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Understanding Building Conservation

Professor John Edwards MA, DipBldgCons, CEnv, FRICS, FCIOB, IHBC


CIOB Certified Building Conservation Specialist (Building Surveyor Practitioner)
RICS Certified Historic Building Professional
Accredited by the Institute for Historic Building Conservation

Director: Edwards Hart Consultants


Technical Analysis

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Sessions

1. Introduction
2. Significance and Philosophy
3. Technical Analysis
4. Making Decisions – Considering Technical and
Significance Issues
5. Interventions
6. Specifying, Managing and Implementing

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Session Three

• Breathability and moisture movement – issues


concerning repair and energy efficiency

• Building pathology and condition surveys

• Building and thermal performance

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This is Conservation
and what BS 7913: 2013 is based on….

TECHNICAL
SIGNIFICANCE •Surveys (Condition,
•Significance analysis Quinquennial, etc.)

•Conservation Plans (and •Inspections


Conservation •Targeted Specialist
Management Plans) Investigations
•Heritage Impact
Assessments

PROCESS
• Project management, Heritage Management & Supervision
• Maintenance management & FM

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The movement of moisture in building fabric

These buildings are the different


Modern Traditional

Moisture Moisture
Blocking Management

Vapour Vapour
Impermeable Permeable

Non Non
‘Breathable’ ‘Breathable’
ENGLISH HERITAGE

Vapour Closed Vapour Open


They perform differently
ciobacademy.org but to varying degrees…
‘Breathability’
The movement of moisture in building fabric
• Not to be confused with air movement but
entirely refers to the way moisture moves in
relation to the building fabric.

• Three essential mechanisms of moisture


movement:
– Vapour permeability
– Hygroscopicity
– Capillarity

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Movement of moisture in Materials

• Vapour Permeability - ability of a material to allow water


vapour to diffuse through it – helped by gravity.

• Hygroscopicity - ability of a material to absorb and release


moisture. Pore walls allowing condensation on their surface,
pores which have dead ends, contaminants such as soluble
salts that attracts and hold water molecules.

• Capillarity - absorption/desorption and movement of water


as liquid and is a function of pore structure. Size and shape
or pores – narrow for the wick effect

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Movement of moisture in Materials
Most materials allow water transport in some way,
many combine all three methods of transport

• Some materials are largely vapour impermeable but


will allow moisture to move by capillary action such
as granite.

• Most traditional materials allow water transport with


both vapour permeability and capillarity

• Most traditional materials are to a greater or lesser


extent hygroscopic including lime plaster and harling
ciobacademy.org 26-27
Moisture Movement
Damaged chimneys will let in significant amounts
of moisture – note the effect on flue structure

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Moisture Movement

External ground level

ciobacademy.org How they are meant to perform!


Moisture Movement

External ground level

ciobacademy.org What happens now?


Moisture Movement

External ground level

This happens….. increased moisture…..


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Moisture Movement

Internal cement render

External ground level

dpc

ciobacademy.org Retrofitted damp proof course!


Moisture Movement
Re-plastered areas have lower surface Temp

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Moisture Movement

Permeable lime render

Limecrete
floor

External ground level

ciobacademy.org Reintroduce vapour permeability


Moisture Movement
Note that the hard-core without ‘fines’ (see
red box below) is protected from the limecrete
screed falling within it by the geotextile mat

Note that hard-core without ‘fines’ allows


moisture to rise within the hard-core bed as
the ground becomes wet due to rainfall and
then recede when the rain stops and the
ground water levels lower – need to make sure
that water drains away from the building
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Moisture Movement

