2010

Viitanen, Hannu

Several factors are involved in the biodeterioration of materials and buildings, and mathematical modelling may help us to understand the complicated interaction between many factors. For mould growth, long-lasting humidity exposure above RH 80-90% is critical for wood-based materials, and above RH 90-95% for stone-based materials, depending on the temperature, material properties and exposure time. Mathematical modelling will not give the answers to all the problems, however, and users should be aware of the limitations of providing a true picture of the complicated process of biodeterioration and damage development in buildings and materials.