Spain. A study published by the University of Seville points out that the restoration of facades of historic buildings using the original materials present in the construction is a more durable and effective method compared to the usual processes that employ modern substances.
Among the materials promoted by the researchers of the university are, for example, lime mortars, material that today is not common but that in the case of heritage buildings can work much better.
"The products currently used in the restoration from the polymer industry do not have the necessary compatibility and durability with the original materials, so their protective effect is less and even harmful to destructive agents," explained the main researcher of the project, Lola Robador.
As part of the research, the new method was applied to the south and east facades of the town hall of the Puerta de Marchena del Real Alcázar in Seville, which is built with limestone.
"The thin layers of lime micromortar form a protective shield, a sacrificial skin against polluting gases from vehicles or industry and also from the raindrops, sometimes acidic, that damage limestones so much," said Robador.
As Robador explained, with this technique you can have a protection period of up to 50 years and also contributes to reducing the high cost normally associated with restoration processes. In addition to the above, Robador pointed out that the possibility of using these materials for the protection of facades in modern buildings is not also ruled out.