DPC bridged
by soil

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Moisture Movement

DPC bridged
by path

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Moisture Movement

DPC bridged
by rendering

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Moisture Movement

DPC bridged
by mortar
pointing

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Moisture Movement

DPC bridged
by mortar
droppings in
cavity

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Moisture Movement

Water resistant floor finish

DPC bridged Porous screed


by floor
screed

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Moisture Movement

DPM

DPC bridged Screed


by floor
screed

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Moisture Movement

Internal cement render

External ground level

dpc

ciobacademy.org Look for air vent…


Moisture Movement

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Moisture Movement
Cement renders applied to solid walls
EXTERNAL INTERNAL
Rain Masonry
Evaporation of units
moisture and
salts inhibited
Joints
due to Evaporation of
impervious moisture and
cement render. salts principally
Render will via joints and
detach, crack, attempting to
and lose bond pass through
with wall external render

Walls stopped from breathing


Trapping moisture causes deterioration of fabric
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Moisture Movement
Lime renders applied to solid walls
EXTERNAL INTERNAL
Masonry
Rain
Rain units
Joints

Evaporation of
Evaporation moisture and
of moisture salts principally
and salts via joints and
from lime passing through
render external render

Trapping moisture causes deterioration of fabric


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Moisture Movement
Technology of Solid Masonry Walls
EXTERNAL INTERNAL
Over a period Masonry
of time the face units
of joints will
erode Joints
Joints to be in a
lime mortar and
Then repointed
finished flush, but
~ the process to
with no
start all over
feathered
again
edges.

Walls must breathe ~ no matter how thin


Trapping moisture causes deterioration of fabric
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Moisture Movement
Relationship of Masonry and Joints ~ Misunderstood ~
Causing Deterioration

Rain Masonry units


Evaporation of Joints
moisture and salts via
the face of masonry Evaporation
units causing their of moisture
deterioration and salts
principally
Due to cement mortar
via masonry
pointing which will
units
become defective
EXTERNAL INTERNAL
Trapping moisture causes deterioration of fabric
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Moisture Movement
Relationship of Masonry and Joints ~ Misunderstood ~
Causing Deterioration

Rain Masonry units


Joints

Evaporation
of moisture
and salts
principally
via masonry
units
EXTERNAL INTERNAL
Trapping moisture causes deterioration of fabric
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Moisture Movement

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Moisture Movement

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Moisture Movement

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Moisture Movement

Heat inside the building

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Moisture Movement

What if impervious
materials such as
cement is used on
Heat inside the building the external face –
preventing moisture
from evaporating?

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Moisture Movement

What if impervious
materials such as
cement is used on
Heat inside the building the external face –
preventing moisture
from evaporating?

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Moisture Movement
This puts timber joist
ends at risk of rot.

What if impervious
materials such as
cement is used on
Heat inside the building the external face –
preventing moisture
from evaporating?
Some additional
Moisture may
evaporate from the
internal surface of
the wall

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Moisture Movement
Impermeable Internal Wall Insulation Moisture
with moisture barrier prevents penetrates from
moisture from evaporating internally. rainfall but also
evaporates through
lime mortar joints

Note the benefit from that heat inside


the building may now be lost

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Moisture Movement
Impermeable Internal Wall Insulation Moisture
with moisture barrier prevents penetrates from
moisture from evaporating internally. rainfall but also
evaporates through
lime mortar joints

What if impervious
Note the benefit from that heat inside materials such as
the building may now be lost cement is used on
the external face –
preventing moisture
from evaporating?

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Moisture Movement
Impermeable Internal Wall Insulation Moisture
with moisture barrier prevents penetrates from
moisture from evaporating internally. rainfall but also
evaporates through
lime mortar joints

This puts timber joist


ends at risk of rot.
Note the benefit from that heat inside
the building may now be lost
Opportunity for
some of the
moisture to
evaporate from the
internal surface of
the wall is lost due
to IWI

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Moisture Movement
Permeable Internal Wall Insulation with
out a vapour barrier may allow some
moisture to evaporating internally.

Key to this working is the ability for


moisture evaporate from the
surfaces of wall – impervious
materials such as cement should not
be used – appropriate specifications
and good workmanship is essential

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Moisture Movement
Impermeable External Wall Moisture (rising
Insulation with render finish. damp, penetrating
damp, interstitial
condensation)within
structure will be
trapped.

This puts timber joist


ends at risk of rot.

