Effective dehumidification for water damage at the University of South Bohemia

UNDERSTANDING WATER DAMAGE

Water damage occurs when excess humidity harms a building's structure, materials or contents. Common causes include flooding, leaks, and burst pipes. These events can cause significant damage, and the humidity can result in even greater long-term costs if not properly addressed.

In university environments, humidity can cause damage to materials such as laminates and glue found in the extensive book collections of university libraries and other study materials. Furthermore, it can also promote the growth of mould, fungi, and bacteria. These further compromise the integrity and appearance of affected spaces.

WATER DAMAGE AND ITS IMPACT ON UNIVERSITIES 

Universities are bustling hubs of academic activity, where students and staff spend a significant amount of their time. The environment within these institutions plays a crucial role in the health and productivity of their students, teachers and other staff. High humidity levels in university buildings can lead to a host of health issues. For example, excess humidity encourages the growth of mould and mildew, which can trigger allergies and respiratory problems among students and staff. These conditions are particularly concerning in lecture theatres, libraries, and halls of residence, where people spend extended periods.

Furthermore, universities invest heavily in their infrastructure, and the preservation of their buildings is vital, especially those with historical significance. High humidity can damage building materials such as wood, plasterboard, and concrete, leading to costly repairs and compromising structural integrity. Moreover, modern universities rely on sophisticated equipment and vast libraries of resources. Excess moisture can cause electronic equipment to malfunction and damage books, making them unusable. 

CASE STUDY: DRYING OF UNIVERSITY IN ČESKÉ BUDĚJOVICE

A prime example of successful dehumidification in a university setting is the case of the University of South Bohemia in České Budějovice, where a water leak caused significant water damage to the floors of the Faculty of Health and Social Sciences. The leak affected the first floor, saturating the concrete and anhydrite screeds, as well as the thermal insulation layers, posing a serious risk to the structural integrity and increasing the potential for mould growth. To resolve the issue, Cotes Czech partner, SEN - Vysoušecí technika, s.r.o., deployed Cotes mobile dehumidifiers and AB-1000(500) regeneration blowers.

The drying setup required the drilling of approximately 110 drying holes into the floor structure to enable efficient humidity removal. As a result, after 28 days of pressure adsorption drying, humidity levels in all affected structures were reduced to meet the required standards, successfully restoring the building's safety and integrity. This case highlights the critical role of advanced dehumidification technologies in addressing humidity challenges within large institutions, ensuring the health and safety of occupants, preserving infrastructure, and maintaining a productive academic environment.

"For drying the building of the University of South Bohemia - Faculty of Health and Social Sciences in České Budějovice, we chose the company SEN-Vysoušecí technika, s.r.o., based on recommendations.
We were extremely satisfied with the drying process and the final measurement results. This method of drying allowed us to restore the affected areas of the university as quickly as possible to their original state and continue regular operations."
- Ing. Bohumír Šindelář, Head of the Operations and Technical Department
  (University of South Bohemia in České Budějovice)

 

EVOLVING TECHNOLOGY FOR WATER DAMAGE

While the installed unit performed exceptionally well in this case, technology never stops advancing. Over the years, Cotes has continued to innovate, driven by the challenges faced in projects like this one. These experiences have allowed us to refine and enhance our solutions, leading to more effective and versatile dehumidification options for water damage service.

The introduction of the Cotes Window Kit and the CL26 dehumidifier represents the next evolution in our product range. These new tools have been specifically designed to improve drying efficiency in water damage incidents by simplifying installation and speeding up the drying process. By venting moist air directly out of a building through a narrow window gap, this setup provides a quicker and more ergonomic solution, ideal for environments like universities that require minimal disruption. For more details and technical specifications, see the CL26 Datasheet: CL26 Datasheet or visit our Water damage page: Cotes Dry-air solutions for water damage.

"The Cotes CL26 is a highly effective dehumidifier where innovation solves the usual problems associated with dehumidifying equipment. The dehumidifier is small and very lightweight, which improves ergonomics. The Cotes Window Kit is a simple and time-saving way to dispose of the exhaust air."

- Thomas Bernth Poder, Department Manager, Moisture (Polygon Copenhagen)

 

THE BENEFITS OF PROPER DEHUMIDIFICATION

AFTER WATER DAMAGE

• Efficient regulation of indoor air quality, ensuring optimal conditions for drying out affected areas
• Improved health and safety standards by preventing mould and mildew growth, creating a cleaner and safer environment for occupants
• Cost savings by eliminating the need for extensive repairs caused by long-term moisture damage
• Faster recovery time, as Cotes dehumidifiers speed up the drying process, reducing downtime for affected facilities
• Reduced maintenance expenses by preventing structural damage, corrosion, and mould formation
• Preservation of infrastructure integrity, ensuring the longevity and safety of the building post-damage

Do you have issues with humidity?  

Tell us about the humidity challenges in your school/office/administrative building and we will connect you with one of our experts who will recommend the right dry-air solution for you.