Understanding dampness in historic buildings

Explores damp in the context of historic buildings, explaining why these structures require an individualistic approach. Outlines historic building materials and construction and the history of damp treatments. Discusses the causes of damp related damage, concentrating on direct penetration of rainwater, rising damp, condensation and hydroscopic salts. Details the principles of historic pointing and rendering, and the differences in modern techniques, touching on preventatives such as leadwork, water repellents and consolidants. Concludes that the primary consideration when working on any aspect of historic building work is that any clash between building conservation and human comfort ought to favour the building.