Causes of decay to cultural properties?

Answer 1

The most uniform and universal cause for decay of Cultural property is Gravity. Other main causes of decay are due to Natural agents and Man-made agents. Natural agents include natural disasters like earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, landslides, hurricanes, floods, tsunamis, lightening, etc. Through out human history, We have seen spectacular destructive effect on cultural property due to natural disaster. The damage caused by natural disaster are substantial and irreversible. Climatic factors are also natural agents which result in decay of Cultural properties. Climatic factors like rain, wind, sunlight, radiation (especially short wave radiation) cause decay. In climatic factors, sunlight for instance, heats the surface of the building which causes expansion and contraction resulting in cracks. In case of rains, the humidity enhances vegetation growth and moss growth of building surfaces. In case of heavy rains it may wash away the building material. If rain water not drained properly can accumulate and penetrate in the building which will result i further decay of the building. These environmental elements make up for the macro climate of any region; when coupled with local conditions of the region (micro-climate) like mountains, valleys, altitude, proximity to water bodies also add to the causes of decay. Ground water table if high can cause decay as it dampen the foundation, due to its rise because of the capillary action. Also this ground water contains salts, chlorides and sulphites, which can chemically affect the building. Biological growth and botanical growth causes are natural agents for decay. Animals like monkeys and cattle can cause damage. Bats can also cause damage to the cultural property as they give off harmful odour and their urine and excreta stains the surfaces due to chemical reaction. Birds use old structures as their nesting place and bring seeds with them, which when thrown away or when excreted out will result in vegetation growth. Pigeons are an apt example of such a case. Entomological causes of decay due to insects, termites, moths, beetles, ants are also the natural agents. Human factors or man-made agents causes the maximum decay. Human causes are numerous and in most cases they are by-products of industrial activity in quest for wealth. Man-made agents like war, new development, pollution are all causes of decay. Incongruous or insensitive additions and alterations may deface and damage the building structurally as well as aesthetically. Pollution can cause acid rains due to emission of gasses in atmosphere. It also causes dust deposition on the building surface which results in blackening of the building surfaces. Fire is a major cause of damage, sometimes by accident and sometimes due to incidence like arson. Neglect and ignorance, lack of maintenance, theft and vandalism are human factors of or man-made agents for decay of cultural properties. Theft can happen in case of valuables and sculptures, etc. Vandalism can cause anything with the building from graffiti to destruction. It can exhibit iconoclastic behavior of the people. Heavy flow of people (tourist) if not managed properly can cause damage to building or lead to vandalism. Also, if Tourism is not managed properly can lead to over-crowding, stamped, littering of places, commercialization, etc. The causes of decay are also classified as Extrinsic (external agents leading to decay) and Intrinsic (internal agents inherent to the building).

Answer 2

Decay of cultural properties can be caused by factors such as neglect, natural disasters, pollution, vandalism, and improper maintenance. Lack of funding for conservation efforts and a lack of awareness about the importance of preserving cultural heritage can also contribute to decay. Additionally, climate change and changing environmental conditions can accelerate the deterioration of cultural properties.