Exploring Sun Shading Options to Support Cooling

Importance of Proper Refrigerant Levels

Mobile homes provide a unique and affordable living solution for many individuals and families. However, they present particular challenges when it comes to heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems. Understanding the intricacies of mobile home HVAC systems is essential for ensuring comfort and efficiency, particularly during hot weather conditions. Among the various strategies to improve cooling in mobile homes, exploring sun shading options offers a promising approach.


Safety standards ensure proper installation and operation of HVAC systems in mobile homes replacing hvac system in mobile home compressor.

Mobile homes are generally more susceptible to temperature fluctuations than traditional houses due to their construction materials and design. They often have thinner walls and less insulation, making them prone to heat gain during summer months. Consequently, HVAC systems in mobile homes must work harder to maintain comfortable temperatures. This increased demand can lead to higher energy consumption and utility bills.


The primary function of HVAC systems is to regulate indoor climate by providing adequate heating or cooling as needed. In mobile homes, these systems typically consist of compact units designed specifically for smaller spaces. Despite their size, these units must efficiently manage airflow throughout the home. One common challenge faced by mobile home residents is achieving consistent cooling across different rooms or areas.


Addressing the cooling challenges in mobile homes requires both effective HVAC solutions and complementary measures that enhance system performance. One such measure is the implementation of sun shading options, which can significantly alleviate some of the burden on HVAC systems by reducing direct sunlight exposure on the home's exterior.


Sun shading can be achieved through several methods: installing awnings or overhangs above windows; using reflective window films; employing exterior shades or shutters; or strategically planting trees and shrubs around the home. These solutions help block direct sunlight from entering living spaces, thereby reducing internal temperatures naturally without solely relying on mechanical cooling.


Awnings and overhangs are practical additions that not only provide shade but also add aesthetic value to a mobile home. When installed properly, they can effectively shield windows from direct sunlight during peak hours while allowing natural light indoors at other times.


Reflective window films offer another efficient way to reduce heat gain inside a mobile home. These films are applied directly onto windows' surfaces where they reflect solar radiation away from interiors while still permitting visibility outside-a cost-effective option with minimal maintenance requirements.


Exterior shades or shutters serve as additional physical barriers against solar heat infiltration into living spaces-particularly useful for larger window openings that may otherwise contribute significantly towards unwanted interior warming if left unshaded throughout daylight hours.


Lastly, strategic landscaping involving trees or shrubs provides naturally occurring shade around one's property perimeter-a long-term investment yielding dividends via reduced energy usage over time as vegetation matures into effective natural barriers against excessive sun exposure impacting internal climates adversely otherwise susceptible structures like those found commonly among various typologies comprising broader categories collectively designated within broader classifications typifying modern-day incarnations encompassing diverse manifestations epitomizing quintessentially iconic representations symbolically epitomizing archetypal iterations constituting contemporary exemplifications embodying prototypical embodiments characteristically emblematic representing paradigms defining quintessentially distinctively recognizable instances encapsulating definitive articulations reflecting universally acknowledged interpretations inherently indicative associatively corresponding connotations intrinsically interrelated conceptually analogous contexts experientially discernible practically demonstrable outcomes tangibly realizable existentially manifest realities substantively embodied concretely instantiated materially evidenced operationally verifiable substantively realized practically applicable results functionally viable alternatives pragmatically implementable solutions feasibly attainable objectives realistically achievable ends ultimately fulfilling overarching aspirations ideally envisioned goals fundamentally aligned integrally coherent purposes essentially underpinning foundational principles guiding decisive actions purposefully undertaken directed efforts concertedly oriented progressively advancing systematically evolving processes dynamically unfolding continually adapting iteratively refining

Exploring Sun Shading Options to Support Cooling in Mobile Homes


As temperatures rise and summers become increasingly sweltering, the quest for effective cooling solutions in mobile homes has never been more critical. Mobile homes, with their lightweight construction and often limited insulation, can become heat traps during the hotter months. One of the most effective ways to mitigate this heat buildup is through sun shading. By exploring different types of sun shading options, mobile home owners can significantly enhance comfort while also reducing energy costs.


One of the simplest and most traditional sun shading solutions is the installation of awnings. Awnings can be attached above windows or doors, offering a physical barrier against direct sunlight. They come in various materials such as fabric, aluminum, or polycarbonate, each with its own benefits in terms of durability and aesthetics. Retractable awnings offer flexibility, allowing homeowners to enjoy full sun when desired or shade when necessary.


Another popular option is the use of reflective window films. These films are applied directly onto windows and work by reflecting a significant portion of solar radiation away from the interior space. Not only do they help keep indoor temperatures down, but they also reduce glare and protect furniture from fading due to UV exposure. Reflective films are relatively easy to install and maintain, making them an attractive option for those looking for a quick upgrade.


For those who prefer a more natural approach, landscaping can provide excellent sun shading benefits. Planting trees or tall shrubs strategically around a mobile home can create natural shade while enhancing privacy and adding aesthetic value to the property. Deciduous trees are particularly advantageous as they provide ample shade during summer months but allow sunlight through bare branches in winter when warmth may be needed.


Solar screens are another innovative solution worth considering. These screens are mounted outside windows much like insect screens but are specifically designed to block a significant amount of solar heat gain while still allowing visibility from inside outwards. Solar screens come in varying densities depending on how much light reduction is desired; denser weaves will block more light but may restrict views slightly more than looser weaves.


Finally, pergolas or patio covers present an appealing option for creating shaded outdoor spaces adjacent to mobile homes. These structures not only add architectural interest but also extend living areas into the outdoors where families can relax without excessive exposure to sunlight.


In conclusion, there is no one-size-fits-all answer when it comes to sun shading options for mobile homes; each type offers distinct advantages depending on individual needs and preferences-whether it's maximizing energy efficiency with reflective films or enhancing outdoor enjoyment with pergolas-and all contribute towards achieving cooler interiors during hot weather periods effectively managing indoor climate control remains key ensuring comfort affordability long-term sustainability residential environments alike ultimately choosing right combination strategies vital enjoying optimal results throughout years come

Recognizing Signs of Refrigerant Leaks in Mobile Home Systems

Refrigerant leaks in mobile home systems can lead to significant issues, not only impacting the efficiency of cooling and heating systems but also posing environmental and health risks.. Recognizing the signs of these leaks is crucial for timely intervention and prevention of future occurrences.

Posted by on 2024-12-27

How Energy Efficiency Upgrades Lower Mobile Home Utility Costs

Title: Accessing Funding and Incentives for Upgrades: How Energy Efficiency Upgrades Lower Mobile Home Utility Costs In today's world, where environmental consciousness and economic prudence go hand in hand, mobile home owners are increasingly turning towards energy efficiency upgrades to reduce utility costs.. These improvements not only pave the way for a more sustainable lifestyle but also offer significant financial relief.

Posted by on 2024-12-27

Troubleshooting Common Thermostat Issues in Mobile Homes

In the realm of mobile homes, where space is often limited and construction materials vary, maintaining a comfortable indoor climate can be a challenge.. Thermostats play a crucial role in regulating temperature, ensuring both energy efficiency and comfort.

Posted by on 2024-12-27

Signs and Symptoms of Low Refrigerant

Exploring sun shading options to support cooling is an increasingly important topic, particularly in the context of rising global temperatures and the urgent need for more sustainable living solutions. Implementing sun shading solutions offers a myriad of benefits, both immediate and long-term, that extend beyond mere temperature regulation.


One of the primary advantages of sun shading is the significant reduction in energy consumption. By blocking or controlling sunlight penetration into buildings, these solutions help maintain cooler indoor temperatures naturally, thereby reducing reliance on air conditioning systems. This not only lowers electricity bills but also decreases carbon emissions associated with energy production, contributing to broader environmental sustainability goals.


Moreover, sun shading plays a crucial role in enhancing occupant comfort. Excessive heat can lead to discomfort and decreased productivity in residential and commercial spaces alike. By managing solar gain effectively, sun shading ensures a stable indoor climate that is conducive to work and relaxation. Additionally, by reducing glare from direct sunlight, these solutions improve visibility and reduce eye strain for building occupants.


Sun shading also contributes positively to building aesthetics and functionality. With a variety of styles and materials available-from sleek louvers to elegant pergolas-architects have the flexibility to incorporate shading devices that complement or enhance architectural design while fulfilling functional requirements. Furthermore, some modern systems are adjustable or automated, allowing users to optimize daylight access according to time of day or season without compromising on thermal performance.


Another important benefit is protecting interior furnishings from UV damage. Prolonged exposure to direct sunlight can fade fabrics and degrade materials over time. Sun shading acts as a barrier against harmful UV rays, preserving the quality and longevity of furniture, artwork, flooring, and other interior elements.


