Evaluation of cleaning products on the viability of mould growth on facades and decks

Abstract

Microfungi, algae and cyanobacteria may cause discolouration when growing on facades and deckings. When the extent of growth is such that it is no longer aesthetically acceptable, cleaning is often performed to make the façade or deck as similar to the original as possible. Different cleaning methods may have different effects. Choosing a cleaning method is difficult because one does not always know which works best for the current conditions. Also, the best cleaning method probably cannot remove all the growth. In this study, the effect of 15 different cleaning chemical products on the viability of mould growth on painted facade boards and impregnated wood deck boards was studied in the laboratory. Results showed varying results; the best products killed or removed almost all growth, while the worst had the same effect as clean water. The results can not be used to predict the efficiency of the different products on discolouration authentic facades or wooden decks over time. It will be investigated in other studies of the same project as this study belongs.