The Forestry Forum

General Forestry => Drying and Processing => Topic started by: bama20a on September 02, 2013, 10:58:37 AM

Title: Need help,Drying out floor joist,
Post by: bama20a on September 02, 2013, 10:58:37 AM
On a room that was made into a sun room,That was just a covered deck with tile on it for several years,after building the walls The tile was removed & then they discovered,that the sub floor is wet,They have a solid foundation with no vents what so ever,So the floor joist is very wet.
Are they a way to dry them out quickly,they don't want to have to replace them if there is any way around it.HELP HELP,  :o Mark,,,,,

Title: Re: Need help,Drying out floor joist,
Post by: beenthere on September 02, 2013, 11:43:54 AM
If wet for very long, I'd suspect that rot has already set in (depending on the species of wood).

But open it up, get a lot of air moving through there night and day, and hope for the best results in a couple weeks or a month. Adding heat will help, if that is possible or probable.

What more can you tell us about it... species, sub floor, floor joist size
pics would be great.
Title: Re: Need help,Drying out floor joist,
Post by: bama20a on September 02, 2013, 11:57:00 AM
Thanks for the respond, The sub floor has been torn out (last night) to be honest I have not seen it,It's my son's In-Laws. The floor joints are 2x8's,Pine,He said that are still solid just wet.
As of now they have fans on it,I'll see about heat.thanks again,Mark,,,,
Title: Re: Need help,Drying out floor joist,
Post by: GeneWengert-WoodDoc on September 02, 2013, 12:51:09 PM
Rent a portable heater that is shaped like a bullet and that will dry them in a day or two.  Then, put plastic down on the soil to cover it 100%.  Then cut some holes for ventilation.  If this involves a building inspection, the code official may require a certain amount of venting.  I would also spray the pieces with a bleach-water solution to kill any mold or mildew on them.  Note that because they are drying, avoid putting on a floor as it will squeak...use adhesive to glue plywood or subfloor on.