What Is Structural Drying and How Does It Work

When a property is affected by water damage, the immediate concern is to get rid of the water as quickly as possible. However, simply removing the water is not enough. In many cases, the property will require structural drying to prevent further damage. It’s a process that involves using specialized equipment and techniques to remove moisture from the building materials of a property, such as drywall, flooring, and framing.

In this blog, we will explain what structural drying is and how it works.

What Is Structural Drying?

Structural drying is a process designed to restore buildings and materials damaged by water. It’s an important part of post-flood remediation, as it helps mitigate mold growth and damage caused by moisture retention. Its purpose is to reduce the amount of humidity in affected areas, allowing them to dry quickly and thoroughly. This can help prevent further deterioration or long-term problems with air quality and structural integrity.

Drying Process

Drying is a vital part of the water damage restoration process. It’s essential to ensure that all affected areas are dried properly and quickly, or else further issues may arise. The process involves setting up specialized equipment and following specific steps in order to achieve optimal results.

1. Assessment

The first step is to assess the extent of the water damage. This involves identifying the source of the water, the affected areas, and the type of water involved. If the water is contaminated, additional precautions may be necessary.

2. Proper Ventilation

Once the damage has been assessed, setting up proper ventilation follows. This includes using air movers and dehumidifiers as well as running fans for better airflow. Each piece of equipment should be carefully positioned so it can effectively remove excess moisture from the structure. Additionally, any wet materials must be removed before proceeding with the rest of the job.

3. Moisture Detection

The next step is to detect any remaining moisture in the building materials. This is done using specialized moisture meters that can detect moisture levels in walls, floors, and ceilings. The moisture meters help to identify any hidden moisture that cannot be seen or felt. This is important because even a small amount of remaining moisture can lead to the growth of mold and other harmful microorganisms.

4. Dehumidification

After identifying the moisture levels, dehumidifiers are used to remove the remaining moisture from the air. The dehumidifiers work by drawing in moist air and removing the moisture from it, creating dry air that is circulated throughout the affected area. This process helps reduce the humidity level in the air and prevent further damage to the structure.

5. Air Movement

Air movers are also used to increase the circulation of air throughout the affected area. This helps to speed up the drying process by promoting evaporation and removing moisture from building materials. The air movers should be positioned strategically to ensure optimal air circulation, and they should be regularly adjusted to ensure that all areas are properly dried.

6. Monitoring

Throughout the drying process, moisture levels are monitored using moisture meters. These devices help ensure that the drying process is progressing as it should and that all moisture has been removed from the affected area. The monitoring process should continue until moisture levels have returned to normal.

Equipment and Technology Used

This procedure involves using specialized equipment and technology to remove moisture from building materials and prevent further damage. Here are some of the technologies commonly used in this restoration process:

Moisture Meters

Moisture meters are essential tools in the drying process. They are used to detect moisture levels in building materials such as walls, floors, and ceilings. Moisture meters can detect even small amounts of moisture that cannot be seen or felt. This technology allows technicians to locate hidden pockets of moisture and ensure that all affected areas are thoroughly dried.

Dehumidifiers

Dehumidifiers are used to remove moisture from the air and reduce the humidity level in the affected area. These machines work by drawing in moist air and removing the moisture from it, creating dry air that is circulated throughout the space. There are different types of dehumidifiers available, including refrigerant, desiccant, and low-grain refrigerant models.

Air Movers

Air movers are used to increasing the circulation of air in the affected area. These machines help to speed up the drying process by promoting evaporation and removing moisture from building materials. Air movers should be positioned strategically to ensure optimal air circulation, and they should be regularly adjusted to ensure that all areas are properly dried.

Thermal Imaging Cameras

Thermal imaging cameras are used to detect moisture in walls, floors, and ceilings. These cameras work by detecting differences in temperature, which can indicate the presence of moisture. Thermal imaging cameras can help technicians to locate hidden pockets of moisture and ensure that all affected areas are thoroughly dried.

Humidity Monitors

Humidity monitors are used to measuring the humidity level in the affected area. These devices help technicians to ensure that the dehumidifiers and air movers are working effectively and that the humidity level is decreasing over time. Humidity monitors can also alert technicians if the humidity level begins to rise, indicating that there may be a problem with the drying process.

Benefits of Drying

This restoration procedure offers a wide range of benefits to property owners. Here are some of the key benefits of this procedure:

Prevents Mold Growth

It helps prevent mold growth. Mold can begin to grow within 24-48 hours of water damage, and it can cause significant health problems for occupants of the property. It removes excess moisture from building materials and prevents mold growth, ensuring that your property is safe and healthy.

Saves Time and Money

It can save property owners time and money by preventing further damage to the property. If water damage is not addressed promptly, it can lead to structural damage, electrical issues, and other problems that are costly to repair. By quickly and thoroughly drying the affected area, property owners can avoid these additional expenses.

Reduces the Risk of Electrical Issues

Water damage can cause electrical issues in a property, which can be dangerous for occupants. By quickly drying the affected area, it can help reduce the risk of electrical issues and ensure that your property is safe.

Improves Indoor Air Quality

It can help improve indoor air quality by removing excess moisture from building materials. Moisture can create a breeding ground for bacteria and other harmful microorganisms that can affect indoor air quality. By thoroughly drying the affected area, it can help improve indoor air quality and create a healthier living environment.

Restores Property to Pre-Damage Condition

It can help restore your property to its pre-damage condition. By quickly addressing water damage and thoroughly drying the affected area, property owners can minimize the damage and prevent further issues. This can help ensure that your property looks and functions as it did before the water damage occurred.

Final Thoughts

Drying is an important process for restoring damaged building materials and preventing further damage due to water exposure. It’s a multi-step process that utilizes different technologies in order to dry the affected area efficiently. It’s incredibly beneficial — not only does it restore the material’s original structure, but it also helps prevent mold growth and costly replacements down the road.

If you need help with structural drying in Bradenton, PuroClean Bradenton is here to help. We have the necessary team, skills, and experience to make sure your property is free of water damage. Contact us today!