Construction sites are full of moisture. Many construction projects use a lot of water – too much – which is wasteful and even dangerous for specific types of job sites.
A desiccant dehumidifier is just one of the dehumidifiers commonly found on construction sites.
To know more about the other dehumidifier used in construction, read more to learn and how they work.
Construction Drying Applications (Using a Dehumidifier)
The effects of moisture inside a building under construction can become a serious problem for contractors as well as a risk for future occupants.
When an electrical contractor doesn't cut off this moisture to acceptable tolerance then they can be faced with several risks.
For most professional trade associations there is no discussion today about what technology is most efficacy for drying building materials.
Some misconceptions are that the permanent building's air conditioning system can address moisture issues during construction.
The best suit for creating a low-pressure environment that would remove moisture from the air inside buildings under the construction process is through the powerful machine, the construction dehumidifier.
This is particularly important for concrete, drywall, or lumber materials which are known to absorb moisture.
How Do Construction Dehumidifiers work?
The humid air from inside of an under-construction structure passes through the unit after being filtered to contain particles that are larger than 2.5 microns.
This is enough to capture dust, dirt, mold spores, and other debris that may be in the humid air while the construction process is taking place.
The filtration system of this machine also removes excess moisture before it passes back into the environment outside the building.
The dehumidifier will automatically shut itself off when it has reached the desired humidity level based on the specifications of your project needs.
Construction dehumidifiers help to maintain a comfortable, safe interior environment for construction workers and occupants before the completion of their final product.
Related Article: How Does Dehumidifier Work? (2-Step Dehumidifier Principle)
Dehumidification of Buildings and Control of Humidity During Construction
Building materials contain very strong building humidity in construction. Some moisture is left behind after manufacture. When stored on the job site more moisture gets added.
A newly cast concrete slab has a long drying duration and is often exposed to rain and snow combined with a damp wooden frame.
It is extremely important to measure the humidity ratio in framing joints and concrete and to dry as necessary until the construction is complete before moving forward.
This is because installing water barriers and other sealing methods seal moisture that could cause mold and rot once the building is complete. New construction or restoration needs to dry out.
Related Article: Does a Dehumidifier Lower Humidity: How to Reduce & Benefits
Machines for Dehumidification of Buildings and Drying Damage
Construction can last months or even years before being complete. It is important to have the right items to help maintain the environment of construction workers and occupants.
Using machines that will not harm materials, but remove excess moisture is the best choice to keep all parties safe and comfortable for extended construction periods.
Having water damage in a building can be very costly as it not only causes damage to the structure of a building but also the building materials and furnishings.
Having a dehumidifier on hand during construction will not only help to prevent water damage from happening but also assist in keeping humidity levels down for all parties involved.
Related Article: How to Dry Wet Walls After Water Damage?
Is Dehumidification Better Than Heat Drying? (For Construction Process)
A small quantity of moisture content is required to cure properly and stop cracks or distortions. Excess amounts of material pose a variety of risks, including construction schedule delays, adhesive failures, and shrinkage.
To prevent and combat damp weather, the contractor looks at temporary climate solutions such as dehumidifiers and heaters.
Using a heater during construction is not the best way to control humidity because it will only help in one aspect, that of removing cold or cool air levels.
Heaters push the air into some sort of apparatus that raises the temperature control of the room. This does not reduce the water content within the room, because the heating chamber is unable to absorb moisture.
Dehumidifiers help control both high temperatures and low humidities. When dried in dehumidifiers, a site passes through an appliance that removes moisture directly from the air.
There are many different advantages to using a dehumidifier during construction depending on your needs. A standard version offers protection against excess moisture, humidity, rain, and snow, but they differ in size.
Different dehumidifiers also come with different features like heaters, fans, and timers for example.
What Dehumidifiers Are Used in a Construction Site?
1. Desiccant Dehumidifiers
This type of dehumidification works to dry construction sites which require drying and sealing paper and other construction materials.
It is known for its moisture removal capabilities and would help concrete and wooden structures, as well as cleaning up water damage that has already occurred.
