In winter, buildings in the city rarely face dramatic damage from extreme heat, yet deterioration occurs quietly over time. Moisture from morning dew, combined with settling dust, gradually erodes paint, density, and protective coatings. In Dubai, low seasonal temperatures, occasional rainfall, and high humidity create conditions where wall surfaces remain damp longer than usual. Dust and sand that accumulate daily—much like the fine particles addressed during car detailing in Dubai — cling stubbornly to facades. Over time, this leads to the slow dulling and gradual wear of the building’s exterior layer, even when everything appears intact at first glance.
Morning Moisture As A Wear Catalyst
Winter mornings are often accompanied by dew formation. Moisture settles on the cold surface of the walls and penetrates into the micropores of the material. Unlike in the summer, evaporation occurs slowly. The surface stays wet longer, especially in shaded areas.
Coastal humidity enhances the effect. Condensate accumulates in the pores, creating conditions for the appearance of wet spots and local swelling of the coating. Over time, this leads to a decrease in adhesion and peeling of the protective layer.
An additional risk is associated with microbiological growth. Moisture and moderate heat create a favorable environment for mold and mildew. These processes are not always immediately noticeable, but they destroy the structure of the coating from the inside.
Dust And Sand As An Abrasive Load
Dust is constantly present in Dubai. In winter, it does not disappear, but simply becomes less noticeable. The sand particles settle on the wet surface and are fixed on it. After drying, they form a dense coating that is difficult to remove without cleaning.
When the wind blows, the sand starts to work as an abrasive. It gradually erases the top layer of the coating, making the facade look dull and rough. The color loses its saturation, and the surface becomes dirty faster with subsequent precipitation.
Walls with a porous or rough texture are particularly vulnerable. They retain dust more strongly and lose their appearance faster. Smooth surfaces in such conditions last longer and require less maintenance.
Why Is The Winter Period Important For The Durability Of The Facade
Although winter is considered a milder season, it is at this time that future wear and tear is laid. Moisture, dust, and moderate temperatures work together to prepare the surface for a more aggressive summer period. Microcracks that appear in winter rapidly expand in summer under the influence of ultraviolet radiation and heat above 45 °C.
Regular maintenance helps slow down this process. Cleaning facades every 3–4 months reduces the abrasive load and removes accumulated dust. An annual inspection of the walls allows you to notice areas with impaired moisture resistance in time.
On average, the exterior coating needs to be renewed every 4–5 years. This allows you to preserve the protective function of the facade and avoid more serious damage to the structure.
Winter dew and sand dust separately seem harmless. But together they create a hidden wear mechanism. It is he who gradually dulls the color, weakens the surface and shortens the service life of the facade, even before the onset of the summer heat.
I graduated from the California Institute of Technology in 2016 with a bachelor’s degree in software development.