Finally, implementing sun shading can increase a property's value by improving its energy efficiency rating-a significant consideration for potential buyers who are increasingly environmentally conscious. In this way, such investments not only offer immediate practical benefits but also serve as an asset for future resale opportunities.


In conclusion, exploring sun shading options yields numerous benefits that support cooling efforts while fostering sustainability. From energy savings and enhanced comfort to aesthetic appeal and property value enhancement, these solutions represent a wise investment in both our present well-being and future ecological stewardship. As we continue to face challenges posed by climate change, integrating effective sun shading strategies will be essential in creating resilient living environments worldwide.

Signs and Symptoms of Low Refrigerant

Impact of Low Refrigerant on HVAC System Performance

As global temperatures continue to rise, the quest for sustainable and cost-effective cooling solutions has gained unprecedented importance. One of the most promising strategies in this regard is exploring sun shading options that not only enhance energy efficiency but also prove to be economically viable. Sun shading, through various innovative designs and materials, offers a dual advantage-reducing reliance on mechanical cooling systems while simultaneously lowering energy costs.


Sun shading works by blocking or reflecting solar radiation before it enters a building, thus reducing indoor temperatures naturally. This passive cooling method minimizes the need for air conditioning, which is often one of the largest consumers of electricity in homes and commercial buildings. By decreasing energy demand, sun shading directly contributes to lower utility bills, presenting a compelling case for its cost-effectiveness.


The financial benefits extend beyond immediate savings on electricity. Implementing sun shading can lead to reduced wear and tear on HVAC systems due to decreased usage, potentially prolonging their lifespan and deferring replacement costs. Moreover, many regions offer incentives or rebates for incorporating energy-efficient measures such as sun shading into building designs. These financial incentives can significantly offset initial investment costs.


From an energy efficiency perspective, sun shading plays a crucial role in improving a building's thermal performance. Strategically placed shades can optimize natural light while minimizing heat gain during peak sunlight hours. This careful balance ensures that interiors remain cool without sacrificing daylight illumination-a critical factor in maintaining occupant comfort and productivity.


Several innovative approaches to sun shading are available today, ranging from traditional awnings and pergolas to advanced automated louvers and dynamic glazing technologies. Each option offers unique benefits tailored to specific architectural needs or aesthetic preferences. For instance, fixed external shades may be ideal for consistent climate zones, whereas adjustable systems could provide flexibility in areas with fluctuating weather patterns.


In conclusion, investing in sun shading options represents a strategic convergence of economic prudence and environmental stewardship. As we strive towards more sustainable living environments, adopting such measures not only aligns with broader ecological goals but also delivers tangible cost savings over time. By carefully considering the diverse range of available solutions and their respective benefits, individuals and businesses alike can make informed decisions that promote both fiscal responsibility and enhanced energy efficiency in their spaces.

Steps for Diagnosing Low Refrigerant Issues

In recent years, the pursuit of energy efficiency and comfort in mobile homes has led to an increased focus on sun shading installations. As global temperatures rise and energy costs continue to fluctuate, mobile homeowners are turning to innovative solutions to keep their living spaces cool while minimizing reliance on air conditioning. One such solution is the strategic use of sun shading. This essay explores successful case studies of sun shading installations in mobile homes, highlighting various options and their impact on cooling.


Mobile homes present unique challenges when it comes to temperature regulation. Their lightweight construction often results in rapid heat gain during hot weather, making them particularly susceptible to overheating. Sun shading offers a practical way to mitigate this issue by reducing the amount of direct sunlight entering the home, thus lowering indoor temperatures.


One notable case study is the installation of external retractable awnings on a mobile home community in Arizona. Residents faced scorching summer temperatures that regularly soared above 100 degrees Fahrenheit. By installing retractable awnings over windows and outdoor living areas, they were able to significantly reduce heat gain. The awnings provided shade during peak sunlight hours and could be retracted when not needed, allowing for natural light and warmth during cooler periods.


Another successful example involves the use of reflective window films in a Florida-based mobile home park. These films were applied directly onto windows, reflecting a substantial portion of incoming solar radiation while still allowing visible light to pass through. Residents reported noticeable reductions in indoor temperatures without compromising their views or natural lighting. This approach proved cost-effective as it required minimal maintenance once installed.


A third case study highlights the implementation of vertical garden systems as a form of natural shade for mobile homes in California. By planting climbing plants along trellises attached to exterior walls, homeowners created living barriers that blocked out direct sunlight while enhancing aesthetic appeal and biodiversity around their properties. The vertical gardens not only provided effective shading but also contributed to better air quality and insulation.


These cases underscore that when considering sun shading options for mobile homes, flexibility and adaptability are key components for success. Each solution-whether it be retractable awnings, window films, or vertical gardens-offers distinct advantages tailored to specific environmental conditions and homeowner preferences.


In conclusion, exploring sun shading options for cooling purposes in mobile homes reveals a variety of successful strategies that can be customized according to individual needs and regional climates. By investing in appropriate sun shading installations, mobile homeowners can enjoy enhanced comfort levels while also achieving energy savings-a win-win scenario as we strive towards more sustainable living environments amidst changing climate patterns.

Preventive Measures and Maintenance Tips

Choosing the right sun shading solution is a vital consideration for anyone looking to effectively manage indoor temperatures and enhance energy efficiency. As we explore various sun shading options to support cooling, it becomes evident that selecting the appropriate solution requires careful thought and planning.


One of the primary factors to consider when choosing a sun shading solution is understanding the specific needs of your space. Different environments require tailored approaches; for instance, residential spaces might benefit from simple solutions like window films or blinds, while commercial buildings may need more advanced systems such as automated shades or smart glass technology. It's crucial to evaluate the orientation of windows and doors in your building since south and west-facing windows generally receive more sunlight and thus may require more robust shading solutions.


Another essential aspect is considering the material and design of the shading system. Materials can range from fabric blinds to aluminum louvers, each offering different levels of light filtration and heat reduction. Some materials are designed to reflect sunlight, helping reduce heat gain inside the building. The aesthetic appeal should not be overlooked either; selecting a shade that complements your interior design can enhance both functionality and style.


Energy efficiency is also a key consideration in choosing sun shading options. Many modern solutions are designed with sustainability in mind, offering features that reduce reliance on air conditioning systems by minimizing solar heat gain. Automated systems, for example, can adjust based on real-time weather conditions or preferences, ensuring optimal performance without manual intervention. Investing in such energy-efficient technologies not only helps lower utility bills but also contributes positively to environmental conservation efforts.


Moreover, budget constraints often play a significant role in determining which sun shading solution is feasible. While some advanced options might offer superior benefits, they could come with higher initial costs. It's important to balance cost-effectiveness with long-term savings potential when making your decision.


Lastly, installation and maintenance considerations should be factored into the selection process. Some systems may require professional installation or regular upkeep, impacting their overall convenience and cost over time.


In conclusion, choosing the right sun shading solution involves assessing various factors including spatial needs, material selection, energy efficiency goals, budget constraints, and maintenance requirements. By carefully evaluating these elements, individuals can select an option that not only supports effective cooling but also enhances comfort and sustainability within their living or working environments.

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Sick building syndrome
Specialty Environmental medicine, immunology Edit this on Wikidata

Sick building syndrome (SBS) is a condition in which people develop symptoms of illness or become infected with chronic disease from the building in which they work or reside.[1] In scientific literature, SBS is also known as building-related illness (BRI), building-related symptoms (BRS), or idiopathic environmental intolerance (IEI).

The main identifying observation is an increased incidence of complaints of such symptoms as headache, eye, nose, and throat irritation, fatigue, dizziness, and nausea. The 1989 Oxford English Dictionary defines SBS in that way.[2] The World Health Organization created a 484-page tome on indoor air quality 1984, when SBS was attributed only to non-organic causes, and suggested that the book might form a basis for legislation or litigation.[3]

The outbreaks may or may not be a direct result of inadequate or inappropriate cleaning.[2] SBS has also been used to describe staff concerns in post-war buildings with faulty building aerodynamics, construction materials, construction process, and maintenance.[2] Some symptoms tend to increase in severity with the time people spend in the building, often improving or even disappearing when people are away from the building.[2][4] The term SBS is also used interchangeably with "building-related symptoms", which orients the name of the condition around patients' symptoms rather than a "sick" building.[5]

Attempts have been made to connect sick building syndrome to various causes, such as contaminants produced by outgassing of some building materials, volatile organic compounds (VOC), improper exhaust ventilation of ozone (produced by the operation of some office machines), light industrial chemicals used within, and insufficient fresh-air intake or air filtration (see "Minimum efficiency reporting value").[2] Sick building syndrome has also been attributed to heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems, an attribution about which there are inconsistent findings.[6]

