THE DEHUMIDIFICATION PROJECT

Before carrying out any further restoration work, it is essential to deal with the problem that has caused the damage - in other words, humidity. With that in mind, it should be noted that since humidity is linked to building alterations and differences in floor levels which are part of the site's characteristics, the aim of the project has to be to reduce the problem to a manageable level compatible with conservation, without expecting to eliminate it altogether.

The project aims to take successful action to reduce the humidity of the subsoil and consequent capillary rising damp, by reducing the flow of water and by arranging for its efficient disposal, at the same time allowing the subsoil to breathe or transpire more effectively.

As far as the presence of salts in the structure is concerned, it is practically impossible to extract them where they are deep seated. So, removal of salts will be undertaken on stone surfaces and the cosmatesque cornice where such salts cause most damage. But since these salts are carried by water, the actions taken to eliminate rising damp will also have the effect of preventing the migration of salts into the structures.

The project therefore has two aims:

1. to arrange the collection of rain water so that it flows into the public sewers thereby reducing the amount of water that invades the cloister;

2. to reduce rising damp by increasing the surface evaporation of the walls and by insulating them from direct contact with water-saturated soil filling, to be carried out in the open area of the garden and in the adjoining rooms.