Climate change, a significant and pressing global issue, is causing an increase in temperatures that affect various aspects of our environment, including the façades of buildings.
These façades are becoming increasingly sensitive to the accumulation of dirt and grime due to the fact that traditional binders, which are commonly used in construction materials, tend to soften when exposed to elevated temperatures. This softening process leads to the encapsulation of dirt particles, making it more challenging to maintain cleanliness and aesthetic appeal. As a consequence, the impact of climate change on building maintenance and appearance is becoming more pronounced, necessitating innovative solutions and adaptations in construction materials and methods to address these challenges effectively.
Baumit presents an innovative solution: the Baumit CrystalSet, which is the first mineral render system conveniently packaged in a bucket. This system is meticulously designed to effectively prevent the common problem of dirt accumulation on surfaces. It features a unique blend of Baumit CrystalTop and CrystalActivator, which work together to ensure that dirt does not become embedded on the façade. Even under conditions of extreme heat, this advanced system maintains the façade's durability and keeps it looking visually appealing for a significantly extended period.
A heat wave is defined as a period of at least three consecutive days during which temperatures exceed 30°C. Unfortunately, not only is the number of hot days increasing, but the duration of these heat waves is also becoming longer, posing a growing challenge to both public health and infrastructure. Data collected since 1850 indicates that 2024 was the warmest year on record, with global temperatures averaging 1.18 degrees Celsius above the historical average for both land and sea from 1850 to 2023. This alarming data underscores the severity of climate change impacts. In fact, according to a comprehensive study conducted by the Statista Research Department, the past decade encompasses the ten warmest years out of the last 173 years, highlighting a significant trend of rising temperatures and emphasizing the urgent need for effective climate action and adaptation strategies.
Traditional binders often lose their rigidity when exposed to elevated temperatures, which results in dirt particles adhering to the surface of the render. As the façade returns to cooler temperatures, these particles become embedded within the surface, making them extremely difficult to eliminate. This process leads to a persistent greying effect that significantly affects the visual appeal and overall appearance of the façade.
The first mineral render system available in a bucket, designed to endure high temperatures and shield façades from dirt. It includes the ready-to-use mineral render, CrystalTop, and its corresponding primer, CrystalActivator.
Together, they produce the unique CrystalEffect, offering superior dirt resistance.
Baumit CrystalSet features a natural crystalline surface with outstanding dirt resistance, thanks to the unique CrystalEffect. This special property ensures the surface remains firm even under high temperatures, preventing dirt and dust from sticking. Instead, particles are easily washed away by rain and weather, keeping the surface naturally clean and looking fresh with minimal maintenance.
Baumit enhances the familiar advantages of mineral renders by offering a ready-to-use, pasty formulation conveniently packaged in a bucket. In contrast, traditional mineral renders are typically sold as powdered products in bags, which require mixing with water before application, activating the binding process immediately. Baumit’s innovative approach stabilizes the mineral binder until it comes into contact with the Baumit CrystalActivator.
To test durability on a hot summer day, we compared conventional render to our CrystalSet at 50°C with dirt exposure. After cooling and repeated cleaning, the results were evident: the conventional render turned grey, whereas CrystalSet resisted staining and remained clean.
Gets heated up to 50 °C
Imitation of pollution
Cool-down
Cleaning by a compressor
Result after 1 pollution cycle
Result after 4 pollution cycles
Baumit openSystem: We recommend using the CrystalSet in combination with Baumit’s unique open insulation system which is made of 99% air making it one of the most breathable solutions for the façade and guarantee a feel-good indoor climate the whole year through.
Alkaline resistant, glass fibre textile mesh to be used in Baumit ETICS.
Baumit CrystalSet is designed to withstand high temperatures, prevent dirt accumulation, and remain visually appealing. Its natural crystalline surface is breathable, resistant to dirt, and easy to maintain, making it an excellent solution for protecting façades in increasingly warmer climates.
Durability tests conducted at 50°C with repeated dirt exposure and cleaning cycles showed that conventional renders turned grey and retained stains, while Baumit CrystalSet resisted staining and maintained its clean appearance even after multiple pollution cycles.
Baumit CrystalSet is the first mineral render system conveniently packaged in a bucket, featuring a unique CrystalEffect. It consists of CrystalTop (a ready-to-use mineral render) and CrystalActivator. Together, they create a surface that prevents dirt from sticking, ensuring superior durability and cleanliness even in extreme heat.
Unlike traditional powdered mineral renders that require on-site mixing, Baumit CrystalSet is ready-to-use and features a stabilized mineral binder that activates only when mixed with CrystalActivator. This innovation ensures better performance and easier application.
Traditional binders used in construction materials tend to soften when exposed to elevated temperatures. This softening allows dirt particles to adhere and eventually become embedded in the façade surface, making it difficult to maintain cleanliness and aesthetics.