Why Surface Readings Aren’t Enough

On a recent modular building project, Adrian Briciu, one of our project managers, encountered a common but critical issue: Drying equipment was removed early, and access for in-depth moisture checks was restricted.

The building is constructed primarily from timber panels and cassettes, which are highly susceptible to moisture trapped within them. While surface readings indicated dry conditions, we were not permitted to carry out core or in-depth moisture content testing, meaning there’s no reliable confirmation that the structure is dry beneath the surface.

Challenges

Adding to this, equipment was removed by others to allow reoccupation of rooms, and basic operational tasks like emptying condensate barrels were not carried out, despite initial agreements. These decisions were driven by cost and convenience, but they directly impact drying integrity.

Requirements for Effective Drying

Drying a modular timber structure isn’t about ticking boxes; it requires:

• Controlled negative or positive pressure setups
• Continuous monitoring of moisture content within timber components
• Management of dew point, airflow, and condensate
• Defined targets before the equipment is decommissioned

Risks of Inadequate Drying

Without these, there's a high risk of latent moisture, which can lead to:

• Delayed mould growth
• Expansion or degradation of structural timber
• Hidden failure in closed panels or voids

If you're building in timber, especially modular, drying needs to be verified, not assumed.

No access = no validation = no guarantee.

For more information on solutions available to you, please contact us on 0800 0855 134 or email: mcc@polygongroup.com