Proper Ventilation of a Building

Proper ventilation in a building can be an effective measure for condensation control. The end use of the building must be the controlling ventilation design parameter, especially above drop ceiling areas. Ventilation system design should be done at the initial building design stage. Use of a design professional is strongly recommended to assure the best possible system.

CONDENSATION CAN BE MINIMIZED THROUGH CONSIDERATION OF CLIMATE, RELATIVE HUMIDITY AND THICKNESS OF INSULATION.

Condensation Control

The condensation process occurs when warmer moist air comes in contact with cold surfaces such as framing members, windows and other thermally conductive accessories, or the colder region within the insulation itself (if moisture has penetrated the vapor retarder). Warm air, having the ability to contain more moisture than cold air, loses that ability when it comes in contact with cooler surfaces or regions. When this happens, excessive moisture in the air is released in the form of condensation. If this moisture collects in the insulation, the insulating value is decreased.

In dealing with condensation, air may be considered to be a mixture of two gases-dry air and water vapor. One thousand cubic feet of air at 75°F can hold up to 1.4 pints of water. At 45°F, it can hold only 0.5 pints.

Relative Humidity is a percentage measurement of the amount of water vapor present in the air in relation to the amount it is capable of holding at that temperature. Therefore, 50% Relative Humidity would mean that the air is carrying only one-half of the total amount of moisture that it could be holding at that particular temperature. Cold outside air is usually much drier than warm inside air. Therefore, you can lower the Relative Humidity by bringing in outside air to mix with and dilute the moist inside air. At 100% Relative Humidity, the air is "saturated."

The temperature at which the air is saturated and can no longer hold additional moisture is called the dew point temperature. Whenever air temperature drops below its dew point, excess moisture will be released in the form of condensation. Condensation problems are most likely to occur in climates where temperatures frequently dip to 35°F or colder over an extended period of time.

Mini Storage Buildings

If you have thought of being a small business owner you might consider the self-storage market. Self-storage and mini storage buildings are a fairly inexpensive way to start a business that is designed to bring in dependable monthly revenue. Many storage facilities currently have waiting lists due to the ever-growing need for space. Mini storage buildings can be designed to include any number of individual units, depending on the site constraints. Steel frame mini storage buildings can be designed with a variety of options.

Temperature Control

Your geographic area will, to a great extent, influence the type of insulation that will provide the best performance. If you live in a mild climate and your building is used for farm equipment storage, insulation may not be necessary. If you are planning to have employees working in a building, you should probably install insulation, particularly in areas where temperatures are extreme. Energy savings will quickly pay for insulation if the building will be climate controlled.

Steel Frame Construction

You can feel confident about building with steel. It is not vulnerable to the elements to the same degree that other building materials are. There are a few reasons why steel frame construction stands out more than other building materials. Wood has always been a standby, but its susceptibility to weather and aging make it less than ideal.

Steel frame construction is very sound should there be a detrimental natural occurrence such as an earthquake or severe storm. You steel building should be manufactured to meet all local and applicable codes. Steel frame construction is a serious way to address the risk posed to you and your belongings should a weather emergency arise. Reputable steel building manufacturers only ship pre-engineered steel building systems when standards and codes are met.

It is hard to look past the options and design flexibility that you get with metal and steel buildings. It is not just quality materials that are impressive, but the many accents that can turn a metal building into a beautiful landmark. If you are suffering from lack of space or simply looking for any kind of expansion, check out the range of high quality steel buildings that just might solve your dilemma.