Global Permeability (breathability) and moisture in building conservation webinar

Overview

This webinar reviews how moisture moves through traditional building fabric. It explains the behaviour of permeable materials such as stone, brick, lime mortar, and timber. It emphasises that historic buildings are not sealed systems. Instead, they rely on absorption, evaporation, and vapour movement to manage moisture. The aim is to build a clear understanding of how these processes work in practice.

A case study will highlight common specification errors in building conservation. These often arise from the use of impermeable materials or inappropriate retrofit solutions. Such interventions can block essential drying paths and lead to damp or decay. The examples demonstrate how small specification choices can result in significant long-term deterioration. Attendees will learn to make decisions based on material compatibility and the performance of buildings within a conservation context.

Speaker

• Douglas Kent MRICS, Technical & Research Director, Society for the Protection of Ancient Buildings (SPAB)

Learning outcomes