What drying method has the highest probability of success for a ventilated hardwood sports floor with water underneath?

The drying method with the highest probability of success for a ventilated hardwood sports floor with water underneath is bottom drying. This approach is particularly effective in situations where water is trapped below the surface of the flooring material.

Bottom drying utilizes air movement and specialized equipment to create a low-pressure zone beneath the flooring. This helps to draw moisture out from the subfloor and underneath the boards, facilitating the evaporation of water that is not easily removed through surface drying methods. By targeting the source of moisture directly, this technique maximizes the efficiency of the drying process and minimizes the potential for damage or mold growth that can arise from trapped moisture.

In contrast, options like top drying focus on removing moisture from the surface, which may not address moisture that is hidden underneath. Meanwhile, vacuum drying primarily involves the use of suction to remove moisture but may not effectively reach water that has infiltrated beneath the flooring or into the subfloor space. Air drying primarily relies on environmental conditions and is less controlled, which could be insufficient to thoroughly dry a compromised surface with moisture trapped underneath. Therefore, bottom drying stands out as the most appropriate method for ensuring the integrity and longevity of a hardwood sports floor in this scenario.