Signs and symptoms

[edit]
An air quality monitor

Human exposure to aerosols has a variety of adverse health effects.[7] Building occupants complain of symptoms such as sensory irritation of the eyes, nose, or throat; neurotoxic or general health problems; skin irritation; nonspecific hypersensitivity reactions; infectious diseases;[8] and odor and taste sensations.[9] Poor lighting has caused general malaise.[10]

Extrinsic allergic alveolitis has been associated with the presence of fungi and bacteria in the moist air of residential houses and commercial offices.[11] A study in 2017 correlated several inflammatory diseases of the respiratory tract with objective evidence of damp-caused damage in homes.[12]

The WHO has classified the reported symptoms into broad categories, including mucous-membrane irritation (eye, nose, and throat irritation), neurotoxic effects (headaches, fatigue, and irritability), asthma and asthma-like symptoms (chest tightness and wheezing), skin dryness and irritation, and gastrointestinal complaints.[13]

Several sick occupants may report individual symptoms that do not seem connected. The key to discovery is the increased incidence of illnesses in general with onset or exacerbation in a short period, usually weeks. In most cases, SBS symptoms are relieved soon after the occupants leave the particular room or zone.[14] However, there can be lingering effects of various neurotoxins, which may not clear up when the occupant leaves the building. In some cases, including those of sensitive people, there are long-term health effects.[15]

Cause

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ASHRAE has recognized that polluted urban air, designated within the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)'s air quality ratings as unacceptable, requires the installation of treatment such as filtration for which the HVAC practitioners generally apply carbon-impregnated filters and their likes. Different toxins will aggravate the human body in different ways. Some people are more allergic to mold, while others are highly sensitive to dust. Inadequate ventilation will exaggerate small problems (such as deteriorating fiberglass insulation or cooking fumes) into a much more serious indoor air quality problem.[10]

Common products such as paint, insulation, rigid foam, particle board, plywood, duct liners, exhaust fumes and other chemical contaminants from indoor or outdoor sources, and biological contaminants can be trapped inside by the HVAC AC system. As this air is recycled using fan coils the overall oxygenation ratio drops and becomes harmful. When combined with other stress factors such as traffic noise and poor lighting, inhabitants of buildings located in a polluted urban area can quickly become ill as their immune system is overwhelmed.[10]

Certain VOCs, considered toxic chemical contaminants to humans, are used as adhesives in many common building construction products. These aromatic carbon rings / VOCs can cause acute and chronic health effects in the occupants of a building, including cancer, paralysis, lung failure, and others. Bacterial spores, fungal spores, mold spores, pollen, and viruses are types of biological contaminants and can all cause allergic reactions or illness described as SBS. In addition, pollution from outdoors, such as motor vehicle exhaust, can enter buildings, worsen indoor air quality, and increase the indoor concentration of carbon monoxide and carbon dioxide.[16] Adult SBS symptoms were associated with a history of allergic rhinitis, eczema and asthma.[17]

A 2015 study concerning the association of SBS and indoor air pollutants in office buildings in Iran found that, as carbon dioxide increased in a building, nausea, headaches, nasal irritation, dyspnea, and throat dryness also rose.[10] Some work conditions have been correlated with specific symptoms: brighter light, for example was significantly related to skin dryness, eye pain, and malaise.[10] Higher temperature is correlated with sneezing, skin redness, itchy eyes, and headache; lower relative humidity has been associated with sneezing, skin redness, and eye pain.[10]

In 1973, in response to the oil crisis and conservation concerns, ASHRAE Standards 62-73 and 62-81 reduced required ventilation from 10 cubic feet per minute (4.7 L/s) per person to 5 cubic feet per minute (2.4 L/s) per person, but this was found to be a contributing factor to sick building syndrome.[18] As of the 2016 revision, ASHRAE ventilation standards call for 5 to 10 cubic feet per minute of ventilation per occupant (depending on the occupancy type) in addition to ventilation based on the zone floor area delivered to the breathing zone.[19]

Workplace

[edit]

Excessive work stress or dissatisfaction, poor interpersonal relationships and poor communication are often seen to be associated with SBS, recent[when?] studies show that a combination of environmental sensitivity and stress can greatly contribute to sick building syndrome.[15][citation needed]

Greater effects were found with features of the psycho-social work environment including high job demands and low support. The report concluded that the physical environment of office buildings appears to be less important than features of the psycho-social work environment in explaining differences in the prevalence of symptoms. However, there is still a relationship between sick building syndrome and symptoms of workers regardless of workplace stress.[20]

Specific work-related stressors are related with specific SBS symptoms. Workload and work conflict are significantly associated with general symptoms (headache, abnormal tiredness, sensation of cold or nausea). While crowded workspaces and low work satisfaction are associated with upper respiratory symptoms.[21] Work productivity has been associated with ventilation rates, a contributing factor to SBS, and there's a significant increase in production as ventilation rates increase, by 1.7% for every two-fold increase of ventilation rate.[22] Printer effluent, released into the office air as ultra-fine particles (UFPs) as toner is burned during the printing process, may lead to certain SBS symptoms.[23][24] Printer effluent may contain a variety of toxins to which a subset of office workers are sensitive, triggering SBS symptoms.[25]

Specific careers are also associated with specific SBS symptoms. Transport, communication, healthcare, and social workers have highest prevalence of general symptoms. Skin symptoms such as eczema, itching, and rashes on hands and face are associated with technical work. Forestry, agriculture, and sales workers have the lowest rates of sick building syndrome symptoms.[26]

From the assessment done by Fisk and Mudarri, 21% of asthma cases in the United States were caused by wet environments with mold that exist in all indoor environments, such as schools, office buildings, houses and apartments. Fisk and Berkeley Laboratory colleagues also found that the exposure to the mold increases the chances of respiratory issues by 30 to 50 percent.[27] Additionally, studies showing that health effects with dampness and mold in indoor environments found that increased risk of adverse health effects occurs with dampness or visible mold environments.[28]

Milton et al. determined the cost of sick leave specific for one business was an estimated $480 per employee, and about five days of sick leave per year could be attributed to low ventilation rates. When comparing low ventilation rate areas of the building to higher ventilation rate areas, the relative risk of short-term sick leave was 1.53 times greater in the low ventilation areas.[29]

Home

[edit]

Sick building syndrome can be caused by one's home. Laminate flooring may release more SBS-causing chemicals than do stone, tile, and concrete floors.[17] Recent redecorating and new furnishings within the last year are associated with increased symptoms; so are dampness and related factors, having pets, and cockroaches.[17] Mosquitoes are related to more symptoms, but it is unclear whether the immediate cause of the symptoms is the mosquitoes or the repellents used against them.[17]

Mold

[edit]

Sick building syndrome may be associated with indoor mold or mycotoxin contamination. However, the attribution of sick building syndrome to mold is controversial and supported by little evidence.[30][31][32]

Indoor temperature

[edit]

Indoor temperature under 18 °C (64 °F) has been shown to be associated with increased respiratory and cardiovascular diseases, increased blood levels, and increased hospitalization.[33]

Diagnosis

[edit]

While sick building syndrome (SBS) encompasses a multitude of non-specific symptoms, building-related illness (BRI) comprises specific, diagnosable symptoms caused by certain agents (chemicals, bacteria, fungi, etc.). These can typically be identified, measured, and quantified.[34] There are usually four causal agents in BRi: immunologic, infectious, toxic, and irritant.[34] For instance, Legionnaire's disease, usually caused by Legionella pneumophila, involves a specific organism which could be ascertained through clinical findings as the source of contamination within a building.[34]

Prevention

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  • Reduction of time spent in the building
  • If living in the building, moving to a new place
  • Fixing any deteriorated paint or concrete deterioration
  • Regular inspections to indicate for presence of mold or other toxins
  • Adequate maintenance of all building mechanical systems
  • Toxin-absorbing plants, such as sansevieria[35][36][37][38][39][40][41][excessive citations]
  • Roof shingle non-pressure cleaning for removal of algae, mold, and Gloeocapsa magma
  • Using ozone to eliminate the many sources, such as VOCs, molds, mildews, bacteria, viruses, and even odors. However, numerous studies identify high-ozone shock treatment as ineffective despite commercial popularity and popular belief.
  • Replacement of water-stained ceiling tiles and carpeting
  • Only using paints, adhesives, solvents, and pesticides in well-ventilated areas or only using these pollutant sources during periods of non-occupancy
  • Increasing the number of air exchanges; the American Society of Heating, Refrigeration and Air-Conditioning Engineers recommend a minimum of 8.4 air exchanges per 24-hour period
  • Increased ventilation rates that are above the minimum guidelines[22]
  • Proper and frequent maintenance of HVAC systems
  • UV-C light in the HVAC plenum
  • Installation of HVAC air cleaning systems or devices to remove VOCs and bioeffluents (people odors)
  • Central vacuums that completely remove all particles from the house including the ultrafine particles (UFPs) which are less than 0.1 μm
  • Regular vacuuming with a HEPA filter vacuum cleaner to collect and retain 99.97% of particles down to and including 0.3 micrometers
  • Placing bedding in sunshine, which is related to a study done in a high-humidity area where damp bedding was common and associated with SBS[17]
  • Lighting in the workplace should be designed to give individuals control, and be natural when possible[42]
  • Relocating office printers outside the air conditioning boundary, perhaps to another building
  • Replacing current office printers with lower emission rate printers[43]
  • Identification and removal of products containing harmful ingredients

