Rising Humidity Poses Threat to Construction Projects Amid Extreme Storm
Aggreko Energy Rental Solutions Inc. is cautioning construction sites about the possible dangers posed by the increasing humidity brought by the extreme storm in Europe. High relative humidity is said to be capable of causing moisture damage to structures.
(Photo : Pixabay/Wolfgang Claussen)
Aggreko's Warning on Construction Sites in the UK
Storm Henk is responsible for the recent extensive flooding across Europe. As a result, electrical power and temperature control solutions provider Aggreko is warning the construction industry about the potential hazards of excessive moisture and recommending an effective dehumidification strategy. As mentioned, building materials and structures on-site that are susceptible to moisture damage are frequently the focus of worry when humidity levels rise, especially for luxury residential constructions and existing historical buildings.
According to Aggreko, relying solely on heaters to dry out sites could be problematic since flooding continues to increase across the United Kingdom and Europe. Applying the wrong tools might result in potential long-term issues for construction projects.
Reducing humidity with dehumidification systems can eliminate these concerns before they start complications and following delays. Building materials and structures are more likely to sustain damage if they are subjected to the effects of heating systems, which are less successful at lowering humidity levels, which may result in mold growth that deceives the sense of dryness and condensation levels rising, among other potential complications.
As per Aggreko UK & Ireland's Building Services & Building Sector Sales Manager, Tom Adlington, flooding can put a building site behind schedule and exceed expenditure. That is why it is necessary to approach the dehumidification process appropriately. However, since heat alone is insufficient to dehumidify a given site adequately, they recommended a combined solution approach, which involves the removal of moisture, heat, and air movement using different technologies like industrial dehumidifiers. A comprehensive solution that lowers project costs without sacrificing reliability can reportedly be accomplished by combining heating, dehumidification, and power generation.
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Effects of High Humidity in Buildings
Since excessive moisture and dehydration can lead to detrimental effects in buildings, it is advisable to maintain humidity levels within a moderate range. According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) of the United States and the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating, and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE), ambient relative humidity should be maintained between 30% and 60%
In addition, many kinds of problems arise due to high humidity, which affects both structures and the people who live in them. On top of creating discomfort and health problems, humidity can cause damage to some construction components. Moisture can also cause injury to various materials, depending on its concentration. As a result, this frequently requires costly repairs, which consumes money that could be used for energy-saving measures or other building renovations.
On the other hand, while simultaneously providing adequate humidity and temperature, heating and conditioning systems can frequently do so. Nevertheless, HVAC professionals will specify the necessary equipment for humidification or dehumidification in cases where this is not feasible. Given their increased energy consumption, purchasing these systems only once a professional assessment has been conducted is advisable.
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