Dampness problems in a historic house in Izmir, Turkey

Abstract

The study, as a preliminary stage of the restoration work of a historic house from Levantine ages of Izmir in the nineteenth century, involves the examination of the dampness basement problems. Moisture contents and temperature of the wall surfaces were monitored by non-destructive techniques, such as direct measurements of electrical conductivity and infrared thermography. The results were evaluated in the light of physical properties, moisture, and soluble salt types and contents in the materials, outdoor, and indoor climatic conditions, layout of the site, and architectural features of the building. In addition to rising damp and lack of sufficient ventilation for years, some faulty details along the intersections with the terraces of the neighbor buildings, and intersection with the asphalt coated street and the basement windows that gave way for rainwater leaks were the other sources of dampness. Some cool but relatively dry parts of the walls were found to be potential zones for dampness problem through condensation between midnight and early mornings, especially in winter.