DIAGNOSIS OF DAMPNESS IN CONSERVATION OF HISTORIC BUILDING

Abstract

Historic buildings are old aged buildings that have a unique architecture which relates to its history and events of the construction. Historic buildings usually experience physical defects like cracks, peeling paints, decays and others. The main factor that contributes to these defects is building dampness. Most decisions that have been made to overcome dampness are ad hoc decisions. It is because by looking at the current situation there is no comprehensive scientific research in explaining the exact factor of dampness. Most of the scientific research done cannot be comprehended by contractors because the procedure used is ambiguous. As a result, faulty in the repair works will occur and lead to severe effects in which the same or even worse defects or damages can happen in the future. The goals of this study are to investigate the dampness problems on the historic buildings and introduce a straightforward procedure in investigating the building dampness. There are four processes of investigation used in this study which are visual inspection, a test that will not damage the building, a test that will damage the building (lab test) and comprehensive research. All of these processes have been completed in UK. A comprehensive or detailed research will be conducted by experimenting and the data will be analysed thoroughly.  Through the research that has been done, one simple method in inspecting the dampness of the building will be presented. In addition, one method or technique in analysing the dampness will be presented manually in order to be understood and followed without difficulty.