The Effect of Climate Change on Weathering: Evidences from Heritage Buildings under Subtropical Conditions

Abstract

The scientific community of building physics has known for decades that weathering has a significant effect on the condition of buildings. Weathering agents such as water, carbon dioxide and oxygen, potentially accelerate the natural deterioration of buildings, leading to undesirable results, especially in cases involving buildings of special cultural importance. Climate change and its effect on weather conditions may potentially accelerate the weathering of buildings.
The purpose of this study is to examine the impact of climate change on weathering of building materials of heritage buildings under subtropical climatic conditions. As a case study, non-destructive measurements of 10 traditional buildings in Strovolos, an urban centre in Cyprus, were employed. 
To study the deterioration of buildings, non-destructive methods were utilized, namely infrared (IR) thermography. The deterioration was studied for different materials, different orientations, as well as for materials of different ages. Through qualitative and quantitative thermographs, the results demonstrate the significant effect of climate change on the deterioration of building materials.