Management

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SBS, as a non-specific blanket term, does not have any specific cause or cure. Any known cure would be associated with the specific eventual disease that was cause by exposure to known contaminants. In all cases, alleviation consists of removing the affected person from the building associated. BRI, on the other hand, utilizes treatment appropriate for the contaminant identified within the building (e.g., antibiotics for Legionnaire's disease).[citation needed]

Improving the indoor air quality (IAQ) of a particular building can attenuate, or even eliminate, the continued exposure to toxins. However, a Cochrane review of 12 mold and dampness remediation studies in private homes, workplaces and schools by two independent authors were deemed to be very low to moderate quality of evidence in reducing adult asthma symptoms and results were inconsistent among children.[44] For the individual, the recovery may be a process involved with targeting the acute symptoms of a specific illness, as in the case of mold toxins.[45] Treating various building-related illnesses is vital to the overall understanding of SBS. Careful analysis by certified building professionals and physicians can help to identify the exact cause of the BRI, and help to illustrate a causal path to infection. With this knowledge one can, theoretically, remediate a building of contaminants and rebuild the structure with new materials. Office BRI may more likely than not be explained by three events: "Wide range in the threshold of response in any population (susceptibility), a spectrum of response to any given agent, or variability in exposure within large office buildings."[46]

Isolating any one of the three aspects of office BRI can be a great challenge, which is why those who find themselves with BRI should take three steps, history, examinations, and interventions. History describes the action of continually monitoring and recording the health of workers experiencing BRI, as well as obtaining records of previous building alterations or related activity. Examinations go hand in hand with monitoring employee health. This step is done by physically examining the entire workspace and evaluating possible threats to health status among employees. Interventions follow accordingly based on the results of the Examination and History report.[46]

Epidemiology

[edit]

Some studies have found that women have higher reports of SBS symptoms than men.[17][10] It is not entirely clear, however, if this is due to biological, social, or occupational factors.

A 2001 study published in the Journal Indoor Air, gathered 1464 office-working participants to increase the scientific understanding of gender differences under the Sick Building Syndrome phenomenon.[47] Using questionnaires, ergonomic investigations, building evaluations, as well as physical, biological, and chemical variables, the investigators obtained results that compare with past studies of SBS and gender. The study team found that across most test variables, prevalence rates were different in most areas, but there was also a deep stratification of working conditions between genders as well. For example, men's workplaces tend to be significantly larger and have all-around better job characteristics. Secondly, there was a noticeable difference in reporting rates, specifically that women have higher rates of reporting roughly 20% higher than men. This information was similar to that found in previous studies, thus indicating a potential difference in willingness to report.[47]

There might be a gender difference in reporting rates of sick building syndrome, because women tend to report more symptoms than men do. Along with this, some studies have found that women have a more responsive immune system and are more prone to mucosal dryness and facial erythema. Also, women are alleged by some to be more exposed to indoor environmental factors because they have a greater tendency to have clerical jobs, wherein they are exposed to unique office equipment and materials (example: blueprint machines, toner-based printers), whereas men often have jobs based outside of offices.[48]

History

[edit]

In the late 1970s, it was noted that nonspecific symptoms were reported by tenants in newly constructed homes, offices, and nurseries. In media it was called "office illness". The term "sick building syndrome" was coined by the WHO in 1986, when they also estimated that 10–30% of newly built office buildings in the West had indoor air problems. Early Danish and British studies reported symptoms.

Poor indoor environments attracted attention. The Swedish allergy study (SOU 1989:76) designated "sick building" as a cause of the allergy epidemic as was feared. In the 1990s, therefore, extensive research into "sick building" was carried out. Various physical and chemical factors in the buildings were examined on a broad front.

The problem was highlighted increasingly in media and was described as a "ticking time bomb". Many studies were performed in individual buildings.

In the 1990s "sick buildings" were contrasted against "healthy buildings". The chemical contents of building materials were highlighted. Many building material manufacturers were actively working to gain control of the chemical content and to replace criticized additives. The ventilation industry advocated above all more well-functioning ventilation. Others perceived ecological construction, natural materials, and simple techniques as a solution.

At the end of the 1990s came an increased distrust of the concept of "sick building". A dissertation at the Karolinska Institute in Stockholm 1999 questioned the methodology of previous research, and a Danish study from 2005 showed these flaws experimentally. It was suggested that sick building syndrome was not really a coherent syndrome and was not a disease to be individually diagnosed, but a collection of as many as a dozen semi-related diseases. In 2006 the Swedish National Board of Health and Welfare recommended in the medical journal Läkartidningen that "sick building syndrome" should not be used as a clinical diagnosis. Thereafter, it has become increasingly less common to use terms such as sick buildings and sick building syndrome in research. However, the concept remains alive in popular culture and is used to designate the set of symptoms related to poor home or work environment engineering. Sick building is therefore an expression used especially in the context of workplace health.

Sick building syndrome made a rapid journey from media to courtroom where professional engineers and architects became named defendants and were represented by their respective professional practice insurers. Proceedings invariably relied on expert witnesses, medical and technical experts along with building managers, contractors and manufacturers of finishes and furnishings, testifying as to cause and effect. Most of these actions resulted in sealed settlement agreements, none of these being dramatic. The insurers needed a defense based upon Standards of Professional Practice to meet a court decision that declared that in a modern, essentially sealed building, the HVAC systems must produce breathing air for suitable human consumption. ASHRAE (American Society of Heating, Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Engineers, currently with over 50,000 international members) undertook the task of codifying its indoor air quality (IAQ) standard.

ASHRAE empirical research determined that "acceptability" was a function of outdoor (fresh air) ventilation rate and used carbon dioxide as an accurate measurement of occupant presence and activity. Building odors and contaminants would be suitably controlled by this dilution methodology. ASHRAE codified a level of 1,000 ppm of carbon dioxide and specified the use of widely available sense-and-control equipment to assure compliance. The 1989 issue of ASHRAE 62.1-1989 published the whys and wherefores and overrode the 1981 requirements that were aimed at a ventilation level of 5,000 ppm of carbon dioxide (the OSHA workplace limit), federally set to minimize HVAC system energy consumption. This apparently ended the SBS epidemic.

Over time, building materials changed with respect to emissions potential. Smoking vanished and dramatic improvements in ambient air quality, coupled with code compliant ventilation and maintenance, per ASHRAE standards have all contributed to the acceptability of the indoor air environment.[49][50]

See also

[edit]
  • Aerotoxic syndrome
  • Air purifier
  • Asthmagen
  • Cleanroom
  • Electromagnetic hypersensitivity
  • Havana syndrome
  • Healthy building
  • Indoor air quality
  • Lead paint
  • Multiple chemical sensitivity
  • NASA Clean Air Study
  • Nosocomial infection
  • Particulates
  • Power tools
  • Renovation
  • Somatization disorder
  • Fan death

