The experimental characterization of a wall base ventilation system for the treatment of rising damp in historical buildings

Abstract

The treatment of rising damp in the walls of historic buildings is very complex due to the thickness and heterogeneity of the walls. The techniques used for dealing with this problem (such as watertight barriers, injection of hydrofuge products, etc) have proved ineffective, which is why a new approach needs to be found.In recent years, the Building Physics Laboratory at the Faculty of Engineering, Univeristy of Porto has been conducting experimental research into the effectiveness of the wall base ventilation system, using natural or mechanical systems to reduce the level of the damp front. This research, and the simulations performed, clearly shows that wall base ventilation is an effective system.The next step is to characterise and dimension the ventilation system and to measure its in situ behaviour. This paper presents the first results of experiments designed to assess the influence of the system configuration and air circulation speed upon the quanhtity of water transported, and upon the need for a hygro-regulated ventilation system in order to keep condensation in the ventilation system itself.KEYWORDS: Rising damp, treatment, wall bse ventilation system, historical buildings