Evaluation of the heat changes in an ancient church because of restoration works: A microclimatic study supported by thermal images

Abstract

This work is centred on an ancient Italian church. Since 2011, a restoration plan has been undertaken by following sequential phases. The methodological approach to restoration was guided by environmental monitoring campaigns. In particular, two thermo-hygrometric campaigns were carried out during the warm months of the years 2015 and 2016. The first set of measurements was executed during the restoration of facades and roofs, making it possible to reach even areas that are usually difficult to access. The second set was performed to evaluate the indoor thermo-hygrometric conditions following the work of the previous year. This was intended to assess their differences in variability, the influence of the outdoor environment and any real and perceived improvement. Results demonstrate that thermal images helped in identifying both the heat sources causing thermal discomforts and the good thermal capacity of masonries. Concerning the heat index (HI), the church showed an improvement in the trend of malaise perceived by people during the second summer period (∼2°C lower than 2015). Finally, in the last microclimate monitoring, the roof structure no longer acted as an amplifier for daily temperature excursions.