Controlling Humidity Means a Better Learning Environment
Indoor air quality is way more than just comfortable temperatures. Dehumidification can be a game changer for any school building or area. Mold and mildew can thrive in schools and university environments. Excess humidity is not just a problem in areas like indoor pools, gyms and locker rooms, but also in hallways, offices, store rooms, dorms. cafeterias and classrooms. Anywhere there is air, there is the potential for moisture problems. New construction or decades old buildings all can have issues, and building air issues mean staff and student issues.
Humidity Challenges for…
While corrosion of metals and moisture related deterioration of materials and school items in storage can be an problem, universities and schools face larger issues with mold and mildew and the huge health effects those airborne contaminants can cause.
Schools and universities face some unique, but not insurmountable, problems not seen in across other industries due to their purpose and mission. A number of other issues are shared. Some examples of both are:
- Buildings idle for long periods where HVAC systems are off or run in reduced capacity, particularly during high RH summer months
- Daily introduction of moisture from maintenance activities, painting, mopping, carpet cleaning
- Daily introduction of moisture from activity, aquatics, water fountains, showers, cafeteria operations
- Roof and foundation leaks due to reduced capital improvement budgets
Where Can Mold and Mildew Grow In Schools?
Mold growth often results from excess moisture or water buildup in the following areas:
- On roof materials above ceilings
- Around windows
- Near water fountains
- On walls, ceiling tiles, and other visible surfaces
- On hidden surfaces, such as the back side of dry wall or wall coverings
- Around bathroom tiles
- In cooling coil drip pans and inside ductwork
- In books and carpet
Protect Your People and Infrastructure
When mold grows in school buildings and portable classrooms, some staff and students particularly those with allergies or respiratory problems, may report adverse health effects. Mold requires oxygen, water, and a source of food to grow. There are molds that can grow on almost anything including: wood, paper, carpet, foods, and insulation.
Controlling moisture is the key to managing mold in schools. Removing the source of moisture, such as through dehumidification to maintain relative humidity (RH) below 50%, will prevent the growth of mold.
Potential health effects associated with mold exposure may include irritation of the eyes, skin, nose, throat, and lungs of both mold allergic and non-allergic people. In sensitive individuals allergic reactions can be caused by breathing in or touching mold.
Please Note: dead or inactivated mold may still cause allergic reactions in some people, so it is not enough to simply kill the mold and leave it there, the mold must be removed. A properly designed, installed and maintained dehumidification system can stop mold, prevent it from ever flourishing or reduce growth while causes are being fixed.
Your Benefit:
Reduce Mold and Mildew
Control Corrosion
Protect Items in Storage (Long and Short Term)
Why Logis-Tech?
Our Total Climate Control™ (TCCTM ) system can be tailored for small to large spaces to control temperature and humidity and airflow to tight specifications. Our systems can be locally or remotely monitored and controlled. Automated reporting and alerting options allow reaction to issues before they become major issues.
Our systems have been fielded in the commercial and industrial sectors for almost 2 decades and battled tested by the US Army, National Guard, Navy, Marines, Air Force and Coast Guard for even longer.
Some of our Logis-Tech maintained industrial military grade product lines are still performing 25 years later after we installed them. Talk about ROI!
Ready for a customized dehumidification plan?
Ready for a customized dehumidification plan?
We would love to talk with you and understand your situation. We can work with you and your budget to conquer your moisture problems.
For questions or more information about controlling humidity for your application, please contact us at 800-974-9771, or fill out our form.
