Investigation of moisture and its effects on traditional buildings

 This document outlines the principles and competencies that surveyors and contractors should adopt to deliver best practice when investigating moisture-related issues in traditional buildings. It goes on to list specific items that surveyors and contractors should have knowledge of and consider at each stage of the diagnostic investigation and repair process.

This document is intended to be a framework that can be used for moisture
investigations in buildings of all types and ages. It is important to note that the term
‘traditional’ refers to buildings with solid walls built from permeable materials such as
brick, stone, earth, timber and lime-based mortars, plasters and renders. Traditional
construction absorbs moisture but allows it to evaporate when conditions become drier. This is in contrast to modern construction, which relies on impermeable barriers to prevent moisture entering the fabric.

It is aimed at those providing consultancy advice or surveys to owners and buyers of a building, and assumes that a non-invasive inspection will be undertaken initially, with an invasive inspection to follow if it is deemed necessary.

This document has been written and produced by teams from the following
organisations: Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS), Historic England and Property Care Association (PCA).
This document has also been adopted by the following organisations: Cadw, Historic
Environment Scotland, Historic Environment Division – Northern Ireland, Institute of
Historic Buildings (IHBC) and Society for the Protection of Ancient Buildings (SPAB).