, facade service.

"The exceptional nature of the Balclean coating lies in its use of photoactive reactions for the continuous elimination of all microorganisms on insulated facades. There is no other similar solution for the removal of algae and mold with such long and effective efficacy in the Czech Republic," explains Jitka Lambert, Production Director of Pragotherm, facade service. The uniqueness of the Balclean system lies in its two exceptional properties. The first is the high transparency of the coating, which allows the original facade color to remain unchanged after treatment. The second is the self-cleaning effects of the coating.

Affected facade	Analysis of microorganism samples	Facade after treatment

Self-cleaning facade

The self-cleaning effects of the Balclean coating system are based on the use of heterogeneous photocatalysis. Surfaces treated using photocatalysis are continuously freed from organic components adsorbed from the air under the influence of sunlight. This includes ubiquitous combustion by-products that form a sticky layer on regular surfaces, where dust particles firmly adhere. In the case of photocatalytic treatment, this does not occur, and the surface remains clean even in exposed locations, through the continuous removal of settling dirt and prevention of algae and other microorganisms growth.


Video: Implementation Brjanská, Kladno

10-year warranty

"Our philosophy is an individual approach to each client," says Jitka Lambert. "We provide clients with a free consultation, then we collect samples of algae and mold, process a microbiological analysis, and based on the results of the analysis, we propose an optimal technical solution for the facade treatment. We have applied the Balclean coating system to more than sixty facades of large apartment buildings across the Czech Republic. Thanks to this unique technology, based on the high expertise of Czech scientists, and the professional approach of the coating manufacturer Teluria, we are able to provide a warranty of up to 10 years on the completed work."



Video: Clean facades in a nutshell

Now with a subsidy of 30,000 CZK

Pragotherm, facade service, allows housing cooperatives and community owners to obtain an extraordinary subsidy of 30,000 CZK for the implementation of an order. The condition is a minimum order value of 300,000 CZK including VAT, and the order completion date from March 1 to December 31, 2018.

More at www.servisfasad.eu