# Operationalisation of Building Inspections and Repair: Systematisation-Based Approach
## 3 Results
### Most Common Diagnosis Methods to Prepare an Inspection
#### 3.1.2 Diagnosis Methods in Facade Elements/Claddings
In Level 1 (Good), surface dirt may affect more than 10% of the surface; moisture and localised stains may affect up to 15% of the surface, and cracking of 1 mm or thinner may affect up to 20% of the surface. In Level 2 (Slight degradation), moisture and localised stains may affect more than 15% of the surface; moss, lichen, and algae growth may affect up to 30% of the surface; cracking of up to 1 mm wide may affect more than 20% of the surface, and cracking of 1-5 mm wide may affect up to 20% of the surface. In Level 3 (Moderate degradation), moss, lichen, and algae growth may affect more than 30% of the surface; cracking of 1-5 mm wide may affect more than 20% of the surface, and cracking of 5 mm wide or wider may affect up to 20% of the surface. In Level 4 (Generalised degradation), cracking wider than 5 mm may affect more than 20% of the surface. As such, cracking is considered a more severe defect, mainly when its width is larger, in natural stone claddings. [PERSON] et al. [57] use a five-level scale from Level 0 (No visible degradation) to Level 4 (Generalised degradation). To sum up, in general terms, in facade elements/claddings, and considering the variety of cladding types, cracking tends to be considered a more serious defect in more materials/elements, followed by biodeterioration/biological growth. It should be noted that, by using classification lists, not all materials are considered to be affected by detachment, as some are affected by loss of adhesion. In this way, cracking is a more transverse defect, which may also be associated with more severe mechanical issues in the building. Also, in Table 12, the results referring to the diagnosis methods associated with the most relevant correlations are presented. It is found that for facade elements/claddings' inspection, the most likely methods to be used, besides visual inspection, are \"D-C1 Measurement of the ambient and/or surface temperature and humidity\", \"D-C3 Infrared thermography\", and \"D-F4 Initial surface absorption test (ISAT) and Kasten-tube\". D-C3 was already described for roof claddings. In facades, it has the added advantage of enabling the detection of voids in the underlying layers of the cladding system. D-C1 may be used to measure the ambient temperature close to the surface of the cladding, measure the relative humidity close to the surface of the cladding, measure the water content of claddings and measure the temperature on the cladding surface. For these purposes, a hygrometer or thermo-hygrometer, a portable moisture meter, a humidity and temperature sensor and an infrared thermometer may be necessary. To properly perform the required measurements, first, the reading points should be defined, considering the orientation of the cladding and the incidence of light, which can be assisted by designing a reference mesh for surface measurements. The equipment may require calibration. Then, the measuring equipment should be placed in the surroundings (ambient readings) or on (superficial readings) the cladding surface. The measurement equipment will show the reading values on its display. If the moisture meter values are presented as a percentage, it will correspond to the amount of water recognised by the device compared to the mass of material in a dry or wet state (varies according to the equipment, as defined in the user manual). The measurement should be performed at different points on the surface or in the surrounding environment. The method \"D-F4 Initial surface absorption test (ISAT) and Karsten-tube\" may be used to assess the water permeability of the cladding and to determine the porosity degree of the surface. The ISAT will require a clear acrylic cell (100 mm diameter), a transparent container (connected to the entry of the cell), a graduated capillary tube (connected to the exit of the cell), and a valve (to close the container). First, the capillary tube should be calibrated so that the cross-sectional area can be determined.