{"id":2305,"date":"2026-09-05T03:16:13","date_gmt":"2026-09-05T01:16:13","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.klicarquitectos.com\/what-aluminosis-is\/"},"modified":"2026-10-04T04:02:53","modified_gmt":"2026-10-04T02:02:53","slug":"what-aluminosis-is","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.klicarquitectos.com\/en\/blog\/what-aluminosis-is\/","title":{"rendered":"What is aluminosis and how to prevent it: symptoms, risks and what to do before you buy"},"content":{"rendered":"

Aluminosis<\/strong>, also known as \u201cconcrete fever\u201d, is a serious structural pathology that mainly affects buildings constructed in Spain between the 1950s and the 1980s. It has been behind numerous safety problems in homes and other structures because of the progressive degradation of reinforced concrete<\/strong>, and it is one of the problems we detect most often in the Due Diligence reports we carry out at Klic Arquitectos<\/strong>. But what exactly is aluminosis<\/strong>, how is it detected and how can it be avoided?<\/p>\n

In this article, from our architecture studio in M\u00e1laga<\/a>, we explain everything you need to know about aluminosis in homes<\/strong> from that period: how to identify it, what to do about it and what to check if you are thinking of buying in M\u00e1laga or on the Costa del Sol.<\/p>\n

What is aluminosis?<\/h2>\n

Aluminosis is a deterioration process that affects reinforced concrete elements made with aluminous cement<\/strong>, a material that was used in Spain for its high early strength and fast setting. Over time, and in contact with moisture and heat<\/strong>, this type of cement undergoes a chemical transformation that reduces its mechanical strength<\/strong> and increases its porosity<\/strong>, weakening the structure. If the process continues unchecked, this loss of strength can ultimately cause the collapse of the joists and floor slabs<\/strong> in which the cement was used.<\/p>\n

It mainly affects floor-slab joists<\/strong>, but it can also compromise other parts of the structure if action is not taken in time.<\/p>\n

Why does aluminosis occur?<\/h2>\n

Aluminosis<\/strong> is the direct result of using aluminous cement<\/strong> (also known as high-alumina cement) in structural concrete elements, especially precast joists<\/strong>. This type of cement was widely used in Spain between 1950 and 1980<\/strong> because of its apparent advantages: it offered high early strength<\/strong>, which made it possible to shorten construction times<\/strong> on site, and it was fire-resistant. Decades later, however, it has become clear that its long-term behaviour can seriously compromise the structural safety of buildings.<\/p>\n

Beyond the material itself, there are external conditions<\/strong> that encourage this pathology to appear and speed it up: damp or poorly ventilated environments, water from leaks or condensation, sustained high temperatures such as those found in roofs and penthouses, the use of precast joists without proper quality control, or a lack of preventive maintenance. In coastal areas with high levels of salt in the air, such as the Costa del Sol, the process is accelerated.<\/p>\n

Symptoms of aluminosis in homes: how to detect it<\/h2>\n

Spotting the signs in time is key to avoiding more serious consequences. Some of the indicators that may point to aluminosis are:<\/p>\n