Assessing Damp in Historic Buildings

Excessive moisture – damp – is harmful to buildings. It damages their fabric, reduces energy efficiency, and adversely affects occupants' health and comfort. A variety of techniques and devices for assessing and monitoring moisture have been developed and are available to practitioners and building professionals. But what do these techniques and devices actually tell us? Are they accurate? And how should we interpret the data they provide?

This guidance answers these questions by discussing the use and limitations of various methods for assessing and monitoring moisture. It also provides practical advice on investigating and diagnosing damp in historic buildings. Although this guidance is intended primarily for conservation practitioners, building professionals and contractors, it will also be of interest to property managers, householders and other building users who wish to understand more about damp and its assessment.