Content:
- Causes of Excessive Humidity in Basements.
- The Harm Caused by Excessive Moisture in the Shelter.
- How to Deal with High Humidity.
- Benefits of Installing Modern Filter-Ventilation Equipment in Underground Shelters.
Basements are most often used as shelters in times of potential danger. However, they must comply with current standards, such as the DBN. Particular attention is paid to creating a comfortable indoor environment. Among other things, this includes removing moisture from the air in bomb shelters.
Causes of Excessive Humidity in Basements
Excessive humidity in underground shelters can result from a variety of causes. The most likely of these include:
- improperly organized or insufficient ventilation in the basement shelter;
- the absence of or defects in waterproofing;
- a high water table and poorly organized drainage of meltwater and rainwater away from the building;
- capillary moisture migration from the soil through the pores of the concrete;
- defects in utility systems—water supply and sewer lines—such as leaky joints and pipe leaks.
The Harm Caused by Excessive Moisture in the Shelter
Humidity levels affect people’s comfort while in a shelter, as well as their health. A feeling of dampness can cause discomfort. In addition, such air:
- can lead to a decline in well-being, cause headaches, and exacerbate respiratory diseases;
- provides an ideal environment for the growth and reproduction of fungal spores, mold, and bacteria;
- accelerates oxidative and corrosive processes, leading to faster deterioration of metal structures;
- intensifies the sensation of cold in winter and the feeling of stuffiness in summer;
- requires more frequent maintenance and replacement of filters in the shelter.
How to Deal with High Humidity
Measures to normalize humidity levels in the basement can be taken at various stages. When setting up the shelter or performing repair work, an assessment of the condition of the structures is conducted. If necessary, additional waterproofing is installed, and defects in the utility systems are repaired. During the operation of the shelter, it is important to:
- regularly monitor humidity levels in the rooms. To do this, appropriate instruments (hygrometers/thermohygrometers) must be installed;
- ventilate the rooms, even when they are not in use. In this case, to remove excess moisture, the air may be heated before being supplied to the shelter.
Benefits of Installing Modern Filter-Ventilation Equipment in Underground Shelters
A properly selected, modern filter-ventilation system for a basement can ensure comfortable conditions for people during periods of potential danger. It also helps maintain the necessary humidity and temperature levels in the basement by heating and recirculating the air from the room and adding fresh, purified, and heated air (from outside). It can operate in several modes:
- pure ventilation, in which the air supplied to the room undergoes minimal filtration;
- filtered ventilation. Air drawn from outside undergoes thorough purification. Mechanical and solid particles—including radioactive dust, toxic substances, chemical warfare agents, biological aerosols, and more—are removed from the airflow;
- recirculation. This involves drawing air from the room, purifying it, and returning it for reuse.
Modern filter-ventilation systems are characterized by high efficiency. The air purification rate can exceed 99.9%. Other advantages include:
- reliability and stable operation;
- an HVAC unit that provides the necessary heating for the purified air;
- ease of use and maintenance. Control is carried out via a panel with a user-friendly interface. Filters are easy to remove and replace;
- the ability to draw power from an AC mains supply or an alternative source—such as a battery or generator;
- the availability of replaceable filters.
If you are interested in a filtration and ventilation system from a Ukrainian manufacturer for setting up an underground shelter, please contact our company, “Selton.” Our specialists will help you select the right model and provide other professional consulting services.
