Control of Temperature and Humidity Conditions of Church Buildings-Architectural Monuments as a Method of Preservation

Adjustment of indoor climate inside the monument and temperature and moisture conditions of the building envelope are important measures for reliable preservation of wall paintings in an architectural monument. Adjustment of indoor climate inside the monument and temperature and moisture conditions of the building envelope are important measures for reliable preservation of wall paintings in an architectural monument. These measures are especially important when a church architectural monument is being used for worship purposes. Temperature fluctuations and high humidity facilitate active biological deterioration of painting components, as well as physical and mechanical degradation and chemical corrosion of painting materials. Extensive studies of monument microclimate and temperature and moisture conditions for preservation of the Cathedral constructions covered with unique paintings were conducted in Dormition Cathedral in the town of Vladimir. The studies were conducted in 2011 – 2015. The reasons of occurrence of climatic conditions that have a negative impact on preservation of monumental paintings were identified. Results of the study were used as the basis for preparation of an assignment for modernization of the Cathedral heating, ventilation and air conditioning system. After development of the project the modernization project has passed expert evaluation and was implemented – a number of technical and construction activities were conducted, and the system was modernized. Monitoring of the preservation conditions inside the monument continued after modernization of the system. Wall paintings and iconostasis preservation conditions were analyzed. Monitoring results were used for adjustment of the climate control system control algorithm. Thus, monitoring of temperature and humidity allows for optimization of the temperature and moisture conditions for preservation of the Cathedral wall paintings when it is being used for worship.