The El Niño and La Niña phenomena bring heavy temperature precipitation and drastic climate changes. Both can cause damage to facilities, buildings, walls, ceilings and even car coatings.
By Laura Restrepo C.
El Niño and La Niña are extreme weather events that affect regions around the world, bringing with them significant changes in temperature and precipitation patterns. These changes not only have repercussions on agriculture, ecology and human life, but also impact on infrastructure and covered surfaces.
The El Niño phenomenon is characterized by an unusual warming of the waters of the Pacific Ocean, which can lead to drastic changes in the climate worldwide. Among the most common effects on surfaces and coatings are:
- Corrosion and degradation: High temperatures and humidity can accelerate corrosion of exposed metals, such as steel in bridges and metal structures.
- Wear and erosion: Heavy rainfall and extreme weather events can lead to erosion on exposed surfaces, such as roads, pavements, and exterior paints.
- Flood damage: Flash floods can cause serious damage to structures and coatings, leading to significant economic losses.
- Publicidad -"The protective coatings of metal surfaces such as railings, windows and doors, are damaged or cracked; the metal can corrode more quickly when exposed to constant rainfall, as this condition can lead to the formation of the corrosion cell with the consequent deterioration of the metal substrate," explained Pedro Sánchez, Project Engineer and Coatings Consultant for KTA, with 17 years of experience in the protective coatings industry.
On the other hand, the La Niña phenomenon involves an abnormal cooling of Pacific waters, which also has important consequences for surfaces and coatings:
- Droughts and soil dryness: The lack of rainfall during La Niña periods can lead to cracks and fissures in concrete and asphalt surfaces, as well as an increased risk of forest fires.
- UV exposure: With less cloud and rainfall, exterior surfaces are more exposed to ultraviolet radiation, which can accelerate the degradation of protective paints and coatings.
- Changes in usage patterns: Changes in precipitation and temperature patterns can influence surface wear and tear, requiring adjustments to maintenance and repair schedules.
Gianina Pérez Luna, an analyst at the Materials Laboratory of the Pontifical Bolivarian University, explained that with heat waves "thermal degradation can occur in coatings, causing loss of gloss and color degradation."
He also added that among the prevention measures is to avoid exposed environments for prolonged periods: "The cleaning and cleaning of the coating can also give it more life and resistance to these conditions, avoiding the formation of layers of particulate matter that is embedded in the coating."
"In buildings, for example, heavy rains can cause leaks in roofs, walls and foundations, which can bring moisture to the walls. The accumulation of moisture on the walls can cause stains, deterioration of the paint and the development of mold, which can be harmful to health," explained Pedro Sánchez.
In automobiles, these atmospheric phenomena can also cause different particularities such as loss of gloss and color, structural weakening of the coating, peeling of paint, stains and discoloration.
To mitigate the effects of heavy rains and high temperatures, there are two preventive measures: the use of high-quality coatings and regular maintenance, since with the latter damage can be repaired more quickly and major problems can be avoided.
In the face of the challenges posed by the El Niño and La Niña phenomena, it is crucial to implement mitigation and adaptation strategies. Some key measures include:
- Selection of resistant materials: Opt for materials that are resistant to corrosion, erosion and damage caused by extreme weather.
- Preventive maintenance: Perform regular inspections and preventative maintenance to identify and address problems before they become serious damage.
- Investment in resilient infrastructure: Design and build infrastructure that is more resilient and adaptable to climate change, such as improved drainage systems and advanced protective coatings.
El Niño and La Niña events pose significant challenges to surfaces and coatings, with impacts ranging from corrosion and erosion to flood and drought damage. However, by implementing appropriate mitigation and adaptation strategies, it is possible to reduce these impacts and promote the durability and resilience of our infrastructures in the face of extreme weather events.
