Many people don’t see damp as much of a problem, perhaps assuming that it just looks unsightly or can leave a bit of a smell. However, damp can be a real problem in commercial buildings, soon developing into mold which ruins your interiors and can even lead to extensive damage to your building’s structure. Here’s how you can prevent and tackle damp in its early stages, to avoid further issues down the line.
Mop up spills
Even small amounts of water can soak into fabrics, wooden flooring and walls and grow into damp. It’s important to clean up water damage if you have a small flood, spill or overflow, otherwise, the water is likely to just fester and not only smell unpleasant, but cause damage around your workplace. If carpets or upholstery get damaged, make sure they are professionally cleaned and left to dry properly before being used again.
Run dehumidifiers in damp areas
Some buildings have a naturally damp atmosphere, especially in areas of the country that are prone to damp weather conditions. Extractor fans are a good idea, especially in areas like bathrooms, but if this doesn’t work, then invest in some dehumidifiers. They draw excess water out of the air, leading to a more pleasant, dry environment. Make sure you have one that’s big enough for the room where it’s being used.
Deal with leaks quickly
Leaks are a major cause of damp and mold, so if you see any around your workplace, make sure they are repaired promptly. It’s not always possible to get a repair person in right away, so you may want to buy some leak diverters to keep in your workplace, which keep the water away from machinery or equipment and capture it safely. This is much better than using a bucket when you’re waiting for a repair.
Check insulation
Everyone knows that if their home is damp, then insulation can be the issue, but not many business owners think about insulating their workplace. It can have many benefits, such as keeping a reliable temperature and saving on your businesses’ energy bills, in addition to helping avoid damp, so it’s something that’s often worth investing in.
Ensure HVAC systems are working
Damp often develops in areas where heating, air conditioning or ventilation systems aren’t working. Regular HVAC maintenance is important for many reasons, and if your building is prone to damp, then this should be one of the reasons why you get a maintenance crew in at least twice a year, to coincide with the changing weather. Broken heating or lack of ventilation can soon breed damp, so make sure you avoid a breakdown.
Use fans
If you don’t have good ventilation, but can’t afford to install extractor fans, then desktop fans can help. They’re ideal for windowless rooms, for example, small kitchens where you have a coffee machine or microwave running, as they help get some air circulating. They’re an inexpensive solution and can easily be moved around the workplace as needed.