We can define aluminosis as a pathology of constructive type. It affects aluminous concrete, a material that was frequently used during some decades (50’s, 60’s and 70’s) for the construction of several buildings. It is a delicate condition that significantly affects the stability and safety of structures. So much so, that it is capable of reaching the point of compromising them, causing concern among buyers and/or owners. If you are one and this concerns you, join us because the following is of interest to you.
What is aluminosis?
Concrete, cement or aluminosis disease is based on a chemical reaction produced in aluminous concrete. It sounds like a tongue twister, but we are going to explain it to you.
This material undergoes a process that transforms its mineral components, causing a decrease in its resistance. This also generates an increase in porosity, which makes it susceptible or vulnerable to different external agents; one of the most harmful is humidity.
And what are the consequences of all this? In short, structures affected by aluminosis tend to suffer:
- Cracks.
- Deformations.
- Collapse (in extreme cases).
Causes of aluminosis
The main cause of aluminosis in concrete is the use of aluminous cement. This was frequently used between the 1950s and 1970s.
It is a type of cement that offered numerous advantages at the time, one of which was rapid setting. However, it turned out that the material was susceptible in humid environments due to mineral transformation. In addition, other causes of aluminosis include:
- Variations in temperature.
- Presence of chloride sulfates.
- Prolonged exposure to humidity.
- Use of an aluminous cement with deficient quality.
- Among others.
The problems related to aluminosis
However, the problems related to aluminosis are numerous. Among them are the following:
- Safety: when a structure is weakened by concrete disease (e.g. there are beams with aluminosis in a building), the safety and integrity of the inhabitants is at risk. Therefore, taking prompt action can prevent accidents and major complications in the future.
- Health: it would be inadequate to state with severity that there is a direct relationship proven by science between aluminosis and health deterioration or aluminosis and cancer. However, when a building presents problems related to cement disease and humidity, this often results in the generation of fungi, among other things. These can greatly affect people’s respiratory health. As such, it is not something to be taken lightly if you suspect its existence.
- Devaluation of the property and difficulties for the sale: regarding this issue, it is inevitable that an apartment or house that has had aluminosis for years will be devalued. And this, undoubtedly, generates other difficulties for the owner, especially when he wants to sell the property. Moreover, a common question among owners and sellers of properties with this problem is, “how much does an apartment with aluminosis devalue?”. The simple answer is that the devaluation is considerable, therefore, it becomes complicated to find buyers under these conditions. Moreover, because problems related to aluminosis cement are often difficult to solve.
Symptoms of aluminosis in buildings
If you think your property has symptoms of aluminosis and you want to avoid major damage, pay attention to the following signs:
- The appearance of cracks and fissures is a symptom of aluminosis in walls and beams. So don’t be overconfident if you start to notice some over time.
- Detachment of coatings and coverings.
- Efflorescence and stains caused by humidity.
- Structural deformations.
- Corrosion and oxidation of reinforcements.
- Among others.
In this way, you can know if a building has aluminosis. Although, if you notice one or more of these signs, but you are not sure, it is always advisable to hire a professional. The opinion of an expert can help you to get out of doubts and to make the best decisions in this case.
How to solve aluminosis?
The solutions for aluminosis are usually different depending on the degree of deterioration or affectation of the structure or building.
In mild cases, reinforcement of beams and columns may be sufficient. On the other hand, if the situation is severe, structural elements may need to be replaced.
Even partial or total demolition and reconstruction of the affected building is often the only solution to aluminosis in some cases. But this must be determined by a professional.
How much does it cost to fix aluminosis?
The costs of repairing or fixing aluminosis in buildings depend on the extent of the damage caused and the solutions to be applied. It is for this reason that determining a value is not so simple at first glance.
However, the figures can easily reach several thousand euros. For this reason, if you want to avoid making mistakes or paying overprices, the smartest thing to do is to seek the advice of an expert.
Someone with extensive experience in repairing damage caused by aluminosis will be of great help. Also, this should be seen as a future investment in your safety if you plan to keep the property. Whereas, if you intend to sell it, you will be able to get a better return for it if it no longer has any problems related to the concrete disease.
Does home insurance cover aluminosis?
Nowadays, home insurance does not cover aluminosis. This is because the damage caused by aluminosis is considered a construction defect, not a loss in itself.
In this sense, you should keep this in mind if you already have an insurance policy or are planning to take out one. If you have a policy, be sure to review its clauses and the coverage it offers; you can also ask your insurance company to clarify any doubts you may have. By the way, if you are interested in taking out an insurance policy, at Loca Barcelona we can help you with an affordable personal insurance policy tailored to your needs.
I have been sold an apartment with aluminosis, what should I do?
If you have been sold an apartment with aluminosis you must act quickly. First of all, contact a lawyer you trust who specializes in real estate law to help you with your case. The idea is to evaluate all the legal actions that are possible considering the situation you are in.
Apart from that, you may want to get a technical report from a surveyor or architect. Having this resource will be useful to determine the extent of the aluminosis damage to the property you have purchased.
Keep in mind that in these cases, having the opinion and advice of a professional facilitates the overall process. Investing in it helps to save you worries and headaches. Likewise, remember that you can count on us if you want to buy, sell or rent a property with total security, confidence and without any problem. Loca Barcelona is the Real Estate Agency you need!
