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Algal Growth on External Building Envelope

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Nearly Zero Energy Buildings and Proliferation of Microorganisms

Part of the book series: SpringerBriefs in Applied Sciences and Technology ((BRIEFSAPPLSCIENCES))

Abstract

Algae are very ancient living organisms. Their presence on earth came about some 3.5 billion years ago. They are considered “pioneer organisms” of outdoor environment, and it is actually possible to find different varieties of algae on the ground, in the air, in ice and even in anthropogenic elements such as the facades of buildings since they are able to survive through frequent freeze–thaw and dehydration cycles. The aesthetic quality and durability of an external building envelope could be seriously impaired by the development of algae which will colonise building materials whenever a suitable combination of humidity, warmth and light occurs. The fundamental role of water for algal growth is clear which, for several reasons, is found in large quantities on building facades. External sources of water here include rain, snow, ground moisture, airborne humidity and condensation of vapour from outdoor air. In addition to environmental conditions, the rate of stain development largely depends on the “bioreceptivity” of the material, that is, its aptitude to be biologically colonised which is related to the material properties that contribute to the anchorage and development of microorganisms. The facades of the buildings are then fertile substrates for the growth of algae.

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Notes

  1. 1.

    Dew point is the temperature below which the water vapour in a volume of humid air at a given constant barometric pressure will condense into liquid water.

  2. 2.

    External Thermal Insulation Composite Systems.

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  1. Dipartimento DICEA, Università Politecnica delle Marche, Ancona, Italy

    Elisa Di Giuseppe

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  1. Elisa Di Giuseppe
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Di Giuseppe, E. (2013). Algal Growth on External Building Envelope. In: Nearly Zero Energy Buildings and Proliferation of Microorganisms. SpringerBriefs in Applied Sciences and Technology. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-02356-4_3

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-02356-4_3

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  • Online ISBN: 978-3-319-02356-4

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