PREVENTION OF MOULD GROWTH IN BUILDINGS

By : YM Raja Ismail bin Uda

1. Air Conditioning Definition From ASHRAE

2. Definition of Thermal Comfort 3. Definition of Mould 4. Factors Contributing To Mould Growth 5. Problems Of Moisture Intrusion 6. Architectural Considerations 7. Mechanical Considerations 8. Structural Considerations

9. Building Operation and Maintenance Stage

10.Corrective Plans and Corrective Measures 11.Conclusions

AIRCONDITIONING DEFINITION - ( ASHRAE )

The purpose of a heating, ventilation and Airconditioning (HVAC) system are to help maintain good indoor air quality through adequate ventilation with filtration and provide thermal comfort : To maintain a suitable degree of humidity RH To supply a constant and adequate supply of ventilation Fresh air & air movement To efficiently remove the air from all micro-organisms, dust and other foreign bodies IAQ / CO2 To efficiently cold the air of the rooms Room temperature

DEFINITION OF THERMAL COMFORT ( ASHRAE )

As the state of mind in humans that express satisfaction with surrounding environmental (ASHRAE STANDARD 55)
The thermal comfort is maintained when the heat generated by human metabolism is allowed to dissipate, thus maintaining thermal equilibrium with the surroundings. It has been long recognized that the sensation of feeling hot or cold is not just dependent on air temperature alone.

THERMAL COMFORT VARIABLE

Room dry bulb temperature T Relative humidity RH

Fresh air ventilation FAV

Air movement V Air change AC Supply air volume SAV Total cooling capacity TCC Indoor Air quality CO2 Noise level - NL

SAV V T TCC AC RH

TEMPERATURE & HUMIDITY RANGES FOR COMFORT

CONDITIONS SUMMER ( Light Clothing ) WINTER ( Warm Clothing ) RELATIVE HUMIDITY (%) If 30%, then If 60%, then If 30%, then If 60%, then ACCEPTABLE OPERATING TEMPERATURE ( C ) 24.5 - 28 23 - 25.5 20.5 25.5 20- 24

SOURCE: ASHRAE 55 -2010

JKR SPECIFICATION AND GUIDELINE

a. b. c. d. e. f.

Recommended design dry bulb temperature Minimum dry bulb temperature Recommended design relative humidity Recommended air movement Maximum air movement Recommended outdoor design condition - Dry bulb - Wet bulb

23C 26C 22C 55% - 70% 0.15 m/s 0.5 m/s 0.7 m/s 33.3C 27.2C

SOURCE : MS 1525:2009

RECOMMENDED COMFORT VARIABLES AND PREVENTION OD MOULD GROWTH

1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7.

Room temp. Relative humidity Fresh Air Ventilation Air movement Air change Indoor Air Quality CO2 Supply air volume - SAV

24 60% - 70% 15-20 cfm/person 0.5 m/s 6-10 Ac/hr < 1000 ppm 1.10% of design SAV

8.
9.

Total Cooling Capacity - TCC

Noise level - NL

1.10% of design TCC

Below acceptable Level

DEFINITION OF MOULD

There are thousands of known species of moulds, which include opportunistic pathogens, exclusive saprotrophs, aquatic species and thermophiles. Like all fungi, moulds derive energy not through photosynthesis but from the organic matter on which they live. Typically, moulds secrete hydrolytic enzymes from predominantly hyphal tips. These enzymes degrade complex biopolymers such as starch, cellulose and lignin into simpler substances which can enter the hyphae. In this way, moulds play a major role in causing decomposition of organic material, enabling the recycling of nutrients throughout ecosystems. Many moulds also secrete mycotoxins which, together with hydrolytic enzymes, inhibit the growth of competing micro-organisms. Source Guidelines On The Prevention Of Mould Growth In Buildings JKR Malaysia 2009

FACTORS CONTRIBUTING TO MOULD GROWTH

RELATIVE HUMIDITY ABOVE 70%

NUTRIENT MOULDS

TEMPERATURE ( 5 TO 50 C )

SPORES

OXYGEN

PROBLEMS OF MOISTURE INTRUSION

Examples and Pictures)

Design Or Construction Flaws

Selection of wrong materials for a building component, installation of damaged materials, improper sizing of the air-conditioning & ventilation system and other design flaws can lead to a wide range of conditions that can contribute to mould growth.

Building Component Or System Failure

A window or wall structure, or other component may be defective or improperly installed, allowing moisture to intrude.

Operational Failure
Building equipment may not be operated in accordance with the design parameters, resulting in leaks, condensation or flooding and home mould growth.

Building Change
Space may be reconfigured; major equipment may be replaced; tenants may add specialized equipment. Any of these changes can compromise the ability of the building to shed moisture. Therefore, it is critical to establish procedures that prevent moisture intrusion and mould manifestation.

ARCHITECTURAL CONSIDERATIONS

ARCHITECTURAL CONSIDERATIONS

ARCHITECTURAL CONSIDERATIONS

24 HRS ROOM & NON-AIRCOND AREA

CONDENSATION ON SLAB

MECHANICAL CONSIDERATIONS
(Examples and Pictures)

Design Stage Construction Stage Testing, Balancing & Commissioning Stage

Heat Load Building Operation Load

Prevent oversize proposed by contractor

Adequate airchange System Selection Pre-Insulation Pipe Insulation Internal Duct Insulation

DESIGN STAGE
Drain/Condensate Piep Insulation Accesibility

Location Fresh Air Intake

Pipe Routing

Exhaust Duct Location Supply Diffuser

SELECTION MATERIAL

CONSTRUCTION (MECH)

STRUCTURAL CONSIDERATIONS

 Quality of structural member

Design

Corrosion prevention Flat roof

STRUCTURAL

Water tight floor Sanitary fitting installation Application of Damp proof course & membrane Water proofing materials Dry structural element

Construction

Avoid water leakage

Site cleaning

BUILDING OPERATION AND MAINTENANCE STAGE

(Examples and Pictures)

REPAIR WORKS BY COMPETENT PERSON CLEAN/REPLACE AIR FILTER HVAC MONITORING

QUALITY OF CHILLED / CONDENSER WATER

CONTROL SYSTEM

OUTSIDE AIR INFILTRATION

VENTILATION

RENOVATION WORKS

VENT FOR MOISTURE SORCE

OPERATION

Water Seepage

EliminatPeriodic Maintenancee The Spores

Attend To Moisture ImmediatWindows & Doorsely

Access For Maintenance

Mould Growth Monitoring

Removal of Unwanted Materials

MechanicRoutine Assessmental Maintenance Works

Room Temperature

CORRECTIVE PLANS AND CORRECTIVE MEASURES

CONCLUSIONS

THANK YOU

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