Setting the correct humidity setpoint is crucial for effectively drying a building after water damage. Before the damage, the building materials (such as walls, ceilings, and floors) and the air maintain a balance known as Equilibrium Moisture Content (EMC). Flooding or excessive moisture disrupts this balance, causing the materials to absorb excess moisture.
To restore this balance, drying the air to a specific relative humidity level helps pull moisture out of the materials. Setting the room’s humidity 10% lower than the pre-damage level accelerates this process, ensuring faster and more effective drying. By lowering the air’s humidity, you create a stronger drying effect, which can significantly reduce the time it takes to restore the building to its normal condition.
How Can I Determine the Right Humidity Setpoint?
Cotes has developed a comprehensive humidity setpoint map showcasing various cities across Europe, highlighting the calculated average indoor relative humidity in accordance with ISO 13788 standards.
This map reflects indoor temperature and humidity adjustments derived from outdoor temperature data, utilising standard moisture load class 2 in a coastal climate setting. The figures presented represent yearly average data, sourced from the average climate data collected between 2000 and 2019, provided by Meteonorm AG.
Cotes Weather Map for Damage Services
Access here: cotes.com/map2
By understanding where humidity levels are elevated, you can make informed decisions about the right dehumidification technology to employ for effective drying.
How to Choose the Best Dehumidification Strategy for Water Damage Restoration?
Go to our complete guide.