太陽工業コラム
Mold in Warehouses: Causes of Mold and Effective Moisture Control Measures
2019.10.01
If you work in a warehouse, you have probably suffered from moisture in a warehouse at one time or another.
Moisture is not only uncomfortable, but also causes condensation and mold that can damage stored items and the health of those working inside.
This article will briefly summarize why moisture occurs, what effects it has, and how it should be addressed.
Why does moisture tend to accumulate in warehouses?
There are multiple reasons why moisture tends to accumulate in warehouses.
(1) Warehouses generally have few partitions and high ceilings, which tends to reduce air conditioning efficiency.
(2) Furthermore, because there are few or no windows that can be opened, the structure is difficult to ventilate, making it difficult for moisture to escape. Especially in summer, the temperature inside the warehouse tends to be high, which causes the air to contain a lot of water vapor, which then builds up and causes moisture to easily occur.
(iii) The walls and floors are often concrete, which absorbs and accumulates moisture, which is then expelled, which also causes moisture to accumulate.
Condensation occurs when moisture builds up. It can also cause mold.
Moisture can cause condensation as it is.
When warm, moist air is cooled, the saturated water vapor content (the upper limit of the amount of water vapor that can exist in a space) drops, and excess water vapor turns into water droplets. This is condensation.
Humidity is often thought of as increasing in the summer, but condensation tends to occur in the rainy season when humidity is high and in the winter when temperatures are low.
Condensation can also cause mold. It can also cause metal to rust and create foul odors.
It is essential to prevent condensation and moisture in warehouses, as it can damage stored goods and affect the health of employees.
Measures to prevent moisture and condensation in warehouses
Here are some measures to deal with moisture and condensation in warehouses. Considering the causes of the occurrence, the logic is: “Let air stay, ventilate, and create a system for air flow.
Installation of Flex Ceiling Fans (low-speed high airflow ceiling fans and HVLS fans)
This method has proven to be extremely effective. Ceiling fans have been introduced to large-scale warehouses and shopping centers in the United States several years ago, and are characterized by large blades that rotate slowly to create large convection currents throughout the air inside.
The number of cases of installation of these systems has been increasing in Japan for some time. Originally, the purpose of this equipment was to create a comfortable working environment by lowering the temperature at work during the summer and to prevent heat stroke indoors.
Related Documents: Download a 5-minute comparison of warehouse construction
Create a comfortable warehouse environment with tent warehouse + ceiling fans
Given that the structure of the warehouse itself is prone to moisture accumulation, a fundamental rethinking is the best way to address this issue.
If you are considering building or renovating a new warehouse, we strongly recommend a tent warehouse with membrane construction.
Tent warehouses offer many advantages, including
Flexible and resistant to earthquakes, minimizing damage in the event of a fall.
On the other hand, membrane material is a thin material of less than 1 mm, so the membrane itself, which separates the outer space from the inner space, is easily affected by outside temperatures and is prone to condensation. By introducing the above ceiling fan, this weakness can be covered and a warehouse that is both comfortable and moisture-proof can be realized.
The temperature inside the refrigerator becomes uniform, and there is no need to lower the set temperature significantly.
For example, our membrane construction showroom, the Flex Experience Center, has been under construction for several years and has yet to see any condensation due to the installation of ceiling fans.
This method allows you to enjoy the benefits of membrane construction while creating an environment that is not plagued by humidity. For more information on tent warehouses utilizing membrane construction, see the article ” What are the advantages of low-cost, short construction period tent warehouses?
If you are concerned about humidity in your warehouse, we recommend that you consider installing ceiling fans or retrofitting your warehouse with a tent warehouse.
Related Documents: Download a 5-minute comparison of warehouse construction
Contact us for more information about tent warehouses and tent factories/workshops.
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