Heat inside the


building
Some additional
Moisture may
evaporate from the
internal surface of
the wall

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Moisture Movement
Permeable External Wall Insulation Moisture (rising
with render finish. damp, penetrating
damp, interstitial
condensation)within
structure will have
some capacity to
evaporate – but the
render has to be
vapour permeable.

Heat inside the


building
Some additional
Moisture may still
evaporate from the
internal surface of
the wall

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Moisture Movement
Permeable External Wall Insulation
with render finish.

Key to this working is the ability for


moisture evaporate from the
surfaces of wall – impervious
materials such as cement should not
be used – appropriate specifications
and good workmanship is essential

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Moisture Movement
Design issues Is moisture allowed
to evaporate from
around timber?

Is wall in good
condition?

Can the wall


breathe?

Can the
temperature
gradient through
the wall with
insulation be
calculated and
interstitial
condensation
assessed?
U Value? U Value?

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Dealing with rotten floor joists

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Dealing with rotten floor joists

Is this the solution?

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Solid Wall Dampness

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Solid Wall Dampness

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Solid Wall Dampness
Repointing
Voids alone ……
in Wall……

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Solid Wall Dampness
Repointing alone ……

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Solid Wall Dampness
Grouting

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Solid Wall Dampness
Grouting

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Masonry Best Practice
BS 7913: 2013 with BS 8221-1:2012: Code of practice for
cleaning and surface repair of buildings

• During January 2005 ~ 80 falls


of masonry in Edinburgh
• Wrong materials
• Wrong repair techniques
• Poor/ unskilled workmanship

Is the aging building stock of


Edinburgh impacting upon
public safety ?

RICS Building Conservation Journal June 2007

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Masonry Best Practice
BS 7913: 2013 with BS 8221-1:2012: Code of practice for
cleaning and surface repair of buildings
Dealing with the
Safety of Buildings
Long term or short term
Technical adequacy
Cost effectiveness
Are we still taking risks?
Do we really understand
what we are doing?
Sustainability?
Are we complying with BS
ciobacademy.org 822-1: 2012?
Masonry Best Practice
BS 7913: 2013 with BS 8221-1:2012: Code of practice for
cleaning and surface repair of buildings

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Energy losses due to dampness
BS 7913: 2013: Section 5.3.1 Sustainability

…….“Elements such as walls can be over a third less energy efficient if


damp. Some energy efficient measures can have an adverse effect on
sustainability. The actual energy efficiency of historic buildings and their
potential energy efficiency with the addition of energy efficient
measures should be taken in account at the outset (see 6.3). The need
for energy efficiency and low carbon might also influence the selection
of materials and work methods as they can impact on thermal
performance and weather resistance. Building materials and products
should be sourced and procured in a sustainable manner”……

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Energy losses due to dampness
High wall moisture and high U - Values

1. The correct materials


and tools required for re-
pointing stone / brick
joints in traditional
buildings.

2. The implications of not


re-pointing joints
properly.

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Energy losses due to dampness
Re-pointing stone/brickwork properly

Which tools should be used?

TRADITIONAL BUILDINGS
X
Pointing irons Pointing trowels
These are the same – treat
them the same!

Wrong tools = inferior work = energy inefficiency


Energy losses due to dampness
Re-pointing stone/brickwork properly for good
thermal performance and sustainability
Repairs to Stone Wall
Repair Type Durability – well Durability – sub
executed standard
Stone indent / piecing in 100+ yrs 10-20 yrs

Mortar repairs in sheltered locations 30-60 yrs 5-15 yrs

Mortar repairs in exposed locations Avoid < 10 yrs

Mortar joint re-pointing 60-120 yrs 5-15 yrs

Stone replacement 100+ yrs < 30 yrs

Brick replacement 100+ yrs < 30 yrs


Energy & Sustainability
BS 7913: 2013: Section 5.31 Sustainability

……“The most effective way of ensuring energy efficiency and


sustainability is to keep historic buildings in good repair so that they
last as long as possible, do not need replacement and do not suffer
from avoidable decay that would require energy and carbon to rectify.
They should provide occupancy in an efficient manner, involving
minimal production of carbon and use of energy without harming
significance or the physical performance of the historic fabric. Using
natural ventilation and light, and proper temperature and humidity
control for individual rooms are ways of minimizing energy usage that
respect the building’s material characteristics”…….
Energy losses in buildings
Introduction to U - Values

A U value is a measure of heat loss in a building element such as a


wall, floor or roof. It can also be referred to as an ‘overall heat transfer
co-efficient’ and measures how well parts of a building transfer heat.