References

[edit]
  1. ^ "Sick Building Syndrome" (PDF). World Health Organization. n.d.
  2. ^ a b c d e Passarelli, Guiseppe Ryan (2009). "Sick building syndrome: An overview to raise awareness". Journal of Building Appraisal. 5: 55–66. doi:10.1057/jba.2009.20.
  3. ^ European Centre for Environment and Health, WHO (1983). WHO guidelines for indoor air quality: selected pollutants (PDF). EURO Reports and Studies, no 78. Bonn Germany Office: WHO Regional Office for Europe (Copenhagen).
  4. ^ Stolwijk, J A (1991-11-01). "Sick-building syndrome". Environmental Health Perspectives. 95: 99–100. doi:10.1289/ehp.919599. ISSN 0091-6765. PMC 1568418. PMID 1821387.
  5. ^ Indoor Air Pollution: An Introduction for Health Professionals (PDF). Indoor Air Division (6609J): U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. c. 2015.cite book: CS1 maint: location (link)
  6. ^ Shahzad, Sally S.; Brennan, John; Theodossopoulos, Dimitris; Hughes, Ben; Calautit, John Kaiser (2016-04-06). "Building-Related Symptoms, Energy, and Thermal Control in the Workplace: Personal and Open Plan Offices". Sustainability. 8 (4): 331. doi:10.3390/su8040331. hdl:20.500.11820/03eb7043-814e-437d-b920-4a38bb88742c.
  7. ^ Sundell, J; Lindval, T; Berndt, S (1994). "Association between type of ventilation and airflow rates in office buildings and the risk of SBS-symptoms among occupants". Environ. Int. 20 (2): 239–251. Bibcode:1994EnInt..20..239S. doi:10.1016/0160-4120(94)90141-4.
  8. ^ Rylander, R (1997). "Investigation of the relationship between disease and airborne (1P3)-b-D-glucan in buildings". Med. Of Inflamm. 6 (4): 275–277. doi:10.1080/09629359791613. PMC 2365865. PMID 18472858.
  9. ^ Godish, Thad (2001). Indoor Environmental Quality. New York: CRC Press. pp. 196–197. ISBN 1-56670-402-2
  10. ^ a b c d e f g Jafari, Mohammad Javad; Khajevandi, Ali Asghar; Mousavi Najarkola, Seyed Ali; Yekaninejad, Mir Saeed; Pourhoseingholi, Mohammad Amin; Omidi, Leila; Kalantary, Saba (2015-01-01). "Association of Sick Building Syndrome with Indoor Air Parameters". Tanaffos. 14 (1): 55–62. ISSN 1735-0344. PMC 4515331. PMID 26221153.
  11. ^ Teculescu, D. B. (1998). "Sick Building Symptoms in office workers in northern France: a pilot study". Int. Arch. Occup. Environ. Health. 71 (5): 353–356. doi:10.1007/s004200050292. PMID 9749975. S2CID 25095874.
  12. ^ Pind C. Ahlroth (2017). "Patient-reported signs of dampness at home may be a risk factor for chronic rhinosinusitis: A cross-sectional study". Clinical & Experimental Allergy. 47 (11): 1383–1389. doi:10.1111/cea.12976. PMID 28695715. S2CID 40807627.
  13. ^ Apter, A (1994). "Epidemiology of the sick building syndrome". J. Allergy Clin. Immunol. 94 (2): 277–288. doi:10.1053/ai.1994.v94.a56006. PMID 8077580.
  14. ^ "Sick Building Syndrome". NSC.org. National Safety Council. 2009. Retrieved April 27, 2009.
  15. ^ a b Joshi, Sumedha M. (August 2008). "The sick building syndrome". Indian Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine. 12 (2): 61–64. doi:10.4103/0019-5278.43262. ISSN 0973-2284. PMC 2796751. PMID 20040980.
  16. ^ "Indoor Air Facts No.4: Sick Building Syndrome" (PDF). United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). 1991. Retrieved 2009-02-19.
  17. ^ a b c d e f Wang, Juan; Li, BaiZhan; Yang, Qin; Wang, Han; Norback, Dan; Sundell, Jan (2013-12-01). "Sick building syndrome among parents of preschool children in relation to home environment in Chongqing, China". Chinese Science Bulletin. 58 (34): 4267–4276. Bibcode:2013ChSBu..58.4267W. doi:10.1007/s11434-013-5814-2. ISSN 1001-6538.
  18. ^ Joshi S. M. (2008). "The sick building syndrome". Indian J. Occup. Environ. Med. 12 (2): 61–4. doi:10.4103/0019-5278.43262. PMC 2796751. PMID 20040980. in section 3 "Inadequate ventilation".
  19. ^ ANSI/ASHRAE Standard 62.1-2016.
  20. ^ Bauer R. M., Greve K. W., Besch E. L., Schramke C. J., Crouch J., Hicks A., Lyles W. B. (1992). "The role of psychological factors in the report of building-related symptoms in sick building syndrome". Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology. 60 (2): 213–219. doi:10.1037/0022-006x.60.2.213. PMID 1592950.cite journal: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)
  21. ^ Azuma K., Ikeda K., Kagi N., Yanagi U., Osawa H. (2014). "Prevalence and risk factors associated with nonspecific building-related symptoms in office employees in Japan: Relationships between work environment, Indoor Air Quality, and occupational stress". Indoor Air. 25 (5): 499–511. doi:10.1111/ina.12158. PMID 25244340.cite journal: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)
  22. ^ a b Wargocki P., Wyon D. P., Sundell J., Clausen G., Fanger P. O. (2000). "The Effects of Outdoor Air Supply Rate in an Office on Perceived Air Quality, Sick Building Syndrome (SBS) Symptoms and Productivity". Indoor Air. 10 (4): 222–236. Bibcode:2000InAir..10..222W. doi:10.1034/j.1600-0668.2000.010004222.x. PMID 11089327.cite journal: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)
  23. ^ Morimoto, Yasuo; Ogami, Akira; Kochi, Isamu; Uchiyama, Tetsuro; Ide, Reiko; Myojo, Toshihiko; Higashi, Toshiaki (2010). "[Continuing investigation of effect of toner and its by-product on human health and occupational health management of toner]". Sangyo Eiseigaku Zasshi = Journal of Occupational Health. 52 (5): 201–208. doi:10.1539/sangyoeisei.a10002. ISSN 1349-533X. PMID 20595787.
  24. ^ Pirela, Sandra Vanessa; Martin, John; Bello, Dhimiter; Demokritou, Philip (September 2017). "Nanoparticle exposures from nano-enabled toner-based printing equipment and human health: state of science and future research needs". Critical Reviews in Toxicology. 47 (8): 678–704. doi:10.1080/10408444.2017.1318354. ISSN 1547-6898. PMC 5857386. PMID 28524743.
  25. ^ McKone, Thomas, et al. "Indoor Pollutant Emissions from Electronic Office Equipment, California Air Resources Board Air Pollution Seminar Series". Presented January 7, 2009. https://www.arb.ca.gov/research/seminars/mckone/mckone.pdf Archived 2017-02-07 at the Wayback Machine
  26. ^ Norback D., Edling C. (1991). "Environmental, occupational, and personal factors related to the prevalence of sick building syndrome in the general population". Occupational and Environmental Medicine. 48 (7): 451–462. doi:10.1136/oem.48.7.451. PMC 1035398. PMID 1854648.
  27. ^ Weinhold, Bob (2007-06-01). "A Spreading Concern: Inhalational Health Effects of Mold". Environmental Health Perspectives. 115 (6): A300–A305. doi:10.1289/ehp.115-a300. PMC 1892134. PMID 17589582.
  28. ^ Mudarri, D.; Fisk, W. J. (June 2007). "Public health and economic impact of dampness and mold". Indoor Air. 17 (3): 226–235. Bibcode:2007InAir..17..226M. doi:10.1111/j.1600-0668.2007.00474.x. ISSN 0905-6947. PMID 17542835. S2CID 21709547.
  29. ^ Milton D. K., Glencross P. M., Walters M. D. (2000). "Risk of Sick Leave Associated with Outdoor Air Supply Rate, Humidification, and Occupant Complaints". Indoor Air. 10 (4): 212–221. Bibcode:2000InAir..10..212M. doi:10.1034/j.1600-0668.2000.010004212.x. PMID 11089326.cite journal: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)
  30. ^ Straus, David C. (2009). "Molds, mycotoxins, and sick building syndrome". Toxicology and Industrial Health. 25 (9–10): 617–635. Bibcode:2009ToxIH..25..617S. doi:10.1177/0748233709348287. PMID 19854820. S2CID 30720328.
  31. ^ Terr, Abba I. (2009). "Sick Building Syndrome: Is mould the cause?". Medical Mycology. 47: S217–S222. doi:10.1080/13693780802510216. PMID 19255924.
  32. ^ Norbäck, Dan; Zock, Jan-Paul; Plana, Estel; Heinrich, Joachim; Svanes, Cecilie; Sunyer, Jordi; Künzli, Nino; Villani, Simona; Olivieri, Mario; Soon, Argo; Jarvis, Deborah (2011-05-01). "Lung function decline in relation to mould and dampness in the home: the longitudinal European Community Respiratory Health Survey ECRHS II". Thorax. 66 (5): 396–401. doi:10.1136/thx.2010.146613. ISSN 0040-6376. PMID 21325663. S2CID 318027.
  33. ^ WHO Housing and health guidelines. World Health Organization. 2018. pp. 34, 47–48. ISBN 978-92-4-155037-6.
  34. ^ a b c Seltzer, J. M. (1994-08-01). "Building-related illnesses". The Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology. 94 (2 Pt 2): 351–361. doi:10.1016/0091-6749(94)90096-5. ISSN 0091-6749. PMID 8077589.
  35. ^ nasa techdoc 19930072988
  36. ^ "Sick Building Syndrome: How indoor plants can help clear the air | University of Technology Sydney".
  37. ^ Wolverton, B. C.; Johnson, Anne; Bounds, Keith (15 September 1989). Interior Landscape Plants for Indoor Air Pollution Abatement (PDF) (Report).
  38. ^ Joshi, S. M (2008). "The sick building syndrome". Indian Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine. 12 (2): 61–64. doi:10.4103/0019-5278.43262. PMC 2796751. PMID 20040980.
  39. ^ "Benefits of Office Plants – Tove Fjeld (Agri. Uni. Of Norway)". 2018-05-13.
  40. ^ "NASA: 18 Plants Purify Air, Sick Building Syndrome". 2016-09-20. Archived from the original on 2020-10-26.
  41. ^ "Sick Building Syndrome – How Plants Can Help".
  42. ^ How to deal with sick building syndrome: Guidance for employers, building owners and building managers. (1995). Sudbury: The Executive.
  43. ^ Scungio, Mauro; Vitanza, Tania; Stabile, Luca; Buonanno, Giorgio; Morawska, Lidia (2017-05-15). "Characterization of particle emission from laser printers" (PDF). Science of the Total Environment. 586: 623–630. Bibcode:2017ScTEn.586..623S. doi:10.1016/j.scitotenv.2017.02.030. ISSN 0048-9697. PMID 28196755.
  44. ^ Sauni, Riitta; Verbeek, Jos H; Uitti, Jukka; Jauhiainen, Merja; Kreiss, Kathleen; Sigsgaard, Torben (2015-02-25). Cochrane Acute Respiratory Infections Group (ed.). "Remediating buildings damaged by dampness and mould for preventing or reducing respiratory tract symptoms, infections and asthma". Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews. 2015 (2): CD007897. doi:10.1002/14651858.CD007897.pub3. PMC 6769180. PMID 25715323.
  45. ^ Indoor Air Facts No. 4 (revised) Sick building syndrome. Available from: [1].
  46. ^ a b Menzies, Dick; Bourbeau, Jean (1997-11-20). "Building-Related Illnesses". New England Journal of Medicine. 337 (21): 1524–1531. doi:10.1056/NEJM199711203372107. ISSN 0028-4793. PMID 9366585.
  47. ^ a b Brasche, S.; Bullinger, M.; Morfeld, M.; Gebhardt, H. J.; Bischof, W. (2001-12-01). "Why do women suffer from sick building syndrome more often than men?--subjective higher sensitivity versus objective causes". Indoor Air. 11 (4): 217–222. Bibcode:2001InAir..11..217B. doi:10.1034/j.1600-0668.2001.110402.x. ISSN 0905-6947. PMID 11761596. S2CID 21579339.
  48. ^ Godish, Thad (2001). Indoor Environmental quality. New York: CRC Press. pp. 196–197. ISBN 1-56670-402-2
  49. ^ "Sick Building Syndrome – Fact Sheet" (PDF). United States Environmental Protection Agency. Retrieved 2013-06-06.
  50. ^ "Sick Building Syndrome". National Health Service, England. Retrieved 2013-06-06.

