Monitoring the internal thermo-hygrometric environment of cathedrals in Ireland

Research has been carried out into the often conflicting concepts of thermal comfort, conservation of artefacts and preservation of the 57 active cathedral buildings on the island of Ireland. A body of research exists in this... [ view full abstract ]

Research has been carried out into the often conflicting concepts of thermal comfort, conservation of artefacts and preservation of the 57 active cathedral buildings on the island of Ireland. A body of research exists in this area for heritage type buildings, including churches, in both the United Kingdom and mainland Europe. However, a review concluded that no such research had been carried out in Ireland where a number of factors are unique such as history, climate, size of the buildings, the number of buildings and the artefacts contained within them. Uniquely cathedrals in Ireland were largely built for purpose and not as status symbols for their sponsors and also a relatively large number were built within a short period. The research for this paper enabled firm parameters to be identified in order to keep the investigation at a practical level whilst at the same time achieving academic objectives. The main results to date indicate that thermal comfort and cost are the two most important parameters for the owners and managers of these building and conservation and preservation are not considerations which are taken into account when operating or choosing the heating systems. Research has also shown that there is a general lack of knowledge about how the heating systems should be set up and operated. Many systems are poorly maintained, due to cost constraints, even though this adds to cost due to inefficient operation of the systems. There is a general lack of knowledge about the buildings themselves evidenced by the fact that many managers of these building do not know how these buildings are constructed and if there is any type of insulation installed. Research further suggests that there is little knowledge sharing between the owners and managers of the buildings.