This means that the higher the U value the worse the thermal
performance of the building envelope.

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Energy losses in buildings
Calculating U - Values

• You need to know the build up of the element (e.g.wall).

• Each building material should be positioned properly in sequence.

• Thickness of each building material is required.

• Obtain the conductivity of each building material. This is a


measure of its inherent ability to facilitate the passage of heat. It is
normally referred to as a ‘k value’ and values for materials can be
found in publications such as the New Metric Handbook and the
Architects’ Pocket Guide

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Energy losses in buildings
Calculating U - Values

• The properties of the internal and external faces of the


constructional element under scrutiny need to be allowed for.
These are called external resistances and are fixed values.

• The U value is defined as being reciprocal of all the resistances of


the materials found in the building element.

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Energy losses in buildings
Calculating U - Values

The resistance of a building material is derived by the following


formula:

R = (1/k) x d

where k is the conductivity of the building material and d is the


material thickness.

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Energy losses in buildings
Calculating U - Values

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Energy losses in buildings
Calculating the U – Value for Solid Walls

• What is the structure


inside the walls? You
can’t see…

• Insitu U – Value tests!

• Calculated methods
using ‘real’ conductivity
values

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Energy losses in buildings
Calculating the U – Value for Solid Walls
• Improve information on
construction
• Thermal imaging
• Bore holes
• Bore scopes
• Opening up
• Material testing
• More accurate information
to calculate in specific
locations - BS EN ISO 6946
‘combined’
• Thermal simulation - WUFi
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Energy losses in buildings
Relationship between wall moisture and U - Values

DAMP DRY
Courtesy Caroline Rye / SPAB

0.76 W/m2K @ 1790 mm above ffl

1.05 W/m2K @ 630 mm above ffl

Greatest heat
loss through the
dampest area

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Conservation Strategy
Conservation Based Research & Analysis (CoBRA)
activities include:

1. Survey and Analysis – covering technical and


significance
2. Detailed analysis – can be referred to as a Targeted
Specialist Investigation (TSI)
3. Analysis during works, recording, etc.
4. Recording and Archive

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Building Surveys

Easy to survey

Difficult to
survey
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Building Surveys
Castle Ward, Northern Ireland
Easy / difficult

Castle Farm, Vale of Glamorgan

Easy /
Difficult
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Building Surveys

Easy OR
Difficult?
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Inspections & Surveys

• Recording (creating an accurate record of the heritage


asset) and significance analysis

• Property / Asset Management – condition surveys

• Planning and implementing work

• Thermal performance, energy efficiency and


sustainability

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Why do we need surveys?
Condition surveys and inspections
(1)… planned or unplanned
(2)… individual elements, components or areas or of an
entire historic building.
(3)… Unplanned surveys and inspections can be as a result
of a reported problem or defect.
(4) Best practice - intervals of four years or five years -
other intervals in order to comply with legal or insurance
requirements.

ciobacademy.org BS 7913: 2013: Section 6.2


Why do we need surveys?
Condition surveys and inspections

(5)Programmed surveys and inspections - to monitor


condition, help determine priorities and programme work -
an essential part of properly managing historic buildings
(see 6.1).
(6) Carried out by competent persons with knowledge of
traditional materials, construction techniques and decay
processes.
NOTE Conservation Accreditation schemes.

ciobacademy.org BS 7913: 2013: Section 6.2


Why do we need surveys?
Condition surveys and inspections

(7) Reference to a site plan and other suitable templates to


reference locations, areas and components.

