As far as priority lists for hotels are concerned, damp and moisture control may, on the surface, not seem that pivotal. However, it remains one of the most potentially destructive and costly issues affecting hospitality venues, if allowed to proliferate. Furthermore, when you consider the record-breaking heatwaves that have hit the UK in recent years, it bears thinking about.
Mould growth as a result of excessive air conditioning use to combat heat discomfort is unsightly and can damage the integrity of underlying foundations, not to mention putting the health of guests at risk. Unchecked and out-of-control humidity can cause a wealth of problems that can, in the long run, damage brand integrity and your hotel’s bottom line.
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If your hotel is situated in a tropical or subtropical climate, the problem compounds exponentially. However, despite elevated atmospheric moisture levels, indoor humidity issues are still vital.
The good news is that with some proactive interventions, measures, and a firm understanding of the underlying science, hotel managers can effectively manage these issues with more confidence..
Understanding humidity and dew points
The primary goal of most hotel owners is ensuring a comfortable environment for their guests whilst maximising their financial returns. If excess moisture permeates throughout a hotel, it can result in mildew, mould and bacteria that can cause damage. With that in mind, it’s prudent to understand how to test for humidity.
This relates to the amount of moisture or water vapour in the air, measured by the percentage of Relative Humidity (RH). A reading of 0% indicates completely dry air, whilst a reading of 100% means the air is saturated and cannot hold any additional moisture at that temperature. A room’s thermostat will show what’s known as the ambient temperature (i.e. the actual temperature of the room) but most readings won’t unveil anything about the humidity levels.
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By GlobalDataLogic would dictate that two rooms at 50% RH would have the same amount of water vapour in the air. However, that’s not explicitly always the case. Warmer air can hold substantially more moisture than cooler air. For example, air at 30°C, can hold nearly double the moisture of air at 20°C. This creates what’s commonly known as the dew point (i.e., the temperature at which moisture in the air condenses into liquid on surfaces like walls, ceilings, surfaces, furniture, window and door frames.
This matters significantly, because when a room maintains a high relative humidity level, its dew point is higher, meaning that a slight temperature drop can trigger condensation throughout the room. This is why the general consensus is that humidity should be maintained between 30% and 50% RH to ensure both a low dew point and an optimal temperature for guests.
The key takeaway from this science lesson is that any temperature at or below the dew point can be detrimental to the hotel’s infrastructure.
How to spot signs of excess moisture
Identifying the warning signs early on will help to prevent them from becoming widespread issues. Hotel staff should regularly check for:
- Visible mould or mildew growth (typically presenting as black or green patches on walls, ceilings and around windows)
- Musty and unpleasant odours
- Water staining
- Discolouration and darker patches on ceilings and walls
- Electrics constantly tripping
- Peeling paint and wallpaper
- Fogging windows and mirrors
- Frequent guest complaints about cold or clammy rooms
Even if these warning signs seem innocuous at first, they can have far-reaching implications. For example, timber decay represents a serious risk in properties with persistent moisture issues; wooden window frames, door surrounds and other structural elements could all be vulnerable to degradation.
Condensation around water pipes, mould around bathroom extractor fans, and damp patches regularly appearing in the same rooms would suggest that it needs a deeper investigation.
Practical ways to deal with damp and moisture
Addressing humidity issues in hotels requires proactive involvement at several touchpoints. Hoteliers must ensure the following (in no particular order):
- Your heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) system is properly sized for the premises. Oversized HVAC units can increase indoor humidity by consuming excessive energy and inefficiently cycling it throughout the premises. Conversely, undersized systems struggle to manage moisture loads. Thorough HVAC assessments will confirm that your system is suitable for your property, and whether any upgrades are necessary.
- Guests are sometimes architects of excessive moisture; they might not realise it at first, however. Encouraging shorter showers and installing low-flow showerheads will reduce hot water usage on average, and as a result, humidity levels won’t exceed thresholds. This can be instigated without compromising guest experience and comfort.
- Planned preventative maintenance (PPM) is also worth considering. Even simple tasks like replacing HVAC filters, optimising airflow transfer, cleaning, insulation, and ductwork inspections (among others) will all validate whether an underlying HVAC system is working as efficiently and effectively as possible. Any problems can be proactively identified and addressed before they escalate.
- Contemporary hotels are now deploying sensor-based energy management solutions that continuously monitor humidity and temperature while adjusting HVAC controls based on environmental conditions and occupancy levels. This often forms part of a wider smart building management strategy.
- Humidity audits using proper sensors and data-driven technology will help to identify problem areas. Prioritise guest rooms, bathrooms, cellars, basements, storage areas and communal facilities. Humidity levels can vary dramatically given a room’s proximity to the HVAC unit and the condition of pipework running behind or underneath it.
- Establish the most achievable humidity targets and parameters that balance both optimal temperature and moisture levels for guest comfort, taking into consideration outside temperature and conditions.
- Develop a preventative maintenance schedule that regularly targets the highest-risk areas as a priority, deploying technology and solutions that can provide insights and data in real-time, as well as alerts upon humidity surpassing predefined benchmarks.
- Invest in proper staff training, giving them the tools and strategies they need to recognise early signs of moisture ingress and reporting procedures. Bridging any gaps between management and maintenance teams will facilitate the process of investigating and isolating issues, with minimal bottlenecks or unnecessary escalations.
Damp and moisture management represents a strategic asset for forward-thinking hotel owners and managers. By understanding the underlying physics, recognising warning signs, implementing targeted solutions, and deploying monitoring technology, hotel operators can protect their assets, enhance guest satisfaction and reduce long-term operational costs. The investment required is far outweighed by the damage mitigation and brand protection delivered.
About the author: Annie Button is a freelance writer based in the UK. She specialises in business development, sustainability, digital trends, marketing, and HR.
