Laserfiche WebLink
Illustrated Hanbook for Historic Commercial Buildings <br />38 <br />Understanding decay patterns <br />Decay patterns are the visible signs of wear, damage, or deterioration in a <br />building over time. Just like wrinkles on skin or rust on a car, buildings show <br />specific “symptoms” when materials age or suffer from neglect. <br /> While every building ages differently, material decay follows <br />predictable patterns. Here are some of the common building issues to <br />look for: water infiltration, vegetation growth, cracks, material failure, <br />detachment, missing parts, deformation, rust on metal elements, rotting <br />wood, peeling paint, crumbling plaster, and white salt deposits on masonry. <br />Identifying decay patterns helps us <br />understand: <br />1. What’s Wrong: Like a doctor <br />diagnosing an illness, spotting <br />these signs tells us what parts of <br />the building need attention. <br />2. How urgent it is: Some problems <br />(like a leaking roof) can cause <br />rapid damage if ignored, while <br />others (like faded paint) are <br />mostly cosmetic. <br />3. How to fix it: Different decay <br />types require different repairs. <br />For example, wood rot needs <br />replacement, while cracks might <br />need reinforcement. <br />By studying these patterns, we <br />can make smarter decisions about <br />repairs—saving money, preserving <br />history, and avoiding further <br />damage. <br />What are decay patterns? <br />Why are they important? <br />Water infiltration path <br />Mold on the wall revealing water <br />infiltration path