Table of contents
- What are lichens?
- How do lichens form on paving stones?
- Why is removal required?
- Materials for Removal
- Remove stains from paving stones
- Mechanical removal
- home remedies
- chemical process
- What mistakes should you avoid?
If white spots on the concrete paving do not want to go away or if they come back regularly, it is most likely a lichen infestation. Although the obscure growths disturb the overall picture, they can be combated with simple means.
What are lichens?
Lichens, also known as lichenes in botanical jargon, are a symbiosis of photoautotrophic organisms such as algae and fungi. Erroneously, they are commonly referred to as being associated with green coverings and mosses. In this interaction, the fungus benefits from the products of photosynthesis, while the algae receive minerals, water and protection against dehydration.
The coral-like body usually consists of simple crusts or abstract formations that show a wide range of colors. In their own garden they grow over buildings, roof tiles and trees as well as concrete paving and stones. As a rule, overgrown trees are not disadvantaged by the overgrowth. In other cases, the removal can be worthwhile for damage prevention or for optical reasons.
How do lichens form on paving stones?
Unlike verdigris or moss, lichens develop in a completely different way. The community of fungus and algae has no roots, it absorbs all nutrients from the air and the ground.
Very characteristic of fungi, reproduction takes place via spores. Due to their extremely low weight, spores can be transported by the wind over enormous distances in order to establish a colony at a suitable location. Not least because of this property, the removal of a braid is like a Sisyphean task.
Even after removal with a wire brush or scrubber, spores or minute remnants of the fungus remain. Replication of the previously removed fruiting body takes place rapidly. For the spores to germinate, only minimal requirements are required. Adequate humidity and good air quality are sufficient for this.
Why is removal required?
Overgrown figures or natural stones are not damaged by the growth. Sometimes they give overgrown objects an old-romantic charm. However, the spores of the fungi involved can cause health problems in sensitive people. Removal of the infestation is also advisable in the case of overgrown driveways, terraces and sidewalks. In wet weather, the slippery and unsafe surface of lichens when wet poses a significant risk of injury. Last but not least, they synthesize organic acids, which they ultimately secrete to the ground. Paving stones and other floors are damaged and crumble. Cracks, stains and various material damages appear.
A notice:
Although lichen growth conveys a romantic aesthetic depending on the case, it is often advisable to remove it for safety reasons. Paving stones are particularly susceptible and require regular cleaning to permanently eliminate the infestation, as the rough surface encourages colonization.
Materials for Removal
There are many different measures to combat stubborn ringworm. Depending on the type of removal, different materials are used. Below is a brief list of the tools:
- mop
- wire brush
- wire brush
- high pressure cleaner
- lichen remover
- baking soda solution
- biocides
Remove stains from paving stones
There are a variety of ways to stop fouling. The procedures include:
Mechanical removal
Mechanical removal with a wire brush or a scrubber requires an enormous amount of effort and time. The superficial removal is often sufficient if there is only a small infestation. Aids such as high-pressure cleaners work wonders when removing larger accumulations.
The powerful devices shoot the mushroom off the stones with high pressure. Due to the high pressure, this method can only be used for compact stones. In the case of soft materials such as sandstone or limestone, the treatment would damage the surface of the stone and reveal further areas where moss and lichen could attack.
home remedies
Home remedies such as baking soda or fruit vinegar can also help with minor infestations.
Boiling water and baking soda
- Coarse dirt must be removed from the floor. This can be done with a simple broom.
- Depending on the area, sufficient water must be boiled and filled into a bucket.
- About 30 grams of baking soda powder are added to 10 liters of water.
- The solution must now be distributed to the affected areas and have an effect.
- After 24 hours, the spots can be easily scrubbed off with a wire brush.
- Finally, the floor can be rinsed with water to remove the residue.
Tip:
Baking soda has two wonderful properties. While making lichen removal easier, it also provides long-term protection from spores and re-sprout.
wine and fruit vinegar
- Vinegar essence is mixed with water in a 1:10 ratio.
- Apply the solution to the affected areas with a watering can.
- After a short exposure time, the growth can be easily removed with a wire brush.
Tip:
The use of biodegradable green growth remover is simpler and less complicated. The products from the hardware store contain pelargonic acid and are environmentally friendly.
Care should be taken when using harsh home remedies such as a homemade baking soda solution. If these get into the environment, they can cause great damage.
chemical process
Chemical removal is an alternative. It is based on the use of biocides, which provoke decomposition of the structure and destroy fungal spores. Special active ingredients should offer long-term protection for the treated surface and kill spores that settle there. Corresponding products are also freely available in retail outlets for private individuals.
What mistakes should you avoid?
Among the numerous methods of combating lichens, there are also those that should be avoided for environmental reasons. Burning off lichens with a standard weed burner or conventional gas burners removes lichens, for example, completely, but also harming useful plants and animals is imminent Space. The treated natural stone can also be damaged by the high heat development. When using a high-pressure cleaner, it is also important to test in advance whether the treatment is suitable for the stone floor in question. If the stone floor contains deep joints, the pressure can push the spores deep into the soil, speeding up resettlement.
Last but not least, numerous cleaning agents advertise that they completely remove the unwanted growths. However, these products are often associated with numerous risks. The very aggressive ingredients not only damage the environment, but also your own health and the substrate to be treated.
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