Identification of moisture-related problems in Turkish buildings

Abstract

Turkey provides various distinct climate regions that require special provisions to prevent moisture degradation due to various climatic conditions. Although moisture-related issues appear to be a long-standing source of concern for Turkish people, there is no systematic investigation in the literature. Therefore, this study intends to investigate which aspects of moisture have been addressed by researchers in the literature, to identify research gaps for future research. A systematic review was conducted and 647 published research articles were reviewed. The approaches of reviewed articles were historical structure, material of construction, occupants’ health and wellbeing and indoor air quality, respectively. However, local climatic conditions, climatic design approaches in specific provinces and even occupants’ the way of usage patterns may all influence the moisture resistance of structures, but more importantly, the health and well-being of their occupants. Further research on climatic design techniques and occupant behaviours is recommended in Turkish buildings, which feature a wide range of climatic conditions, local housing designs, and associatively changeable inhabitant behaviours. Peer-review under the responsibility of the organizing committee of the ICMB23.