Further reading

[edit]
  • Martín-Gil J., Yanguas M. C., San José J. F., Rey-Martínez and Martín-Gil F. J. "Outcomes of research into a sick hospital". Hospital Management International, 1997, pp. 80–82. Sterling Publications Limited.
  • Åke Thörn, The Emergence and preservation of sick building syndrome, KI 1999.
  • Charlotte Brauer, The sick building syndrome revisited, Copenhagen 2005.
  • Michelle Murphy, Sick Building Syndrome and the Problem of Uncertainty, 2006.
  • Johan Carlson, "Gemensam förklaringsmodell för sjukdomar kopplade till inomhusmiljön finns inte" [Unified explanation for diseases related to indoor environment not found]. Läkartidningen 2006/12.
  • Bulletin of the Transilvania University of BraÅŸov, Series I: Engineering Sciences • Vol. 5 (54) No. 1 2012 "Impact of Indoor Environment Quality on Sick Building Syndrome in Indian Leed Certified Buildings". by Jagannathan Mohan
[edit]
  • Best Practices for Indoor Air Quality when Remodeling Your Home, US EPA
  • Renovation and Repair, Part of Indoor Air Quality Design Tools for Schools, US EPA
  • Addressing Indoor Environmental Concerns During Remodeling, US EPA
  • Dust FAQs, UK HSE Archived 2023-03-20 at the Wayback Machine
  • CCOHS: Welding - Fumes And Gases | Health Effect of Welding Fumes

 

Prefabricated house in Valencia, Spain.

A modular building is a prefabricated building that consists of repeated sections called modules.[1] Modularity involves constructing sections away from the building site, then delivering them to the intended site. Installation of the prefabricated sections is completed on site. Prefabricated sections are sometimes placed using a crane. The modules can be placed side-by-side, end-to-end, or stacked, allowing for a variety of configurations and styles. After placement, the modules are joined together using inter-module connections, also known as inter-connections. The inter-connections tie the individual modules together to form the overall building structure.[2]

Uses

[edit]
Modular home prefab sections to be placed on the foundation

Modular buildings may be used for long-term, temporary or permanent facilities, such as construction camps, schools and classrooms, civilian and military housing, and industrial facilities. Modular buildings are used in remote and rural areas where conventional construction may not be reasonable or possible, for example, the Halley VI accommodation pods used for a BAS Antarctic expedition.[3] Other uses have included churches, health care facilities, sales and retail offices, fast food restaurants and cruise ship construction. They can also be used in areas that have weather concerns, such as hurricanes. Modular buildings are often used to provide temporary facilities, including toilets and ablutions at events. The portability of the buildings makes them popular with hire companies and clients alike. The use of modular buildings enables events to be held at locations where existing facilities are unavailable, or unable to support the number of event attendees.

Construction process

[edit]

Construction is offsite, using lean manufacturing techniques to prefabricate single or multi-story buildings in deliverable module sections. Often, modules are based around standard 20 foot containers, using the same dimensions, structures, building and stacking/placing techniques, but with smooth (instead of corrugated) walls, glossy white paint, and provisions for windows, power, potable water, sewage lines, telecommunications and air conditioning. Permanent Modular Construction (PMC) buildings are manufactured in a controlled setting and can be constructed of wood, steel, or concrete. Modular components are typically constructed indoors on assembly lines. Modules' construction may take as little as ten days but more often one to three months. PMC modules can be integrated into site built projects or stand alone and can be delivered with MEP, fixtures and interior finishes.

The buildings are 60% to 90% completed offsite in a factory-controlled environment, and transported and assembled at the final building site. This can comprise the entire building or be components or subassemblies of larger structures. In many cases, modular contractors work with traditional general contractors to exploit the resources and advantages of each type of construction. Completed modules are transported to the building site and assembled by a crane.[4] Placement of the modules may take from several hours to several days. Off-site construction running in parallel to site preparation providing a shorter time to project completion is one of the common selling points of modular construction. Modular construction timeline

Permanent modular buildings are built to meet or exceed the same building codes and standards as site-built structures and the same architect-specified materials used in conventionally constructed buildings are used in modular construction projects. PMC can have as many stories as building codes allow. Unlike relocatable buildings, PMC structures are intended to remain in one location for the duration of their useful life.

Manufacturing considerations

[edit]

The entire process of modular construction places significance on the design stage. This is where practices such as Design for Manufacture and Assembly (DfMA) are used to ensure that assembly tolerances are controlled throughout manufacture and assembly on site. It is vital that there is enough allowance in the design to allow the assembly to take up any "slack" or misalignment of components. The use of advanced CAD systems, 3D printing and manufacturing control systems are important for modular construction to be successful. This is quite unlike on-site construction where the tradesman can often make the part to suit any particular installation.

Upfront production investment

[edit]

The development of factory facilities for modular homes requires significant upfront investment. To help address housing shortages in the 2010s, the United Kingdom Government (via Homes England) invested in modular housing initiatives. Several UK companies (for example, Ilke Homes, L&G Modular Homes, House by Urban Splash, Modulous, TopHat and Lighthouse) were established to develop modular homes as an alternative to traditionally-built residences, but failed as they could not book revenues quickly enough to cover the costs of establishing manufacturing facilities.

