5 Signs You Need a Commercial Grade Dehumidifier

Do you have a moisture problem? Sometimes it's obvious, other times it's a little hard to tell. If you want to protect your business from water damage and other costly side effects of excess moisture, know the signs you need a commercial grade dehumidifier. If you observe one or more of the following red flags, it might be time to talk to an expert about how to protect your business.

1. Mold and mildew

One of the major gross-out factors of excess environmental moisture is the visible growth of mold and mildew. Not only does it look unsightly, mold can aggravate respiratory health issues, including asthma and allergies. You can clean small areas of mold yourself with a bleach solution, but larger areas should be handled by a company that specializes in mold remediation, which can be costly. Even worse: If you don't take care of your moisture problem, the mold will keep coming back like a recurring nightmare. That's where a commercial grade dehumidifier comes in!

2. Condensation and puddles

Sure, a rare flood or burst pipe might cause some water to collect in your basement, crawl space, warehouse or another room of your business. But if you are regularly seeing condensation appear on pipes, walls, ceilings or floors, you may have a moisture problem. Puddles are another red flag. If you live in an area with a humid climate or have property that sits on a flood plain or low-lying area, moisture will likely be an ongoing issue you need to battle, and a commercial dehumidifier is a great defense.

3. Rot, corrosion or other signs of water damage

Water and moisture will find a way to ruin most things over time. If you notice signs like the following in your business, consider a commercial grade dehumidifier:

Rotting wood
Corroded or rusty metal
Brown spots or stains on drywall or other materials
Buckling, swollen, warped or expanded wood or flooring
Doors that no longer open or close
Sagging ceilings
Damp paper, boxes or other soggy items
Structural damage

This kind of damage to your property will cost you money and can amount to significant out-of-pocket expenses if moisture problems and excess humidity aren't effectively managed in a timely fashion. Talk to an expert about your humidity issues.

4. Musty odors

P-U, what's that smell? Dank, heavy or musty odors are unpleasant indicators of an excessive moisture situation. Like mold and mildew, these odors can create or exacerbate respiratory issues. They can be a threat to you or anyone who visits or works in the musty environment, potentially resulting in lost time at work and health insurance claims, which can effect the bottom line of your business. A commercial dehumidifier can help protect the health of visitors and workers — along with your property.

5. Pests

Another unwanted side effect of excess moisture is that it can attract pests. Rotting wood, structural damage and the like can make convenient entryways for critters to access your property. If squirrels, raccoons, rats or possums take up residence on your property, that inevitably leads to other unsavory problems, like having to contend with animal droppings, and damage. Pests need an abundance of water to survive. Excess water can attract insect cockroaches and ants as well. Ewww! If you see any signs of animals or insects, such as droppings, that may indicate a moisture problem. Materials or structural elements that show signs of having been chewed or shredded may indicate a moisture problem that has resulted in unwanted visitors. Reduce your the hospitability of your space to critters with a commercial grade dehumidifier.

There are numerous commercial dehumidifiers on the market, including dessicant dehumidifiers, portable dehumidifiers and models with a variety of features. Talk to an experienced dealer about your needs.