The exterior of a building plays an important role in the appearance and state of maintenance of the whole. For educational institutions such as the Kentalis Prof. Huizingschool, where many students, employees and visitors pass by every day, a well-maintained and representative facade is essential. Over the years, however, the gravel plates and window sills of the building had been visibly affected by moss growth, algae, pollution and weather influences.
To tackle this weathering and prevent future pollution, a specialist cleaning and a preservative treatment with Stone Coat were chosen. This transparent coating protects mineral surfaces for a long time, without affecting the original appearance.
Purpose of the treatment
The purpose of the treatment was:
- Removing organic contamination, such as moss, algae and deposits
- Protecting the cleaned surfaces against new damage
- Preserving the natural structure and colour of the gravel plates
- Reducing the maintenance frequency and cleaning efforts
- Extending the technical and aesthetic lifespan of the elements
For an educational building, this not only means an improved appearance, but also a practical investment in sustainable building management.
Approach
1. Thorough cleaning
The gravel slabs and window sills were first intensively cleaned with a suitable cleaner and low pressure to remove moss, algae, dirt and organic deposits without damaging the surface.
2. Applying Stone Coat
After the surface had dried completely, Stone Coat was applied. This is a transparent, vapour-permeable protective product that was specially developed for mineral surfaces such as gravel concrete, concrete, brick and natural stone.
The coating:
- Penetrates deep into the pores of the material
- Forms a hydrophobic (water-repellent) layer
- Prevents moisture penetration, giving moss and algae less chance
- Retains the original colour and texture of the surface
Benefits of Stone Coat
- Transparent protection – invisible after drying, no gloss or discolouration
- Water and dirt repellent – prevents regrowth of moss and algae
- Fast drying of surfaces after rain, so less moisture load
- Reduces damage from frost-thaw cycles in winter
- Easy to maintain – less need for frequent high-pressure cleaning
- Extended lifespan of porous building materials
Specific advantage for schools and institutions
For school buildings, maintenance must cause minimal disruption to the daily use of the building. In addition, many educational institutions benefit from solutions that:
- Are sustainable in use and operation
- Remain budget neutral in the long term
- Support a well-maintained learning environment
- Contribute to a safe, clean outdoor space for students
The application of Stone Coat meets all these requirements and makes management easier for facility staff or maintenance parties.