IIke Homes opened a factory in Knaresborough, Yorkshire in 2018, and Homes England invested £30m in November 2019,[5] and a further £30m in September 2021.[6] Despite a further fund-raising round, raising £100m in December 2022,[7][8] Ilke Homes went into administration on 30 June 2023,[9][10] with most of the company's 1,150 staff made redundant,[11] and debts of £320m,[12] including £68m owed to Homes England.[13]

In 2015 Legal & General launched a modular homes operation, L&G Modular Homes, opening a 550,000 sq ft factory in Sherburn-in-Elmet, near Selby in Yorkshire.[14] The company incurred large losses as it invested in its factory before earning any revenues; by 2019, it had lost over £100m.[15] Sales revenues from a Selby project, plus schemes in Kent and West Sussex, started to flow in 2022, by which time the business's total losses had grown to £174m.[16] Production was halted in May 2023, with L&G blaming local planning delays and the COVID-19 pandemic for its failure to grow its sales pipeline.[17][18] The enterprise incurred total losses over seven years of £295m.[19]

Market acceptance

[edit]
Raines Court is a multi-story modular housing block in Stoke Newington, London, one of the first two residential buildings in Britain of this type. (December 2005)

Some home buyers and some lending institutions resist consideration of modular homes as equivalent in value to site-built homes.[citation needed] While the homes themselves may be of equivalent quality, entrenched zoning regulations and psychological marketplace factors may create hurdles for buyers or builders of modular homes and should be considered as part of the decision-making process when exploring this type of home as a living and/or investment option. In the UK and Australia, modular homes have become accepted in some regional areas; however, they are not commonly built in major cities. Modular homes are becoming increasingly common in Japanese urban areas, due to improvements in design and quality, speed and compactness of onsite assembly, as well as due to lowering costs and ease of repair after earthquakes. Recent innovations allow modular buildings to be indistinguishable from site-built structures.[20] Surveys have shown that individuals can rarely tell the difference between a modular home and a site-built home.[21]

Modular homes vs. mobile homes

[edit]

Differences include the building codes that govern the construction, types of material used and how they are appraised by banks for lending purposes. Modular homes are built to either local or state building codes as opposed to manufactured homes, which are also built in a factory but are governed by a federal building code.[22] The codes that govern the construction of modular homes are exactly the same codes that govern the construction of site-constructed homes.[citation needed] In the United States, all modular homes are constructed according to the International Building Code (IBC), IRC, BOCA or the code that has been adopted by the local jurisdiction.[citation needed] In some states, such as California, mobile homes must still be registered yearly, like vehicles or standard trailers, with the Department of Motor Vehicles or other state agency. This is true even if the owners remove the axles and place it on a permanent foundation.[23]

Recognizing a mobile or manufactured home

[edit]

A mobile home should have a small metal tag on the outside of each section. If a tag cannot be located, details about the home can be found in the electrical panel box. This tag should also reveal a manufacturing date.[citation needed] Modular homes do not have metal tags on the outside but will have a dataplate installed inside the home, usually under the kitchen sink or in a closet. The dataplate will provide information such as the manufacturer, third party inspection agency, appliance information, and manufacture date.

Materials

[edit]

The materials used in modular buildings are of the same quality and durability as those used in traditional construction, preserving characteristics such as acoustic insulation and energy efficiency, as well as allowing for attractive and innovative designs thanks to their versatility.[24] Most commonly used are steel, wood and concrete.[25]

  • Steel: Because it is easily moldable, it allows for innovation in design and aesthetics.
  • Wood: Wood is an essential part of most modular buildings. Thanks to its lightness, it facilitates the work of assembling and moving the prefabricated modules.
  • Concrete: Concrete offers a solid structure that is ideal for the structural reinforcement of permanent modular buildings. It is increasingly being used as a base material in this type of building, thanks to its various characteristics such as fire resistance, energy savings, greater acoustic insulation, and durability.[26]

Wood-frame floors, walls and roof are often utilized. Some modular homes include brick or stone exteriors, granite counters and steeply pitched roofs. Modulars can be designed to sit on a perimeter foundation or basement. In contrast, mobile homes are constructed with a steel chassis that is integral to the integrity of the floor system. Modular buildings can be custom built to a client's specifications. Current designs include multi-story units, multi-family units and entire apartment complexes. The negative stereotype commonly associated with mobile homes has prompted some manufacturers to start using the term "off-site construction."

New modular offerings include other construction methods such as cross-laminated timber frames.[27]

Financing

[edit]

Mobile homes often require special lenders.[28]

Modular homes on the other hand are financed as site built homes with a construction loan

Standards and zoning considerations

[edit]

Typically, modular dwellings are built to local, state or council code, resulting in dwellings from a given manufacturing facility having differing construction standards depending on the final destination of the modules.[29] The most important zones that manufacturers have to take into consideration are local wind, heat, and snow load zones.[citation needed] For example, homes built for final assembly in a hurricane-prone, earthquake or flooding area may include additional bracing to meet local building codes. Steel and/or wood framing are common options for building a modular home.

Some US courts have ruled that zoning restrictions applicable to mobile homes do not apply to modular homes since modular homes are designed to have a permanent foundation.[citation needed] Additionally, in the US, valuation differences between modular homes and site-built homes are often negligible in real estate appraisal practice; modular homes can, in some market areas, (depending on local appraisal practices per Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice) be evaluated the same way as site-built dwellings of similar quality. In Australia, manufactured home parks are governed by additional legislation that does not apply to permanent modular homes. Possible developments in equivalence between modular and site-built housing types for the purposes of real estate appraisals, financing and zoning may increase the sales of modular homes over time.[30]

CLASP (Consortium of Local Authorities Special Programme)

[edit]

The Consortium of Local Authorities Special Programme (abbreviated and more commonly referred to as CLASP) was formed in England in 1957 to combine the resources of local authorities with the purpose of developing a prefabricated school building programme. Initially developed by Charles Herbert Aslin, the county architect for Hertfordshire, the system was used as a model for several other counties, most notably Nottinghamshire and Derbyshire. CLASP's popularity in these coal mining areas was in part because the system permitted fairly straightforward replacement of subsidence-damaged sections of building.

Building strength

[edit]
Modular Home being built in Vermont photo by Josh Vignona
Modular home in Vermont

Modular homes are designed to be stronger than traditional homes by, for example, replacing nails with screws, adding glue to joints, and using 8–10% more lumber than conventional housing.[31] This is to help the modules maintain their structural integrity as they are transported on trucks to the construction site. However, there are few studies on the response of modular buildings to transport and handling stresses. It is therefore presently difficult to predict transport induced damage.[1]

When FEMA studied the destruction wrought by Hurricane Andrew in Dade County Florida, they concluded that modular and masonry homes fared best compared to other construction.[32]

CE marking

[edit]

The CE mark is a construction norm that guarantees the user of mechanical resistance and strength of the structure. It is a label given by European community empowered authorities for end-to-end process mastering and traceability.[citation needed]

All manufacturing operations are being monitored and recorded:

  • Suppliers have to be known and certified,
  • Raw materials and goods being sourced are to be recorded by batch used,
  • Elementary products are recorded and their quality is monitored,
  • Assembly quality is managed and assessed on a step by step basis,
  • When a modular unit is finished, a whole set of tests are performed and if quality standards are met, a unique number and EC stamp is attached to and on the unit.

This ID and all the details are recorded in a database, At any time, the producer has to be able to answer and provide all the information from each step of the production of a single unit, The EC certification guaranties standards in terms of durability, resistance against wind and earthquakes.[citation needed]

Open modular building

[edit]

The term Modularity can be perceived in different ways. It can even be extended to building P2P (peer-to-peer) applications; where a tailored use of the P2P technology is with the aid of a modular paradigm. Here, well-understood components with clean interfaces can be combined to implement arbitrarily complex functions in the hopes of further proliferating self-organising P2P technology. Open modular buildings are an excellent example of this. Modular building can also be open source and green. Bauwens, Kostakis and Pazaitis[33] elaborate on this kind of modularity. They link modularity to the construction of houses.

This commons-based activity is geared towards modularity. The construction of modular buildings enables a community to share designs and tools related to all the different parts of house construction. A socially-oriented endeavour that deals with the external architecture of buildings and the internal dynamics of open source commons. People are thus provided with the tools to reconfigure the public sphere in the area where they live, especially in urban environments. There is a robust socializing element that is reminiscent of pre-industrial vernacular architecture and community-based building.[34]

Some organisations already provide modular housing. Such organisations are relevant as they allow for the online sharing of construction plans and tools. These plans can be then assembled, through either digital fabrication like 3D printing or even sourcing low-cost materials from local communities. It has been noticed that given how easy it is to use these low-cost materials are (for example: plywood), it can help increase the permeation of these open buildings to areas or communities that lack the know-how or abilities of conventional architectural or construction firms. Ergo, it allows for a fundamentally more standardised way of constructing houses and buildings. The overarching idea behind it remains key - to allow for easy access to user-friendly layouts which anyone can use to build in a more sustainable and affordable way.

Modularity in this sense is building a house from different standardised parts, like solving a jigsaw puzzle.

3D printing can be used to build the house.

