Pressure Drying Cavities in Floors:
A Comprehensive Guide
Flooring installations are a crucial aspect of construction, but they also pose several challenges. One such challenge is the presence of cavities or voids between the subfloor and the finished flooring. These cavities can result from various reasons, such as improper installation, moisture intrusion, or natural settling of the building.
If left untreated, cavities can cause significant structural damage and create a favourable environment for mould growth. One of the most effective ways to deal with cavities is through pressure drying. In this blog, we will explore the process of pressure drying cavities in floors and its benefits.
What is Pressure Drying?
Pressure drying is a restoration technique that involves the use of specialized equipment to remove moisture from cavities in floors and walls. The process utilizes negative air pressure to draw out moisture from the cavities, allowing for effective drying without the need for invasive measures.
Pressure drying involves the installation of a series of tubes that are connected to a specialized drying unit. These tubes are inserted into the cavities through small access holes, allowing the drying unit to create negative pressure inside the cavities. As a result, moisture is drawn out through the access holes, and the cavities are effectively dried.
Why Pressure Drying is Important?
Pressure drying is essential in several scenarios, especially when dealing with cavities in floors. Here are some of the reasons why pressure drying is important:
- Prevents Structural Damage: Moisture can significantly weaken the structural integrity of floors, leading to warping, buckling, and even collapse. Pressure drying helps remove moisture from cavities, reducing the risk of structural damage.
- Prevents Mould Growth: Cavities in floors provide an ideal environment for mould growth, which can cause health problems and damage to the building. Pressure drying removes moisture from the cavities, preventing mould growth and keeping the building safe and healthy.
- Saves Time and Money: Traditional drying methods require the removal of finished flooring, which can be time-consuming and expensive. Pressure drying eliminates the need for invasive measures, reducing the time and cost required for restoration.
How Pressure Drying Works?
Pressure drying involves several steps, including:
- Inspection: A professional restoration contractor will inspect the affected area to determine the extent of the damage and the best approach to pressure drying.
- Access Holes: Access holes are drilled into the subfloor, allowing for the insertion of tubes for the pressure drying equipment.
- Installation of Tubes: Specialized tubes are inserted into the cavities through the access holes, connecting the drying unit to the cavities.
- Negative Pressure: The drying unit creates negative pressure inside the cavities, drawing out moisture from the cavities and into the drying unit.
- Monitoring: The drying process is monitored continuously to ensure that the cavities are thoroughly dried and that there is no further damage.
Conclusion
Pressure drying cavities in floors is an effective restoration technique that helps prevent structural damage and mould growth. It eliminates the need for invasive measures, saving time and money while ensuring a safe and healthy environment. If you have cavities in your floors, contact a professional restoration contractor to learn more about the pressure drying process and its benefits.
