Sub Slab Depressurization System (SSDS)

SSDS basically creates negative pressure under and around the foundation to avoid the movement of vapor from high to low pressure as nature allows. Our system will vent out the gases through the installed pipes to the outside. We will drill a pit through which we can insert the pipes to the subsurface. This will help us reach the gases beneath the slab or the membrane.

Our engineers will then install the pipes as a pathway for the gases. The work becomes much easier in new construction because we can easily incorporate the pipes during construction. Although the placement of SSDS pipes is controversial, we know exactly which location is the most effective. Trust Nearby Engineers New York Engineers in this endeavor. Our experience speaks volume about our expertise.

Even if there are cracks or holes between the subsurface and the house, vapor will not intrude intensively due to a depressurized environment. However, for quality assurance purposes, our engineers will ensure that such holes are closed up. This shows the importance of site analysis prior to installing the pipes. Nearby Engineers New York Engineers cares about our work and we ensure that our services are unmatched.

It is not always that we use an active SSDS. In some cases, we might install the passive system in collaboration with the client and after assessing the need. A passive system is applicable in situations where the vapor intrusion is not that intense.

A passive system does not use a fan to create a pressure gradient. Instead, it relies on air currents or a stack effect to let vapor escape from the subsurface. While this may be seen as cost-saving, it is not as effective as the active system, especially in warmer climatic conditions. Ideally, our engineers will still install the pipes in the sub slab to vent out the gas vapors using air currents.

Like we said, it is important to assess the site before recommending any perfect solution for you. If vapor intrusion is not a major concern it may be a waste of costs to install an active SSDS. Our engineers are good in such an assessment. To stay on the safe side, we recommend the active system at all the times despite the cost implications.

Installing Sub Slab Depressurization in Buildings

With the years of experience, we possess in installing sub-slab depressurization systems, the work much easier for us. Assessment of the site precedes everything. We perform a pilot test of the system in your building.

After spotting the right location to install the venting pipes, we then drill the floor to insert the pipes. In a large building, we might install numerous pipes than in a small building to ensure that our depressurization is equally effective.

Subsequently, we will insert extraction fans that will draw the gases beneath the slab. The pipes will follow after installing the extraction fans. The vapor gases will be drawn through the pipes. Normally, the extraction pipes should extend to the outside of the building with no possibility of bringing the vapor gases back into the house. We will sort that out. You do not have to worry when you task our engineers with that.

After installing the pipes, we will ensure that the holes are sealed. This prevents any additional pathway that the gases might take into the house. If there were existing cracks, we also seal them. The system installation is not complete until we install system monitoring gauges and the floor vacuum test ports. Al these require advanced engineering systems which Nearby Engineers New York Engineers possess.

Installing SSDS is the field we excel in. Our installation is expedited than our competitors. After installation, we can also continue monitoring the system to ensure that it runs efficiently so in extracting gases continually. The system can stop due to unforeseen circumstances, and thus you need continuous monitoring of the installation. With our monitoring services, you can rest assured that the system will run smoothly.  

Sub-slab ventilation can be used alternatively with a sub-slab depressurization system in certain conditions. It is not, however, complete substitution of the depressurization system.

Basically, a sub-slab ventilation system is used when the soil permeability of the sub-slab area is high that sub-slab depressurization may not be effective in maintaining pressure gradient under the surface. These systems use the same hardware installation. How it works is that the fans installed in sub-slab ventilation draws plenty of air into the soil to dilute the contaminants and vent them out. It is basically a reversal of sub-slab depressurization in that it blows air into the sub-slab region instead of sucking the gases out. Thinking of it, sub-slab ventilation is almost identical to a passive sub-slab depressurization in that there are no fans used but relies heavily on air currents to blow vapors out. However, it is more effective than passive SSDS.

So, should you opt for sub-slab ventilation or the sub-slab depressurization system? We still recommend the depressurization system. A ventilation system is not as effective as the depressurization system. This explains why SSDS is more prevalent than other similar designs such as the drain tile and sub-membrane depressurization.   

Choosing NY Engineers

Why should you choose us in Chicago? Why entrust us with the sub-slab depressurization system services? We cannot stress enough the importance of choosing the best MEP engineers in these services. The system is complex and sophisticated. For this reason, you need great expertise and our engineers are the relevant professionals for the tasks at hand.

We excel in sub-slab depressurization systems. Whether you install for the new construction or an existing building, we can help you achieve your goals. We encourage homeowners to consider SSDS at early stages of their constructions because it becomes much easier and affordable. Nonetheless, we strive to cut costs even in existing buildings without over-engineering the system.

Moreover, we can install the system and monitor it continually. For this, we install pressure gauges that will constantly monitor the pressure differentials between the interior and the sub slab region. This helps us any failure in the system. Remember, the idea is to create a negative pressure system underneath the house so that vapors do not move from the sub slab region to the house.