Wooden churches in Lithuania : analysis of failures and degradations, guidelines for restoration

Wooden Lithuanian churches represent an architectural heritage which is fairly preserved by the localcommunity, but unfortunately the biggest destroyer is the aging of the buildings, intensified by aninadequate maintenance.The main causes of damage and structural degradation are the atmospheric agents, infestation of dryrots and insects. Sometimes also incongruous reconstructions contribute to the structural decay,associated to the wrong choice of protective materials and furnishings, the absence of ground works,the economy of the interventions, the inappropriate uses.In order to preserve this architectural heritage, that witnesses the development of our culture andhistory, we hope and study for restorations particularly careful in the use of traditional materials whilelimiting the use of incongruous materials, as well as the uncultivated tamperings, demolitions andreplacements.This research can give a detailed analysis and knowledge of the wooden buildings and their failuresand degradations, associated to useful guidelines for technicians and workers that operate inrestoration and maintenance interventions.