www . refrigerationandaircon . co . za RACA Journal I April 2024 3
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COCOONING – AN AIR QUALITY CONTROL METHOD DRIVING EFFICIENCY IN THE CONSTRUCTION SECTOR
Valued at USD25.5-billion in 2022 1 and constituting nearly 3 % of the overall gross domestic product , South Africa ’ s construction industry is a vital economic sector 2 .
Post-pandemic , construction activity is at an almost sevenyear high 3 and seems set to grow at a CAGR of 5.8 % between 2023 – 27 , outpacing GDP by over four times 4 . However , experts foresee several pressing challenges .
Among these challenges , ongoing loadshedding tops the list . Unplanned power outages force construction sites to halt work , complicating construction project management and affecting the ability to deliver projects on time . In turn , this can seriously affect a contractor ’ s credibility , cash flow and profit margins , with penalties being imposed as deadlines are not met . Trevor Brewer , director at air treatment specialist Solenco , says that an effective way to help offset the impact of ongoing power outages is by investing in dehumidifying technology , and the method of cocooning .
A dehumidifier can significantly speed up construction processes by enabling materials to dry and set faster , while also inhibiting the growth of mould and mitigating other moisturerelated factors that can cause structural damage . It also goes a long way in maintaining and extending the life of costly equipment and machinery , like generators , by preventing rust .
“ Controlling moisture in a construction environment can lead to higher efficiency . This is where the concept of ‘ cocooning ’, complemented by robust commercial-grade dehumidifiers that are compatible with ducting installations , is a game-changer ,” says Brewer .
Cocooning involves creating a controlled environment in a specific construction area , using dehumidifiers to regulate the humidity and thus ensuring the best conditions for materials and construction processes . By extracting moisture from the air , dehumidifiers maintain a drier environment that is especially critical when working with moisture-sensitive materials like concrete or drywall .
The advantages of cocooning with dehumidifiers are manifold . To start with , it can help offset loadsheddingrelated delays by facilitating faster curing of concrete and other processes . It also ensures that construction materials like concrete and wood maintain their integrity , thereby contributing to the overall durability of a structure . Finally , by maintaining low humidity , cocooning inhibits the growth of harmful substances , ensuring a healthier work environment .
Supplied by Solenco
The combined benefits of reduced curing time , less material damage , and decreased labour costs make the initial investment in dehumidifiers highly cost-effective over the medium-term .
Brewer says that the combined benefits of reduced curing time , less material damage , and decreased labour costs make the initial investment in dehumidifiers highly cost-effective over the medium-term .
“ Testament to the impact of loadshedding and other industry stressors , some 90 construction companies closed their doors in 2022 alone 2 . While growth in the industry seems set in stone for now , business owners will still need robust plans to tackle power-related – and other – challenges going forward , and cocooning presents a forward-thinking solution . By embracing this approach , professionals can significantly enhance the quality , efficiency , and safety of their construction projects , turning the challenge of moisture control into an opportunity for excellence ,” says Brewer . RACA
SOURCE Supplied by Solenco
REFERENCES
1 . https :// www . globaldata . com / store / report / south-africaconstruction-market-analysis /
2 . https :// www . abizq . co . za / navigating-south-africas-constructionindustry-challenges-in-2024 /
3 . https :// www . afrimat . co . za / media-press / afrimat-constructionindex-aci /# 80-267-wpfd-december-2023
4 . https :// lula . co . za / challenges-facing-construction-industry /
www . refrigerationandaircon . co . za RACA Journal I April 2024 3