(8) Photographs and drawings may be included, and these


should be annotated with reference points and areas
consistent with the written and graphic data.

ciobacademy.org BS 7913: 2013: Section 6.2


Why do we need surveys?
Condition surveys and inspections

(9) Process - inspection with recording of a narrative,


sometimes with detailed analysis and identification of
defects and the related causes (see 6.3) to determine
remedial works and priority timescales, measuring and
quantifying works and estimating costs in a report and work
schedules.
(10) There should be a consistent and logical process for
the inspection, recording and reporting (see Annex B for
further information).

ciobacademy.org BS 7913: 2013: Section 6.2


Why do we need surveys?
Condition surveys and inspections
(11) Surveys and inspections can conclude with the need for
more detailed analysis, often termed “targeted specialist
investigations” (TSI). Examples include architectural paint
and plaster analysis, timber decay assessment, structural
movement monitoring and environmental monitoring for
dampness and humidity.
NOTE TSI’s usually go beyond a visual inspection - involve
destructive and non-destructive equipment and processes,
involving data collection and assessment over a period in
time. Can lead to a reconsideration of the ongoing use…
ciobacademy.org BS 7913: 2013: Section 6.2
Detailed Analysis - Building Pathology
Assessments of performance and pathology

Treat the cause of problems and not just the symptoms.

“Knowledge of the pathology of materials and the


agents of decay should be sought so that corrective,
preventative and remedial measures can be taken that allow
the retention of original historic fabric and ensure its
longevity”.

ciobacademy.org BS 7913: 2013: Section 6.3


Detailed Analysis - Building Pathology
Core principles and dynamics

“Pathology is broader than the decay of materials. It also


encompasses the way the components interact and, how the
spaces are used”.

Ventilation is important - chimney flues, sub floor vents and


cupolas. Disruptions and consequences identified.

“Some decorative features are also functional, for example


over sailing eaves, string courses and hood mouldings.
Reinstatement of such features can fulfil a repair need”.
ciobacademy.org BS 7913: 2013: Section 6.3.2
Detailed Analysis - Building Pathology
Relating to levels of dampness
MATERIAL DAMAGE UNLIKELY ACTION REQUIRED DAMAGE LIKELY

Timber (electrical <18 >20 >24


resistance)
Brick (engineering) <4 >6 >8
Other
Brick (commons) <10 >14 >20 implications

Brick (facing) <8 >10 >20

Concrete block (high <8 >12 >15 Timber


density)
Concrete block (low <6 >10 >12
density) Interior
Render <3 >5 >8 environments

Plaster <2 >3 >4


Detailed Analysis - Building Pathology
Furniture beetle

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MC > 12%
Detailed Analysis - Building Pathology
Rot

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MC > 28%
Detailed Analysis - Building Pathology
BS 7913: 2013: Section 6.3.3 External environment
Changes in temperature and humidity ranges can impact
on durability and performance of building materials.

“A single site can have distinct micro climates as a result of


topography and orientation”.

Most western parts of Great Britain tend to be wetter and


windier than the eastern parts.

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Detailed Analysis - Building Pathology
External environment

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Detailed Analysis - Building Pathology
External environment
Climate change can also have an impact on buildings due to
differences in rainfall and wind direction. Examples of
problems this can cause are:
a) inadequate drainage and rainwater goods due to flash
flooding;
b) poor performance of lightning conductors;
c) settlement;
d) changes to water table;
e) freeze-thaw cycle;
f) excessive dampness; and
g) excessive drying out.
ciobacademy.org BS 7913: 2013: Section 6.3.3
Detailed Analysis - Building Pathology
External environment
Buildings can be affected by atmospheric pollution.

