Indoor Moisture Control

The good news is that Air Quality Plan boasts a second-to-none knowledge base within this sector and our team has been in constant operation since 2013. We are therefore fully qualified to address indoor moisture issues and restore indoor moisture control for your business. Let us examine a handful of key takeaway points before moving on to discuss why obtaining a professional on-site assessment and developing long-term solutions are both critical steps which should be taken.

Why is Indoor Humidity Control Important?

There are several situations which can result from excessive indoor humidity levels in UK properties. These can be divided into two sections:

• Physical and structural effects
• Health effects

High indoor humidity levels can directly impact the physical appearance of a commercial or industrial property. Wallpaper may begin to peel away from the walls. A stale or musty odour is often present. Perhaps more importantly, the levels of interior mould will inevitably rise (particularly during the colder months of the years when exterior windows tend to remain shut). This brings us to the next section.

The mould resulting from high levels of moisture is unhealthy and it can have an impact upon those with respiratory conditions (such as asthma or COPD). This situation is obviously a very real concern within an office environment, as numerous individuals tend to be grouped within rather small spaces for extended periods of time. This is why it is vitally important to invest in measures that will allow indoor moisture control. Without this, high indoor moisture levels can create a harmful environment for your workers.

Are There Any Concerns Associated with Excessively Dry Air?

It is just as important to look at the other side of the proverbial coin. While too much moisture in the air is an obvious concern, the same holds true if the internal environment is excessively dry. You might be surprised to learn that dry air can actually help bacteria and viruses replicate. This is one of the reasons why illnesses such as colds and influenza will normally appear during the winter months. HVAC heating systems can lead to excessively dry air in order to provide the warmth that workers require. Unfortunately, this is often sacrificed for higher concentrations of airborne viruses and bacteria. It should also be mentioned that dry air enables illnesses to be spread much easier within an office atmosphere; dramatically impacting in-house efficiency. Establishing a balance been dry an moist air can be extremely difficult, however, our team at Air Quality Plan are able to offer high-quality solutions to these issues, as well as in-depth advice and guidance.

What are the Symptoms of Excessively Dry Air?

There are several indicators which could be a sign that interior moisture levels need to be raised. These include:

• Cracking paint or varnish.
• High levels of dust within the air.
• Noticeable static electricity.

If one or more of these scenarios happen to be present, the environment might very well be suffering from low levels of humidity. It is important to gain control over indoor moisture to prevent these from becoming more problematic.

What In-House Solutions are Available?

There are many times when the situations mentioned above can be rectified with a handful of simple steps. If it has been determined that the humidity levels are too high, a dehumidifier could offer a viable solution. Modern variants are portable and they can be placed within the appropriate areas. On the contrary, extremely dry air can be treated with the help of a commercial humidifier. Larger units are able to address a host of needs and they tend to offer an excellent return on investment over time.

Why Should You Obtain a Professional On-Site Analysis?

While the use of humidifiers and dehumidifiers could very well represent short-term solutions, the fact of the matter is that they might not be able to adequately address long-term problems. This is why it is always important to consult with professionals in order to determine the next steps. It is much easier for a professional to offer indoor moisture control guidance before serious problems arise, rather than trying to rectify problems.

One effective method is to employ what is known as the BREEAM (Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Method) system. This approach will provide a detailed analysis of the property in question and as a result, managers can take the appropriate steps when required. This is also an excellent way to ensure that the premises are in compliance with all existing rules and regulations in regards to indoor air quality.

Do you suspect that your property is being negatively impacted by indoor moisture and humidity? If so, it is prudent to speak with a representative at Air Quality Plan. Please give us a call on 01489 668985 or take a few moments to fill out our online enquiry form. An expert will thereafter be in contact so that your options can be further discussed.