Why Important
Moisture is always present in buildings, and certain levels of natural moisture are necessary to keep the building fabric in a stable condition. The moisture content varies widely with the type of material, ranging from 1 per cent for plaster to 20 per cent for timber.
The term ‘dampness’ is reserved for conditions under which moisture is present in quantities, perceptible to the eye or to the touch, which can cause deterioration to the decoration and fabric of the building. ‘
Preventing or curing dampness is still the major maintenance problem, however it is also important to remember that an essential characteristic of a traditional building is its permeability to water vapour, and its ability to ‘breathe’; the introduction of unnecessary vapour barriers and damp-proof courses may do more harm than good.
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