“Some buildings acquire a patina over time which


contributes to the significance of the building and it can be
harmful to remove this”.
“The full monitoring and understanding of these variables is
essential to understand some environments. In other cases it
is useful in understanding usage patterns and effects on
fabric.”

ciobacademy.org BS 7913: 2013: Section 6.3.3


Condition Survey of the House
at Cardiff Castle

With Targeted Specialist Investigations

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Not so impressive…

Targeted Specialist Investigations required…


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TSI Process

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Rectified photography!
TSI Process
Recording of defects on template…

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Relating the outside to the inside !
TSI Process
Mortar and Masonry

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TSI Process
Architectural & Technical Inc. Chemical Analysis

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TSI Process
Building Services Engineering

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TSI Process
Environmental Monitoring

Temp and RH on wall


surfaces

Temp, RH, VP, UV and lux


within spaces

Use

Temp, RH, VP, sunlight, rain


fall, wind speed and wind
direction - a weather
station Temp and RH within walls
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Other possible TSI’s
Building Pathology

ENDOSCOPY Providing a naked Floors, ceilings,


eye view of areas panelling, cavity
inaccessible walls
ELECTROMAGNETIC Locating Wall ties,
METAL DETECTION concealed metal concealed stone
in structure fixings, beams,
reinforcement

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Other possible TSI’s
Building Pathology

MICRO DRILLING Assessment of timber Strength of timber,


(RESISTOMETER/ through the drilling in including timber
GRAPH) of fine probes that is built within
structures.
IMPULSE RADAR Transmittance of Determine voids
radio signals picked and different
up by an antenna. materials –
information
interpreted
CARBIDE METER Analyses building More accurate than
(extraction fabric for dampness electric meters
required)
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Other possible TSI’s
Building Pathology

OVEN METHOD/ Analyses building Help to identify the


GRAVIMETRIC fabric for dampness source of moisture
(extraction including the % of
required) hygroscopic salts
ELECTRICAL Measures changes Determine moisture
MOISTURE METER in electrical content in timber
resistance and comparative
moisture contents in
masonry
CHEMICAL Analyses building Help to understand
ANALYSIS fabric for chemical performance of
(extraction content buildings and their
required)
ciobacademy.org component parts
Other possible TSI’s
Building Pathology

ENVIRONMENTAL Varies, but records Normally


MONITORING environmental temperature and
conditions & help Relative Humidity but
determine what can also include Lux,
created them. UV and VP.

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Other possible TSI’s
Building Pathology

INFRARED Identifying different 1. Heat loss through


THERMOGRAPHY temperatures of fabric
building fabric components and
elements.
2. Heat los through
gaps and
interfaces.
3. Where is
penetrating or
damp being held

ciobacademy.org
Other possible TSI’s

1. Significance analysis, statements of significance,


conservation plans, heritage impact assessments.
2. Archaeological analysis.
3. Energy efficiency/ performance testing and analysis.
4. Dendrochronology – assessing the age of timber.

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Understanding Condensation
~ where moisture comes from
Understanding Condensation
~ how and why it occurs

• Air contains moisture and the amount is expressed as the


extent to which it is saturated known as 100% Relative
Humidity (100% RH) – when the air cannot hold any
more moisture without it condensing.

• Dew Point (DP) is when moisture is saturated 100% RH

• The warmer the air the more moisture that can be held –
so a reduction of temperature means an increase in RH.

• When warm air reaches a cold surface DP will be reached


and condensation will result.
Understanding Condensation
~ water vapor in the air

The warmer the air When the temperature


the more moisture drops from 20⁰C to 15⁰C
air can hold the capacity to hold When the
moisture is reduced temperature is
At 20⁰C reduced to 12⁰C
the capacity to
hold moisture is
reduced further

60% 83% 100%


RH RH RH

Note the amount of moisture stays the same


Understanding Condensation
~ thermal bridging

INSIDE OUTSIDE

WARM COLD

Warm air cooled to


the level that it is
saturated and
condensation results Glazing
Understanding Condensation
~ thermal bridging

Black mould,
known as
Stachybotrys
chartarum, at a
window reveal
Internal & Environment Reaction
Interstitial Condensation

