For permanently attractive facades

The expenses associated with cleaning facades can be astronomical. It was not without reason that building cleaning companies in Germany, for example, recorded turnover of almost 20 billion euros in 2019 – with several millions of those euros entailing the cleaning of facades. Hytect can significantly reduce these expenses, saving on the running costs for property operators.

The self-washing effect achieved by Hytect keeps facades clean

Dust, dirt and other particles are infiltrated every time it rains and simply washed off the facade. With the result that building shells retain their attractive appearance for many years. Furthermore, ceramic facades featuring Hytect are also very resilient. Graffiti can be easily removed using the corresponding methods and without damaging the surface. This ensures that Hytect facades remain attractive and presentable over the long term. The costs of mechanical cleaning are practically dispensed with altogether.

Protection from moss, fungi and algae

Thermal insulation on buildings has both positive and negative effects. For example, moisture precipitates on insulated outer shells during dew periods. And it can stay there for a considerable amount of time. If there are also dust, dirt or other organic substances on the facade, a practically ideal breeding ground is created for microorganisms, such as moss, algae or fungi. This can lead to unattractive stains on the facade.

But the possibility of such stains is practically excluded on facades featuring Hytect ceramic where neither dirt nor dust can gain a permanent foothold. What’s more, the photocatalytical effect triggers the generation of activated oxygen, preventing fungi and moss from even growing on the facade in the first place. But this process is particularly decisive when it comes to algae. After all, they do not require a classic breeding ground but merely nutrients from the air to survive. Accordingly, they can grow practically anywhere – just not on surfaces featuring Hytect. Thanks to Hytect, the use of biocidal products can be dispensed with entirely and cleaning agents minimised – not only on facades but in all risk areas in buildings. Due to the fact that they are permanently and reliably protected by clever Hytect technology.

How the self-washing effect works

Titanium dioxide is baked onto the ceramic surface at high temperature. As catalyst, it effects a reaction activated by light with oxygen and air humidity. In this way, activated oxygen and a hydrophilic, water-friendly surface are produced. The activated oxygen now fulfils two decisive functions. On the surface of the ceramics, it decomposes microorganisms such as fungi, algae, moss or germs and inhibits their growth. This saves maintenance costs in the life cycle of a building. Air pollutants such as, for example, nitrogen oxides from traffic or industry are reduced. Hytect permanently improves the ambient air of the building.

The hydrophilic ceramic surface effects that rain drops spread to form a thin film and infiltrate the dirt. This self-washing effect prevents the adherence of dirt. This minimizes the cleaning costs. Active support at every weather – sun and rain perform the effective and environment-friendly cleaning free of charge! Hytect keeps facades clean.

1 The surface tension of the water is overcome. A thin water film forms.

2 By the action of light, the catalyst activates oxygen. Microorganisms, algae, fungi and moss are decomposed.

3 When it rains, dirt and microorganisms are simply infiltrated and removed thanks to the self-washing effect.

Without Hytect - Builiding in Bratislava, 17 years old

With Hytect - Builiding in Bratislava, 17 years old

The same city and the same environment – the same look – but with and without Hytect: where the façade at the top has dirtied and greyed with age as dirt and moss have gained a firm foothold, the building depicted below it has lost none of its perfect appearance even after many years, thanks to Hytect. Without any extra cleaning, it should be noted. And without using any environmentally-harmful fungicides or other chemicals. This is the contribution Hytect makes towards sustainability.