MBR_ISSUE 40_Lowres

Malta Business Review
BUILDING & CONSTRUCTION
Spraying of Polyurea Waterproofing membrane resistant to acid
ACID RAIN CAN MELT
YOUR DREAM HOUSE AWAY
Since the beginning of the Industrial
Revolution soiling and degradation
of buildings in urban areas has been
noticeable. The cause of this has often been
attributed to the effects of air pollution.
The pollutants that form acid rain are
principally sulphur dioxide and nitrogen
oxides; both of these are released from
the combustion of fossil fuels like coal
and oil. Acid rain is precipitation that is
much more acidic than normal rainfall.
Other than having detrimental effects on
animal and plant life, acid rain can also
cause considerable damage to buildings,
including homes.
By Antoine Bonello
The chemicals that are found in acid rain can
cause damage to certain materials that are
used to build homes, mostly to limestone,
marble, carbon-steel, paint and some plastics.
Stone decay can take several forms, including
the removal of detail from carved stone, and
the build-up of black crusts in sheltered areas.
Limestone and marble are two of the main
building materials that are used here in Malta.
They are vulnerable to acid rain damage,
because they contain a mineral called calcite, a
substance that will dissolve when it comes into
contact with acid. Acid rain can also damage
certain types of sandstone that contain
carbonate cement, as well as concrete, metals,
wood, and paint. The deposition of acid on
building materials contributes significantly
to the weathering that is caused by natural
elements such as rain, sun and wind.
While most modern homes are made of
materials that are resistant to acid rain, there
may be certain parts or structures that are
vulnerable to the effects of acid deposition.
It is known that steel rods that are used to
reinforce concrete will become corroded at a
faster rate when they are exposed to acid rain,
and concrete can crack and flake as well. Brick
crumbling is another major problem that is
caused by acid rain as it can dissolve a type of
fabric that holds a brick’s silica grains together,
thus becoming more porous and weaker.
Limestone and marble are two
of the main building materials
that are used here in Malta.
They are vulnerable to acid
rain damage
Acid rain and ultraviolet rays from the sun can
work together to accelerate deterioration.
Our flat roofs here in Malta are constantly
subject to weather elements and if they are
not adequately protected serious damages
can happen to the roof. Besides the elements
our houses are also subject to structural
movements due to our intensive summer
heat. These effects of deterioration are
constant but slow and most of the time we
do not even realise that they are taking place
especially on our roofs.
The question that one might ask is how
can we protect our house roof better so to
avoid serious problems. The answer is in
the waterproofing system we choose for
our roof. Normal protective plastic paint,
acrylic and compounds, lack UV resistance
and over a short period of time paint will
crack, peel, and lose colour and water will
eventually seep through. Carpet membranes
are also very problematic, they increase heat
inside the buildings by as much as 80% and
start to deteriorate when subjected to high
temperatures. They tear from seams when
subjected to building movements and are not
recommend on roofs (toxic) where water is
collected and stored in wells.
The only materials that can withstand today’s
building exigencies are resin based. They are
designed to withstand structural movements
due to their elasticity and can be easily
reinforced with fibreglass net when required.
Another important feature of this product is
its resistance to acids and water stagnation.
There is also THERMAL version that besides
the already mentioned it is also able to
reduce heat intake inside buildings by 90%.
No more humid and heat inside the houses
and less air-conditioning usage, two solutions
in one product the perfect answer for our
flat roofs here in Malta. This strong thermal
waterproofing liquid resin membrane is
guaranteed to last for very long without the
need of any yearly maintenance.
A good advice if you opt to have your
waterproofing needs carried out by third
parties, always make sure they are members of
the Malta Professional Waterproofing and Resin
Flooring Association. Always demand to see the
Association’s INSTALLERS CARD. This will save
you a lot hassle as improper roof protection by
unaccountable or unethical persons can give
way to a serious of unwanted damages. Over
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