INSIDE OUTSIDE

WARM COLD

Warm air cooled to


the level that it is
saturated and
interstitial Wall
condensation results

A natural
occurrence in
The location where saturation (Dew Point) could be
somewhere within the thickness of the wall – where the life of a
the temperature of the building fabric reaches a low building…
enough temperature to create Dew Point
Internal & Environment Reaction
New Pattern of Interstitial Condensation…

INSIDE OUTSIDE

WARM COLD

EWI could move the


point at which Dew
Point occurs
Wall

Now changed –
is there a
The location where saturation (Dew Point) could be
somewhere within the thickness of the wall – where detrimental
the temperature of the building fabric reaches a low effect?
enough temperature to create Dew Point
Internal & Environment Reaction
Thermal Bridge

INSIDE OUTSIDE

WARM COLD

A break in EWI would create a


thermal bridge and move Dew
Point in a concentrated area
which could be at or much nearer EWI
the internal surface of the wall –
relative coldness resulting in
condensate on surface creating
conditions for mould
The location where saturation (Dew Point) could be
somewhere within the thickness of the wall – where
the temperature of the building fabric reaches a low
enough temperature to create Dew Point
Consider Thermal Mass
The need to maintain temperatures above DP

When the
temperature is
reduced to 12⁰C
DEW POINT TEMP the capacity to
hold moisture is
reduced further

100%
RH

If it doesn’t condensation will result…


Consider Thermal Mass

Timber - NO - Cellular
construction – no heat
retention
Water - YES - absorbing heat
which is stored and lasts for a
period.
Stone and Brick - YES - absorbing
heat which is stored and lasts for
a period.

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Consider Thermal Mass

Timber - NO - Cellular
construction – no heat
retention

Internal Wall Insulation!

External Wall Insulation!

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Consider Thermal Mass

Heating on
warming
masonry

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Consider Thermal Mass

Heating off
And temp
will slowly
drop

Warmth in
masonry
dispersal
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Consider Thermal Mass
Internal Wall
Insulation

Heating on

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Consider Thermal Mass
Internal Wall
Insulation

Heating off
with
immediate
temperature
reduction

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Building Surveys
and Building Pathology…

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Building Surveys
and Building Pathology…

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Building Surveys
and Building Pathology…

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Building Surveys
and Building Pathology…

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Building Surveys
and Building Pathology…

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Building Surveys
and Building Pathology…

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Building Surveys
and Building Pathology…

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Building Surveys
and Building Pathology…

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Building Surveys
and Building Pathology…

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Building Surveys
and Building Pathology…

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Building Surveys
and Building Pathology…

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Building Surveys
and Building Pathology…

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Building Surveys
and Building Pathology…

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Building Surveys
and Building Pathology…

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Building Surveys
and Building Pathology…

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Building Surveys
and Building Pathology…

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Energy losses in buildings
Solid Walls U-Value Research by the SPAB
Solid wall (homogenous)

Wall build up
Lime Plaster 15
Granite 400
46.3% better Cement render 13
Lime roughcast render 25
Overall 453mm

Insitu U-value 1.75 W/m2K Build Desk U-value 2.56 W/m2K


ciobacademy.org Courtesy Caroline Rye / SPAB
Energy losses in buildings

Walls with Cavities – Limestone & Plasterboard

Wall build up
Gypsum skim 3
Plasterboard 13
Cavity 10
95.9% better Limestone (ashlar) 170
Overall 196mm
Insitu U-value 0.96 – 0.97 W/m2K Build Desk U-value 1.90 W/m2K
(Without Dry Lining = 2.0 W/m2K)

ciobacademy.org Courtesy Caroline Rye / SPAB


Energy losses in buildings
BuildDesk/In-situ U-value Comparison
4.50

4.00
In-situ U-values
3.50
Overestimates In-situ U- Linear (Build Desk
value performance. U-values)
In-situ U-values (W/m2K)

3.00

2.50

2.00

1.50
Underestimates
1.00
In-situ U-value
0.50 performance in
79% of cases.
0.00
0.00 0.50 1.00 1.50 2.00 2.50 3.00 3.50 4.00 4.50

Build Desk U-values (W/m2K)


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