Pathological manifestations related to humidity in buildings in northern Portugal

case reports between 1990 and 2023

Abstract

This paper focused on conducting a survey of indicators of different pathological manifestations associated with humidity, occurring in buildings in the Northern region of Portugal between 1990 and 2023, whose database was obtained from expert technical reports (judicial and extrajudicial). The methodology involved the use of a sample universe of 125 reports, with walls (double and single) and slabs constituting the aspects analyzed. Statistical graphs and correlations were produced that made it possible to establish a relevant contribution to the theme of humidity in buildings through the following weightings: residential (56%) and public (18%) buildings presented the majority of problems; double walls presented more anomalies (51%) when compared to single walls (16%) and slabs (33%); the system that presented the most pathological manifestations was the one consisting of ceramic block in double walls (81%), followed by rock in single walls (60%) and precast concrete in slabs (ceilings) (61%); the areas of double walls, single walls and slabs were mostly affected by damp stains (55%; 45%; 60%), coating degradation (26%; 35%; 24%) and efflorescence (9%; 10%; 7%), respectively; moisture becomes the main gateway for the emergence of other damages that cause aesthetic, health and financial losses.