This desiccant dehumidification system is most effective when used in a closed building space because it cannot dry larger areas, but this also gives it the advantage of being a portable unit that can be moved from site to site if needed.
They will remove water throughout construction and even after construction is complete to achieve equilibrium moisture content.
Related Article: Desiccant Dehumidifier: What Is It & How It Works? (Absorption)
2. Air-Cooled Dehumidifier
Air-cooled units are the most common machines used in construction sites because they are designed to remove moisture from large areas without causing damage.
They are not portable but can be used in many different types of weather conditions as well as the construction environment.
This type of equipment is also used on older buildings where moisture levels are high throughout.
3. Heat Recovery Dehumidifier
Heat recovery units are designed to use heat from hot exhaust air to preheat cold supply air.
This type of dehumidifier is ideal for construction sites that experience cool temperatures due to the surrounding area where work is taking place, like near bodies of water.
The heating system recovery process uses antifreeze fluids which adds further cost and maintenance, but also prevents moisture damage in environments where it would normally happen.
4. Vapor Compression Dehumidifier
Vapor compression units are a type of refrigeration unit that reduces the humidity in the air by cooling and condensing water vapor pressure into liquid.
This process produces wet, saturated air that is then dried by a secondary heat exchanger that heats the air before it enters the building again, and then sends that heated air into the building.
This type of dehumidifier is very versatile because it can be used in a variety of environments, but they require standard power levels and are difficult to move from one place to another.
5. Desiccant-Assisted Vapor Compression Dehumidifier
Desiccant-assisted vapor compression dehumidifiers combine desiccant technology that absorbs moisture with a moisture vapor compression technology that reduces humidity.
This type of unit is ideal for construction work because it helps seal the building materials while preventing damage from excess moisture content in the environment.
6. Room Air-Conditioner Dehumidifier
This type of dehumidifying equipment is designed to be used inside of a home or small space, but it can also be used in construction projects if needed.
These units are very similar to the portable machines that are often seen on large sites, except they are used in a much smaller area.
They will remove moisture from the air in a room or small space and can prevent mold growth, mildew, and other forms of damage caused by excess relative humidity.
7. Heat Pump Dehumidifier
Heat pump dehumidifiers use a refrigerant process to reduce humidity when water vapor is present in the air.
This type of dehumidifier is ideal for construction sites because it can be used in all-weather conditions and require the least amount of maintenance.
These machines are also very durable, making them an excellent option on large sites where they will see heavy use over time.
8. Attic Fan Dehumidifier
Attic fans are designed to increase airflow in an area while simultaneously reducing humidity.
This type of dehumidifier is ideal for large construction sites or older buildings where there are already problems with excess moisture.
This type of unit is also vented which prevents it from being blown over or knocked down during the harsh weather conditions that are common on large job sites.
Construction Dehumidifier FAQ
How Can I Dry Out a House During Construction?
A dehumidifier is a great option to dry out the house, but homeowners and construction workers need to understand how humidity levels can affect wood.
Removing too much moisture during the early stages of construction can cause long-term problems with mold and fungus growth, as well as preventing flooring materials from drying properly or simply results in flooring failures.
Will a Dehumidifier Dry Out Wood?
A dehumidifier is a good way to dry out the wood in the home, even when it's in the middle of construction.
The best time for building owners or construction workers to use this type of unit is during the later stages of construction after most major work is completed.
How to Dwell With Winter Construction? (Using a Dehumidifier)
A dehumidifier is a great way to prevent mold and mildew growth during the winter months when humidity levels are often high.
These machines can be used inside or around the home, making them an excellent option for construction workers.
How Can One Keep Mold From Returning in an Older Home, After Much Work Has Been Done to Remove It?
One of the easiest ways to keep mold from returning to an older home is by keeping humidity levels under control with large dehumidifiers.
These machines are especially effective even for construction sites because they can quickly remove excess moisture, making it much harder for mold and fungus to take hold.
Any Advice on the New Construction HVAC System?
Any new construction HVAC system needs to include a dehumidifier that can remove excess moisture from the air.
This type of unit can prevent mold and mildew growth, as well as help, protect flooring materials and paint finishes from water damage.