The main standard is OpenStructures and its derivative Autarkytecture.[35]

Research and development

[edit]

Modular construction is the subject of continued research and development worldwide as the technology is applied to taller and taller buildings. Research and development is carried out by modular building companies and also research institutes such as the Modular Building Institute[36] and the Steel Construction Institute.[37]

See also

[edit]
  • Affordable housing
  • Alternative housing
  • Commercial modular construction
  • Construction 3D printing
  • Container home
  • Kit house
  • MAN steel house
  • Manufactured housing
  • Modern methods of construction
  • Modular design
  • Portable building
  • Prefabrication
  • Open-source architecture
  • Open source hardware
  • OpenStructures
  • Prefabricated home
  • Relocatable buildings
  • Recreational vehicles
  • Shipping container architecture
  • Stick-built home
  • Tiny house movement
  • Toter

References

[edit]
  1. ^ a b Lacey, Andrew William; Chen, Wensu; Hao, Hong; Bi, Kaiming (2018). "Structural Response of Modular Buildings – An Overview". Journal of Building Engineering. 16: 45–56. doi:10.1016/j.jobe.2017.12.008. hdl:20.500.11937/60087.
  2. ^ Lacey, Andrew William; Chen, Wensu; Hao, Hong; Bi, Kaiming (2019). "Review of bolted inter-module connections in modular steel buildings". Journal of Building Engineering. 23: 207–219. doi:10.1016/j.jobe.2019.01.035. S2CID 86540434.
  3. ^ "Halley VI Research Station – British Antarctic Survey". Bas.ac.uk. Retrieved 2016-05-03.
  4. ^ "Why Build Modular?". Modular.org. Retrieved 2016-05-03.
  5. ^ Morby, Aaron (4 November 2019). "Government pumps £30m into modular house builder". Construction Enquirer. Retrieved 14 March 2024.
  6. ^ Morby, Aaron (27 September 2021). "Ilke Homes raises £60m for top 10 house builder plan". Construction Enquirer. Retrieved 14 March 2024.
  7. ^ Morby, Aaron (6 December 2022). "Ilke Homes pulls off £100m record-breaking fund raise". Construction Enquirer. Retrieved 14 March 2024.
  8. ^ O'Connor, Rob (6 December 2022). "ilke Homes announces new £100m investment". Infrastructure Intelligence. Retrieved 14 March 2024.
  9. ^ Gardiner, Joey (30 June 2023). "Ilke Homes sinks into administration with most of firm's 1,100 staff set to lose their jobs". Building. Retrieved 14 March 2024.
  10. ^ Riding, James (30 June 2023). "Modular house builder Ilke Homes enters administration with majority of staff to be made redundant". Inside Housing. Retrieved 14 March 2024.
  11. ^ Morby, Aaron (30 June 2023). "Ilke Homes falls into administration". Construction Enquirer. Retrieved 14 March 2024.
  12. ^ Prior, Grant (25 August 2023). "Ilke Homes went under owing £320m". Construction Enquirer. Retrieved 14 March 2024.
  13. ^ Willmore, James (14 February 2024). "Homes England to lose most of £68.8m it is owed from Ilke Homes following collapse". Inside Housing. Retrieved 14 March 2024.
  14. ^ Dale, Sharon (11 May 2020). "Head of Legal & General modular homes factory reveals plans for its future". Yorkshire Post. Retrieved 20 March 2024.
  15. ^ Morby, Aaron (30 November 2020). "L&G modular homes losses exceed £100m". Construction Enquirer. Retrieved 20 March 2024.
  16. ^ Morby, Aaron (3 October 2022). "L&G modular homes amassed loss deepens to £174m". Construction Enquirer. Retrieved 20 March 2024.
  17. ^ Prior, Grant (4 May 2023). "L&G halts production at modular homes factory". Construction Enquirer. Retrieved 20 March 2024.
  18. ^ Kollewe, Julia (4 May 2023). "Legal & General halts new production at modular homes factory near Leeds". The Guardian.
  19. ^ Morby, Aaron (6 November 2023). "L&G modular homes foray amassed £295m of losses". Construction Enquirer. Retrieved 20 March 2024.
  20. ^ fab, ukporta (19 August 2020). "prefabricated structures". ukportaprefab. Retrieved 4 September 2020.
  21. ^ "Factory-Built Construction and the American Homebuyer: Perceptions and Opportunities" (PDF). Huduser.gov. p. 9. Retrieved 2017-09-10.
  22. ^ Solutions, Dryside Property – Jennifer Mitchell and Magic Web. "Mobile homes vs Manufactured homes vs Modular homes". Drysideproperty.com. Retrieved 2018-03-09.
  23. ^ "HCD Manufactured and Mobile Homes". Hcd.ca.gov.
  24. ^ Métodos modernos de construcción (MMC): Fabricación modular. Upv.es. 2020-10-02 Retrieved 2022-09-08
  25. ^ A guide to the latest modular building construction materials. Hydrodiseno.com. 2021-12-14 Retrieved 2022-09-05
  26. ^ Construcción modular en hormigón: una tendencia al alza (PDF). Andece.org. p. 53. Retrieved 2022-07-06
  27. ^ "Prefabricated Housing Module Advances Wood Research at the University of British Columbia | 2017-05-15T00:00:00 | Perkins + Will News". Archived from the original on 2019-03-31. Retrieved 2019-03-31.
  28. ^ "HUD Financing Manufactured (Mobile) Homes". Portal.hud.gov. Archived from the original on 2016-05-03. Retrieved 2016-05-03.
  29. ^ "Australian Government modular home regulations". Austlii.edu.au. Retrieved 2007-10-21.
  30. ^ "Building Codes for Modular Homes". Modularhomesnetwork.com. Retrieved 2010-08-06.
  31. ^ "Disruptive Development: Modular Manufacturing In Multifamily Housing" (PDF). p. 35. Retrieved 10 September 2017.
  32. ^ "FIA 22, Mitigation Assessment Team Report: Hurricane Andrew in Florida (1993)". Fema.gov.
  33. ^ Bouwens, M., Kostakis, V., & Pazaitis, A. 2019. The Commons Manifesto. University of Westminster Press, London, pg. 24
  34. ^ Bouwens, M., Kostakis, V., & Pazaitis, A. 2019. The Commons Manifesto. University of Westminster Press, London, pg. 25
  35. ^ "Thomas Lommée & Christiane Hoegner - Autarkytecture | z33". Archived from the original on 2014-12-31. Retrieved 2015-01-01.
  36. ^ "Modular Building Institute". Modular.org.
  37. ^ "The Steel Construction Institute (SCI) UK Global Steel Expertise". Steel-sci.com.

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Driving Directions in Jefferson County


Driving Directions From Rent-A-Center to Royal Supply Inc
Driving Directions From Trade N Games to Royal Supply Inc
Driving Directions From Five Below to Royal Supply Inc
Driving Directions From Tower Music to Royal Supply Inc
Driving Directions From Jefferson County Museum to Royal Supply Inc
Driving Directions From Jefferson Historical Museum to Royal Supply Inc
Driving Directions From Jefferson County Area Tourism Council to Royal Supply Inc
Driving Directions From Gardens of Jefferson County to Royal Supply Inc
Driving Directions From Jefferson Barracks Park to Royal Supply Inc
Driving Directions From Jefferson County Convention & Visitors Bureau to Royal Supply Inc

Reviews for Royal Supply Inc


Royal Supply Inc

Gidget McCarthy

(5)

Very knowledgeable, friendly, helpful and don't make you feel like you're inconveniencing them. They seem willing to take all the time you need. As if you're the only thing they have to do that day. The store is clean, organized and not cluttered, symmetrical at that. Cuz I'm even and symmetricals biggest fan. It was a pleasure doing business with them and their prices are definitely reasonable. So, I'll be doing business with them in the future no doubt.

Royal Supply Inc

Toney Dunaway

(5)

This is another amazing place where we will do much more business. They are not tyrannical about the totally useless face diapers, they have a great selection of stock, they have very knowledgeable staff, very friendly staff. We got the plumbing items we really needed and will be getting more plumbing items. They also have central units, thermostats, caulking, sealants, doors, seems everything you need for a mobile home. We've found a local treasure and will be bringing much more business. Their store is clean and tidy as well!

Royal Supply Inc

Terry Self

(1)

Horrible workmanship, horrible customer service, don't show up when they say they are. Ghosted. Was supposed to come back on Monday, no call no show. Called Tuesday and Wednesday, left messages both days. Nothing. Kinked my line, crooked to the pad and house, didn't put disconnect back on, left the trash.....

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Frequently Asked Questions

The most effective sun shading options for mobile homes include exterior window shades, awnings, and reflective films. Exterior window shades block direct sunlight while allowing airflow. Awnings provide shade over windows and doors, reducing heat gain. Reflective films applied to windows can reflect solar radiation and prevent it from entering the home.
Sun shading solutions reduce the amount of heat entering a mobile home, which decreases the workload on the HVAC system. By minimizing heat gain, these solutions help maintain a cooler indoor temperature without excessive reliance on air conditioning, leading to improved energy efficiency and potentially lower utility bills.
Cost-effective sun shading options for mobile homes include DIY solutions like installing reflective window films or using removable fabric shades. These options are relatively inexpensive compared to permanent fixtures like awnings but still offer substantial benefits in terms of reducing heat gain and improving comfort levels inside the home.