11May / 2017
Relevant to new builds and refurbishments, why is this risk reducing, money saving practice not always applied?
The pressures involved in completing a large scale housing development on time and to budget are intense. This being the case, it could be naturally assumed that any available time saving or cost-effective practices would be snapped up in an instant by construction project managers.
One process which often goes unnoticed is measuring the actual ground gases using sub-floor void monitoring for new builds and refurbished properties. The value of this technique can be significant, ranging from protecting housing units from expensive, last minute corrective measures, to even avoiding the need for complete rebuilds. Ensuring sub-floor voids are monitored can also help speed up regulatory approval. So why does it so often get overlooked?
What is sub-floor void monitoring? 
A very common practice in construction is to leave a void between the ground floor slab and soils, allowing the building to breathe and help control moisture levels. This void can also be used as a dilution volume for hazardous ground gases, reducing them to acceptable levels.
Gas protection measure designs should have calculated ground gas emissions and free air flow requirements. However, these calculations are based on empirically estimated variables which can have a profound effect on the efficiency of the system. The only accurate way to know if the sub-floor void is working as designed is to monitor it.
Why bother monitoring the sub-floor void?
- Reduce risk
Prove your ventilation system works and identify potential issues before future users of that site are at risk from a build up of harmful ground-gas. Protect their future and your reputation.
- Avoid expensive corrective measures
Without adequate verification of ground-gas protection, construction companies are opening themselves up to expensive and last minute corrective measures and possibly the need to entirely demolish and rebuild.
- Quicken planning and building control
Continuous Sub-floor monitoring is an excellent verification tool for proving first-rate ventilation performance. This data can also facilitate efficient and speedy discharge of planning conditions
- Time efficiency
Conducting sub-floor void monitoring goes a long way to ensuring developments complete on time and aren’t at the mercy of last minute hitches.
- Hassle free
Installment of continuous telemetry enabled equipment is fast and unobtrusive, allowing efficient data collection and reporting and a minimum of staff site visits.
How GGS makes sub-floor void monitoring commercially effective for you
Through our exclusive and customisable continuous sub-floor void monitoring technology, we match our service to meet your site specific requirements. Installment of equipment is fast, 
conventional monitoring times are reduced and site visits are limited.
Application of best available technology, coupled with market leading advice from GGS’ team of experts, will provide you with the information you need for cost effective decisions.
Our aim is to provide you with the best possible service that keeps your costs down, lowers risks and helps deliver your objectives efficiently.
Find out more about our sub-floor void monitoring service here.
For more information and a quote, please call 0161 232 7465 or click here to submit and enquiry.