Buildings have an expected lifetime of 60 to over
100 years, during which they offer shelter from the weather to human beings,
animals and properties. Weather and its variations cause degradation of building
materials and structures. When designing
100 years, during which they offer shelter from the weather to human beings,
animals and properties. Weather and its variations cause degradation of building
materials and structures. When designing
a sustainable building, it is
important to take into consideration the location, natural shading, shelter
(from storms, etc.) and structural materials. This is because certain
parameters such as ambient air temperature and humidity, solar radiation, wind,
precipitation and ground water cause different processes of deterioration in
buildings.
Serious environmental problems can also arise where
existing buildings have other design problems. A common problem that can result
from such conditions is moisture problems. Typical of these moisture problems
is rising dampness, a type of dampness which occurs where ground water is
conducted up through a masonry wall or a concrete floor slab. Moisture can
damage shelving and increase humidity in a building. Dampness in buildings is one
of the most widespread problems associated with both historic and modern types
of buildings. Moisture in general causes damage to the exterior and interior
walls of buildings, high heating energy consumption and uncomfortable indoor
environment for occupants.
existing buildings have other design problems. A common problem that can result
from such conditions is moisture problems. Typical of these moisture problems
is rising dampness, a type of dampness which occurs where ground water is
conducted up through a masonry wall or a concrete floor slab. Moisture can
damage shelving and increase humidity in a building. Dampness in buildings is one
of the most widespread problems associated with both historic and modern types
of buildings. Moisture in general causes damage to the exterior and interior
walls of buildings, high heating energy consumption and uncomfortable indoor
environment for occupants.
The transfer of moisture in buildings is a very
complex issue and has been a topical issue for decades. Moisture in buildings
can cause deterioration of buildings by damaging brick/block work, cause decay
and breaking up of mortar joints, fungal attack in timber and corrosion in iron
and steel as well as stained wall surfaces internally and externally. Damp
surfaces encourage the formation of mold, and the spread of mold and mites in conditions
of high relative humidity is associated with ill health. Damp conditions also
typically affect the mental health of dwelling occupants, causing depression
and anxiety, particularly where there is damage to decoration from mold or damp
staining.
complex issue and has been a topical issue for decades. Moisture in buildings
can cause deterioration of buildings by damaging brick/block work, cause decay
and breaking up of mortar joints, fungal attack in timber and corrosion in iron
and steel as well as stained wall surfaces internally and externally. Damp
surfaces encourage the formation of mold, and the spread of mold and mites in conditions
of high relative humidity is associated with ill health. Damp conditions also
typically affect the mental health of dwelling occupants, causing depression
and anxiety, particularly where there is damage to decoration from mold or damp
staining.
