Using Physics to Combat Moisture and Salts Since 1961 – 65 Years of Preserving Historic Buildings

What if, instead of trying to block moisture in historic masonry, we allowed the laws of physics to work for us? This is the principle behind a unique plaster technology that has been successfully used since 1961.

Today’s IBT dehumidifying plaster is exceptionally capillary-active: moisture is drawn from the masonry, transported through the plaster and released into the surrounding air through its highly porous structure. At the same time, a special volcanic mineral helps protect historic masonry from the damaging effects of nitrates, sulphates and chlorides. The underlying principle is remarkably simple: dry salts are inactive.

More than 1,000 listed and historic buildings have been restored using this technology – from Palazzo Grassi in Venice and Neuschwanstein Castle to historic town halls, churches and castles across Europe.

The presentation explains the underlying physics in an accessible way and draws on decades of practical experience to demonstrate that sustainable heritage conservation can be remarkably simple when we work with the laws of nature rather than against them.