Blog – Construction Drying

Construction and Climate Control: 3 Benefits to Using Dehumidification and Temporary Cooling this Summer

Construction projects move fast and involve many different trades trying to work together. Also, there is a building occupant anxious to take possession of the property upon completion. Construction projects are faced with many concerns, some of which could be addressed during different phases of construction. Using a temporary climate control system (rental dehumidifiers or rental cooling) at various points during construction could help alleviate some common issues facing the construction industry.

A construction site is a dizzying array of people, equipment, and movement.  On any given day some sites look like they couldn’t possibly fit another piece of equipment.  It may appear that way, but given the deadlines and costs associated with construction, more equipment may actually help the whole procedure.  Here are three areas of a construction project that could benefit from rental equipment, such as a portable dehumidifier or temporary air conditioner. 

Stabilizing Products with Climate Control

Once the foundation is set, walls are up and windows are being placed, the project is entering the finishing stages.  At this point, the building is becoming sealed and outside air doesn’t have as much access as it once did.  As trades begin installing flooring, hanging drywall, and ultimately adding trim, such as moldings and other woodwork, these products are adapting to the existing climate.  If the interior climate is high in humidity or temperature, imagine what will happen when the occupants take over and the building resumes the normal interior conditions.  Those products will shrink, expand, crack or shift from their original fit. Some trades will utilize the permanent HVAC system during this phase but a permanent HVAC system is not a commercial dehumidifier.  Using a rental dehumidifier in conjunction with a temporary cooling system will help stabilize these products for the permanent interior conditions while conditioning the humidity levels.  Climate control helps protect the products before installation, as well as maintain their integrity for the long term.

Staying on Schedule with Rental Climate Control

Perhaps the most important part of a construction project is the schedule. The building is being constructed for a reason and the occupants want to move in.  Delays happen, yes, but if they can be avoided or minimized, wouldn’t you try?  Using rental dehumidification can help the schedule in a few ways.  First, a dehumidifier can help reduce excess moisture in the concrete to allow for flooring to be installed.  Second, as finishing products are being installed, there are reduced delays from moisture or humidity in walls.  When high humidity appears during drywall and taping there is little that can be done except wait.  If this happens during the summer when temperature and humidity are high on a daily basis and no HVAC is being used, the wait may belong. Lastly, as you wait for the plaster to dry the painters are also waiting, creating a domino effect of delays.  Controlling the climate yourself will help you stay on schedule.

Microbial Intrusion and Air Quality

The last thing a general contractor wants to hear about is problems after the building has been turned over, especially if that problem is related to health. Indoor Air Quality is a common concern these days and a temporary climate control system can help with improving the health of the building.  You can help maintain air quality, as well as utilize the benefits mentioned above by using a rental dehumidifier or cooling system. Whether a rental dehumidifier, air conditioner, or heater, all of these products have filters that help deliver clean air.  If the customer chooses, the filtration can be emphasized using a higher grade filter to help eliminate microbial intrusion.  In addition, depending on the level needed, a separate filter box can be used to ensure the highest standards of air quality. 


As demonstrated, there are three benefits to using a temporary climate control system on a construction project.  The costs of a rental dehumidifier or temporary air conditioner far outweigh the savings of staying on schedule, maintaining product integrity, or preventing sickness. 

 

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