For obvious reasons we want to respond to a frequently asked question of our customers: most people concerned of a water damage want to know if it is possible to dry screeds with an insulation layer or a floor heating only by the use of a dehumidifier.
There’s one simple answer on this question: No. Drying (only) by the use dehumidifiers isn’t possible!
If there’s stagnate water on the floor after a flooding or a water damage and if there’s a screed layer with an insulation layer or a floor heating benath the top layers (like a carpet, laminate or flaggings) the water runs through the edge trims and expansion joints in this area of the insulation layer in 99% of the time.
The water “stands” under the screed now. If you deploy a dehumidifier it is possible to dry the screed’s surface indeed, but the water stays in the insulation layer beneath. The creation of odour and mould starts normally after a few weeks due to natural decomposition. An unpleasant rotten odour and blotches of mould along the under areas of the walls are the consequences. The water in the insulation dryer is “lifted up” by the wall and it’s plaster. This so-called capillary attraction can be compared with a flower in a vase. Because of these facts only using a dehumidifier at insulation layers under screeds isn’t enough.
For desiccation of constructions of screeds and insulation layers we recommend the service of an expert company with special equipment for desiccation of insulation layers. If the water made its way under the insulation layers specific processes will be deployed one by one.
At first there should be measurements for determining a leakage or the determination of the water already being under the insulation layer. Then drillings through the construction function as entries for special appliances which suction the water and dry the insulation layer. If you have a natural hazard insurance a water damage is normally covered.
