The moisture content of the structure may rise to a level at which decay organisms may grow, or the materials themselves may be adversely affected. For example, timber skirting boards or built-in bonding timbers along the base of walls may become infected and decayed by dry rot, wet rot, weevils or woodworm.

In very damp conditions, the inorganic materials may lose their structural strength. This occurs most spectacularly with walls made of cob (earth) soaked with water. Damp conditions on the surface of walls, particularly in conjunction with condensation, allow the growth of moulds both on the surface and within porous or fibrous materials, such as wallpapers or carpets fitted against the base of the wall. Not only is this aesthetically unacceptable and damaging to finishes, but it can pose a significant health hazard to occupants. Where evaporation takes place, the deposition of soluble salts on the surface or within the pores of materials can cause aesthetic and structural damage.

This can all be reduced dramatically by using our dehumidifiers for the relevant steps during construction, thus speeding up productivity, and saving time and money for the future maintenance of the structure.