# Operationalisation of Building Inspections and Repair: Systematisation-Based Approach
## 5 Conclusions  
This study introduces a novel approach by applying an established methodology to a parallel context, creating inter-defect correlation matrices based on diagnosis methods and repair techniques within the domain of building pathology research. This approach is based on fieldwork data complemented by expert knowledge [34], while the literature generally presents information only based on the experts' professional opinions. Furthermore, the research process had the purpose of performing an analysis of defects that could be investigated or solved by using the same means--diagnosis methods or repair techniques, respectively. In the first case, an essential kit of equipment/procedures for the diagnosis of claddings of the building envelope was determined, while, in the second case, the analysis went a little further, scrutinising the resources used to carry out some of the most transversal repair techniques in the building envelope. Such an analysis may be the starting point for a more extensive line of research regarding LCA of maintenance and repair operations in buildings, even more if the LCA of diagnosis methods is also dealt with. The diagnosis methods considered in the referred essential kit are \"D-A4 Tell-tale gauge and gypsum testimonies\", \"D-A5 Crack width ruler and crack-measuring microscope\", \"D-A6 Mechanical strain gauge\", \"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 Karsten-tube\". They are all applicable to several materials and building elements and focus on some of the most common defects and causes of defects in the claddings of the building envelope. As for repair techniques, those more transversal to several building elements/materials are \"R-A1 Cleaning\", \"R A2 Application of a protective coat (paint, varnish, water-repellent, antifungal, biocide)\", \"R-A11 Replacement or reapplication of the cladding/glazing (partially or completely)\", and \"R-A12 application of a new (adequate) cladding/finishing coat over the existent/replacement\". This set of techniques comprises procedures mostly applicable to the surface of the cladding, but if applied timely, they may avoid further deterioration of the underlying layers of the cladding system, as well as the substrate and bearing structure. Although the authors dedicated all their efforts to base their conclusions on unbiased and reliable data, some limitations should be mentioned. The expert knowledge that led to the creation of the inter-defect data is mainly based on Portuguese construction methods and samples of Portuguese buildings. Although some of those methods are very common in the Western world, some regional specificities may affect the results. Furthermore, the dimensions, typologies, and use of buildings and cities in the Portuguese context require adequate caution when transposing the results to other contexts. In any case, the provided information may be useful to researchers in the fields of LCA and LCC. In more general terms, this study is important for any practitioner in the field of architecture, engineering, and construction, but specifically for architects, engineers, and contractors dedicated to the rehabilitation of the building stock. Conceptualization, C.P. ; methodology, C.P. and A.S.; validation, C.P. and A.S.; formal analysis, C.P. and A.S.; investigation, C.P. ; data curation, C.P. ; writing--original draft preparation, C.P. ; writing--review and editing, A.S.; visualisation, C.P. All authors have read and agreed to the published version of this manuscript. This research was funded by Fundacao para a Ciencia e a Tecnologia (FCT), grant number UIDB/04625/2020 from the research unit CERIS (DOI: 10.54499/UIDB/04625/2020), FCT-funded project CITIESTWINS (2022.15504.MIT), and [PERSON] individual project CEECIND/01337/2017. Not applicable. The raw data supporting the conclusions of this article will be made available by the authors upon request.