Would this be damp this high?

[RrogerD]

Any thoughts on what the staining could be on the pillars shown herein the pics? It's the inside of the cathedral local to me.
I did think damp but it seems rather high.
Alternatively, peoples mucky hands but again, very high.
I don't think it's just cleaning part-finished from top to bottom.

 

[jj4091]

Does the church have radiant heaters mounted along the top of the walls pointing down at the congregation. It looks like possibly condensation that only drys in a downward direction, if you understand that.

 

[ToolboxTalks]

That staining on the stone pillars looks pretty interesting, especially since it's so high up. It's too high for normal dampness or people touching it.

 

[Odds]

Who says it's damp - Could it be they're cleaning the stonework?

 

[Ivor Windybottom]

Cleanliness is next to godliness. They get cleaner as they get closer to god.

 

[Ivor Windybottom]

It could be one of those rare cases where a damp meter could actually be useful. Try prodding one into the mortar in the light and dark patches.

Is it a very wet area? E.g. a valley, next to a river? It's a long way into the interior of the building. Any similar issues on the external walls?

Switch the lights off and shine a spotlight onto it, just to rule out that it may just be a shadow.

 

[RrogerD]

I did stop and ask a lady but, she was "just putting chairs out" lol!

 

[^woody^]

God knows