Biodeterioration in historic buildings. Indoor environmental conditions and risk of fungal growth

Carpino, Cristina; Loukou, Evangelia; Andersen, Birgitte; Settino, Jessica; Arcuri, Natale

doi:10.21014/tc4-arc-2022.013

Cited by 4 publications

(3 citation statements)

References 20 publications

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“…The results of a study by Morelli and Møller [38] show that in some cases, the relative humidity behind the internal insulation would reach 95% during the heating season. The same problems have been documented for interventions in historic buildings that require internal thermal insulation [39]. As Lu et al [15] highlighted, these actions expose the structures to an increased risk of humidity accumulation due to condensation and the impossibility of drying, causing mold growth and material decay.…”

Section: Buildings' Construction Details and Techniquesmentioning

confidence: 84%

Risk of Fungal Growth in Nearly Zero-Energy Buildings (nZEB)

et al. 2023

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Research on nearly zero-energy buildings has addressed mainly the aspects of energy saving or technical and economic optimization, while some studies have been conducted on comfort and indoor air quality. However, the potential problems that may arise in low-energy buildings during the operational phase, and especially the risk of fungal growth, which can deteriorate the indoor environment and pose a health risk to the occupants, are yet to be extensively investigated. The present work intends to analyze previous research on microbial contamination in zero-energy buildings in order to identify the possible risks that may lead to fungal formation and the possible strategies to prevent the proliferation of molds. The methodology is based on a systematic literature review and subsequent critical analysis to outline perspectives on this topic. The main results indicate that high envelope insulation and inadequate ventilation are the leading causes of fungal growth in energy-efficient buildings. The need for more detailed regulation in this area is also highlighted. The study’s outcomes underline the need for more attention to be paid to the design and management of zero-energy buildings, aiming to achieve the reduction in energy demands while ensuring the occupants’ well-being.

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Section: Buildings' Construction Details and Techniquesmentioning

confidence: 84%

Risk of Fungal Growth in Nearly Zero-Energy Buildings (nZEB)

et al. 2023

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“…Factors affecting fungal colonization and proliferation in monuments are diverse, complex, and often interdependent. Understanding these factors is critical to preserving cultural and historical monuments' integrity and aesthetic value [183]. This section focuses on key factors influencing fungal colonization and monuments' proliferation.…”

Section: Factors Influencing Fungal Colonization and Proliferationmentioning

confidence: 99%

Fungal Diversity and Heritage Degradation

Oliveira,

Reis,

Almaguer

2023

Preprint

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This review resumes published data on fungal diversity in and within monuments (e.g., religious and secular monuments, museums, and statues), covering a multidisciplinary investigation into the complex interactions between fungi and cultural heritage structures. Fungi represent remarkable adversaries to monuments, potentially compromising their structural integrity and aesthetic value. Based on a bibliographic search of manuscripts published, the knowledge of fungal communities colonizing monuments was comprehensively assessed. This work first describes the diverse fungal species implicated in the degradation of monument materials (e.g., stone, metal, and glass). It elucidates the factors governing fungal colonization and proliferation in and within these structures (e.g., environmental conditions, construction materials, and human interventions). Finally, the efficacy of preservation and restoration techniques to mitigate fungal threats and safeguard our cultural heritage is also discussed. This synthesis highlights the pivotal role of mycological research in heritage conservation, and a platform for future studies to address critical knowledge gaps is provided. Understanding fungal diversity in and within monuments is critical to preserving these invaluable cultural treasures, as it informs targeted conservation strategies and ensures their longevity in the face of fungal challenges.

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“…The occurrence of the indoor growth conditions is assessed regarding the typical climate of three localities, representative of Northern, Central, and Southern Europe. Following a preliminary analysis in [77], this work deepens the behavioral study of certain building materials concerning heat and humidity transfer. Finally, possible mitigation strategies are suggested to prevent degradation phenomena.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 97%

Risk assessment of fungal formations in historic buildings based on dynamic thermo-hygrometric analysis

Carpino,

Loukou,

Nicoletti

et al. 2023

Acta IMEKO

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Historical and cultural heritage must be preserved and protected from deterioration. In particular, the integrity of structures is threatened by inadequate maintenance, exceptional events (such as fires and floods), and exposure to increasing air pollution. In addition, indoor environments may provide favorable conditions for colonizing harmful agents. Fungal contamination and growth in buildings can lead to the deterioration of surfaces. Fungi need damp environments to germinate and grow, for example, in the presence of water condensation on surfaces. In this paper, an investigation is carried out to examine the conditions that favor the growth of different fungal species on building materials commonly used in historic buildings, such as brick masonry, limestone, and plaster. The analyzed climatic conditions refer to three locations, typical of Northern, Central, and Southern Europe, respectively. These conditions are obtained using the DesignBuilder software. A more detailed analysis of the walls is then performed with the WUFI software. The paper suggests solutions to reduce the risk of fungal growth and, therefore, to avoid phenomena that can damage the historical heritage.

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Biodeterioration in historic buildings. Indoor environmental conditions and risk of fungal growth

Cited by 4 publications

References 20 publications

Risk of Fungal Growth in Nearly Zero-Energy Buildings (nZEB)

Risk of Fungal Growth in Nearly Zero-Energy Buildings (nZEB)

Fungal Diversity and Heritage Degradation

Risk assessment of fungal formations in historic buildings based on dynamic thermo-hygrometric analysis

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