Temporary Cooling and Conditioning for Projects

Objective 

Temp Cooling and/or Conditioning can be critical on certain projects for certain materials, and proper planning can prevent damage to materials, and delays to projects 

Background 

Temp conditioning is not required for every project, check project specifications, and product data of materials to determine needs.  There are two factors involved in temp conditioning, temperature and humidity. 

Things to Consider 

110 volt dehumidifiers are supplied by the Koester tool Dept.  Larger units will need to be rented and sized for a project.  Availability of power to run these units is an important factor in determining usage. 

Permanent Units can potentially be used to control conditioning.  Check specs for restrictions on using permanent units.  Also note that power components/pathways to run these need to be operational at time of required conditioning. 

If materials/operations will have potential damage from going outside of temperature/humidity requirements, sensors that record conditions at regular intervals should be placed in the work area, as data will be valuable should issues arise.  Contact Tool Dept for these sensors. 

 

Reasons For Temp Conditioning 

Temp conditioning may be required during install of several types of materials.  Time of year, and forecasted weather conditions play a large role in determining requirements.  Activities that often require conditioning include, but are not limited to: 

• Drywall (Mudding and taping) 

• Gypcrete 

• Cabinet/Millwork Install 

• Flooring install 

• Specialty flooring install (Epoxy Flooring, Athletic Flooring, Hardwood Floors) 

If spaces are not conditioned during these activities, possible problems might arise, including: 

Extended drying times for materials (drywall, gypcrete), shrinking or swelling of materials (millwork, flooring) 

Types of Conditioning 

• Fans 

• Common way to help disperse moisture, helps with working conditions for those onsite 

• Place strategically onsite to flow fresh air through building 

• Dehumidifiers 

• Effective for lowering humidity in a space 

• Space needs to be controlled to be effective (no open doors, windows, etc) 

• Dehumidifiers have drain hose that needs to be routed to plumbing drain or exterior 

• Temporary Air Conditioning Units 

• Effective for controlling temperature and humidity of a space 

• Space needs to be controlled to be effective (no open doors, windows, etc) 

• Air is often fed through temp ductwork, which has length restrictions.  Fans are often also needed to circulate conditioned air 

• These units often have significant power requirements 

• Proper sizing of the units is required for success.  Coordinate with Tool dept.