Characterization of the main anomalies in timber claddings. A case study, the city of valdivia, austral region of Chile

Abstract

During their life cycle, buildings and their components must fulfil a set of complex requirements, in terms of a minimum functional performance to ensure its serviceability. However, as soon as it is put into use, the buildings’ tangible deterioration process begins. Buildings and, especially their facades, are the elements more exposed to external degradation agents, influencing the physical vulnerability of the building throughout its service life. The weak management of existing public funds for the conservation of real state requires a more rational approach to decision-making. In this way, periodic monitoring and maintenance of building coverings should be considered as an integral part of building management, especially in environments with high exposure to aggressive environmental agents that trigger biotic pathologies in coatings, which can be extend to the structure. This study identifies the main anomalies that can occur in facades with wood claddings, analysing the related causes and estimating the influence of pathological situations in their degradation. In this study, a first approximation was carried out, analysing a total of 50 wood coatings, in current buildings and in buildings with heritage features located in the city of Valdivia, southern region of Chile. The degradation conditions of the facades are evaluated through visual inspections. A statistical analysis of the resulting data was performed, providing relevant conclusions that could lead to actions to prevent the degradation of this type of coatings. This study intends to provide a first analysis of the deterioration condition of real estate, revealing that for the consolidation and regeneration of the public space, it is required an integrated and coordinated action between the central government of the country and the regional and municipal authorities, which until now has not happened. In this sense, this approach is essential for the implementation of programs of preventive conservation in groups of buildings with homogenous constructive characteristics. © 2018, University of Cantabria - Building Technology R&D Group. All rights reserved.