Watt, D. Managing biological growth in buildings. 2006

Buddleia on a mausoleum in Greyfriars churchyard, Edinburgh (Photo: Jonathan Taylor) HOME DIRECTORY ARTICLES BOOKSHOP WHAT S ON Managing Biological Growth on Buildings David Watt Historic buildings and monuments are liable to be affected by a wide... More

Buddleia on a mausoleum in Greyfriars churchyard, Edinburgh (Photo: Jonathan Taylor) HOME DIRECTORY ARTICLES BOOKSHOP WHAT S ON Managing Biological Growth on Buildings David Watt Historic buildings and monuments are liable to be affected by a wide variety of biological growth ranging from the roots of mature trees that form part of a designed or natural landscape to micro-organisms that can be found on external and internal surfaces of building materials. Not all of these are harmful. The purpose of this article is to introduce the most common forms of biological growth and their effects on building fabric, and consider appropriate forms of management. Certain forms of biological growth can have a scarcity or rarity that must be taken into account when planning and implementing remedial work. Where churchyards are concerned, there may also be a preference for conserving bio-diversity, including ferns and lichens on monuments. In addition, legislative protec Less