Understanding and stabilising environmental conditions within a building is a powerful means of decelerating the decay of both the fabric and its contents.

The environment generates several factors of deterioration, all of which may impact separately, but which will also have combined effects. These conditions include high light levels, the presence of liquid moisture and water vapour, pollution (including salts), and fluctuations in environmental conditions (temperature and relative humidity).

Buildings survey

An internal and external inspection will consider the stability and efficiency of the building fabric (roof, rainwater goods, pointing, drainage) and identify incidents of current or historic water ingress. Materials that are detrimental to the stability of the building will be identified, and factors such as heating, lighting, ventilation and access reviewed.

Environmental monitoring with Humbug data loggers (Hanwell Instruments)

Following a buildings survey, Hirst Conservation may recommend the use of Humbug data loggers to monitor environmental conditions inside and outside a building over a period of one year. The results are interpreted to establish daily and seasonal fluctuations in temperature and RH. Interpretation of the results allows Hirst Conservation to:

• Provide a profile of conditions inside and outside the building, to establish the interaction of the internal and external environment.

• Identify potential hazard periods in fluctuations, for example, condensation events - and mobilisation of salts.

• Identify cyclical salt crystallisations (by identifying the relative humidities at which salts will move in and out of solution (their equilibrium RHs).

Results

The results of the buildings survey and environmental monitoring will be interpreted and recommendations provided for the development of an appropriate strategy to stabilise the building’s environment.

For further information contact us