Cleaning wooden beams efficiently using dry ice blasting

Wooden beams can accumulate dirt, dust, grime, and other debris over time, which can make them look unsightly and even cause health problems for people. Over time, it takes a lot of effort to restore the wooden beams back to their original state but now it is much easier with dry ice blasting method. In this article, let’s learn more about dry ice blasting and its efficiency in cleaning wooden beams.

What happens if we don’t clean wooden beams

Wood is considered one of the most popular materials, mainly used in building structures, furniture, etc in our house, historical sites and many other places. The quality as well as the color of the wood is what creates a highlight within the interior of one’s place. However, if wooden beams are not cleaned regularly, they can accumulate dirt, dust, and other contaminants which can lead to various problems. The build-up of dirt and grime can cause the wooden beams to look old, somewhat oppressive, and worn out. Uncleaned wooden beams will result in the loss of luster and the external and internal quality of wood. These are the factors that can affect the overall appearance of the property, building and architecture.

Additionally, if the wooden beams are not thoroughly cleaned, the dirt and grime can attract insects and pests which can cause further damage to the wooden beams. Causing them to weaken and become more susceptible to rot and decay. Moreover, if the wooden beams are not cleaned regularly, they can catch fire very easily. The accumulation of dust and dirt can increase the risk of fire as they are highly flammable.

It is advised that wooden beams should be cleaned at least twice a year, depending on how old your wood is and the different type of wood. Are they soft wood like pine or hardwood like oak and elm, etc.

Dry ice blasting: An ideal solution for cleaning wooden beams

There are different types of conventional cleaning methods such as cleaning manually (scrubbing, scraping, etc.), chemical cleaning or even abrasive cleaning such as sandblasting. However, none of the solutions above can serve the purpose of cleaning wooden beams as water and chemical solvents can penetrate into the wood and damage its integrity whereas sandblasting can cause the wood to become rough, uneven, and can even remove significant portions of the wood due to the use of high-pressure air and materials with high abrasion.

In order to overcome this problem, dry ice blasting was presented and has so far been one of the most efficient cleaning methods thanks to the many benefits that it offers:

1. Non-abrasive
   
   On the Mohs scale of hardness, dry ice is only categorized in the range of 1.5 to 2. It is therefore considered a very soft material that can clean most surfaces without abrading or damaging them yet is powerful enough to remove layers of dirt, and contaminants over the years; restoring the undamaged surface beneath. This is a huge advantage compared to traditional cleaning methods such as sandblasting or cleaning with detergents that will deteriorate or cause damage to the original structure and surface of the wood over time.
   
   
2. Exceptional cleaning results within a short amount of time
   
   Dry ice blasters blast carbon dioxide pellets or microparticles at supersonic speeds using compressed air. These pellets then sublimate upon impact, lifting dirt and contaminants off the underlying substrate at once. The process will unveil the true natural state of wood. Bringing back that appealing appearance just like brand new. This process happens at an extremely fast pace, which helps our clients reduce 70% of the time spent on the project compared to other traditional methods without damaging the original surface.
   
   
3. Zero secondary residue and eco-friendly
   
   Dry ice will automatically sublimate upon impact with the surface. As a result, there will be zero residues produced throughout the whole cleaning process and no additional clean-up will be needed. By choosing dry ice blasting for cleaning wooden beams, you will be able to save up on additional post-cleaning costs. Furthermore, dry ice blasting is a safe method not only for the worker’s health but also for the environment too!
   
   

Conclusion

In conclusion, it is essential to clean wooden beams regularly to prevent the build-up of dirt and grime, which can lead to various problems. Regular cleaning can help maintain the appearance of the building, prevent pest infestations, and reduce the risk of fire. In addition, cleaning wooden beams will help you preserve the luster look of the wood for an appealing appearance.

For more information and guidance in finding the solution you need, contact Specco2 today! Specco2 is the official distributor of SPECCo2 in Vietnam, specializing in distributing dry ice machines and producing dry ice.