Buildings

INTRODUCTION

The problems of biodeterioration in buildings are many and various. Some relate to the materials used and some to the environment created by the building itself, its associated services, and the uses to which the building is put. Many of the materials used in buildings are already described in other parts of this book. It is, however, impossible to consider buildings without mention of individual materials, and so there is bound to be some overlap. The main emphasis of this section, however, is on the problems of buildings as structures and not as assemblages of materials.

Traditionally, buildings to house humans and their materials have evolved in style and construction with regard to the prevailing climate and within the limits set by available materials and finance. Perhaps today, style has become more important, and it can be argued at the expense of durability and resistance to biodeterioration. It was once said to the authors that there are no biological problems with buildings, only problems of construction. This would be perhaps nearer the truth if all buildings were near perfect in design, construction, maintenance, and ventilation, but we all know, alas, that this is not true.

So what are the main biological problems? For convenience these can be listed and considered under a series of general headings:

1. Fungal and bacterial growth

1. a. affecting the structural strength

2. b. affecting decorations, paintwork, furniture – ‘fouling fungi’

3. c. health problems.