Various agencies which are responsible for the deterioration of stones are discussed below.
1. Rain
Rain is one among the main causes for wetness on stones. This wetness is dried by the sun. The process of wetting and drying go a long way in deteriorating the stone. Gases and acids contained in rain water may have damaging effect on stones.
2. Climate
Climate is another factor which causes deterioration. In hot climates there are frequent changes in temperature which result in deterioration. Similarly, stones exposed to cold climate causes freezing of water in the pores resulting in expansion, which causes splitting of the stone. Hence, porous stones should be avoided in cold regions.
3. Wind
Wind laden with grit and dust strikes the stones and causes wear of the stones. Also the impurities in the atmosphere along with moisture penetrate into the pores due to the wind and causes dampness resulting in deterioration.
4. Vegetation Growth
Vegetation growth along the cleavages of joints of stones secretes certain acids by the roots, and thereby cause deterioration. The presence of moisture in roots causes further decay.
5. Chemicals
Chemicals of different kinds move and react due to the usage of different stones such as limestone and sandstone. Such movements of chemicals from one to the other cause deterioration.
6. Living Organisms
Living organisms sometimes cause holes to form in the joints of stones and cause instability to the structure. Further, these holes provide room for the accumulation of moisture and thereby deteriorate the stones.
Leave a Reply