After a flood or even something as simple as a window leak, it is critical to dry water-damaged properties quickly and correctly. Improper drying doesn’t just damage materials—it can lead to microbial growth and even occupant symptoms like headaches and poor indoor air quality. In the past, water damage restoration contractors had few options available to them when performing water damage restoration. Equipment was restricted in its availability, variety, efficiency, and effectiveness. It was not only slow but would also result in removing and discarding damaged contents.
Then, of course, it was necessary to install new materials, paint, etc. The result was a long period of disruption to the occupants and extra expenses for insurance companies. Today, the “science of drying” has evolved into a controlled process focused on airflow, temperature, and relative humidity management using advanced equipment like axial air movers, desiccants, and LGR systems. Thanks to modern equipment, we can completely restore water damaged properties and contents with minimal intrusion.
Some of the latest drying technologies include:
- LGR Dehumidifiers — Using LGR Dehumidifiers, technicians can aggressively control relative humidity, often driving it down to 10% or lower to accelerate evaporation and stabilize materials much faster than older systems. These tools can remove up to 16 gallons of water from the air per day. Older dehumidifiers were able to reduce the humidity to only 40%, removing about five gallons of water per day. This disparity represents a vast improvement in efficiency, resulting in faster drying times – 24 to 48 hours as opposed to four or more days with older equipment.
- Desiccants — In the right setting, restoration professionals will turn to a desiccant dehumidifier. Desiccants release very dry and warm air (5% relative humidity and 110 degrees F) into humid areas, eliminating moisture. They use silica gel to absorb humidity from the air. Desiccants operate very effectively, even if the environment is below freezing.
- Intra-wall Drying — This technique helps the drying process inside of walls without removing drywall. In this process, baseboards are removed, and small holes are drilled through walls near the base. Technicians create a controlled airflow system, often producing a vortex effect inside wall cavities to rapidly move moisture out without unnecessary demolition. This dramatically reduces drying time for the wall, often to less than half of what it would take to dry it by other methods. The forced air approach also works for certain types of insulation, again eliminating the need to remove drywall to gain access. This method is especially appropriate when water damage originates from above the affected room. In many cases, it’s the only way to effectively save the walls.
- Rescue Mat Systems — Today’s powerful water extraction equipment is far more effective at removing moisture than simple vacuum units, a common practice in times past. Rescue mat systems allow us to extract water from hardwood and other flooring systems, including block & pad assemblies, pulling moisture from below the surface where traditional methods cannot reach, leaving the underlying pad slightly moist but not wet.
Other benefits of using advanced drying tools
- Lower expenses — Wet carpet, block & pad, and even portions of drywall can often be restored rather than replaced when proper drying techniques are used, significantly reducing overall loss costs. This results in lower costs for the loss, and it allows the occupants to return to their normal lives much sooner with far less disruption. Also, modern technology can prevent the costs related to older methods, such as turning back and/or removing carpet; removing, discarding, and replacing the pad; replacing the new carpet or relaying the old.
- Preventing mold — Preventing mold and microbial growth is critical. Without proper drying, conditions can quickly shift toward requiring full abatement, especially in high-risk environments. Occupants may begin to notice symptoms such as odors, respiratory irritation, or even headaches before visible growth appears. Thanks to faster drying, mold and other fungi have less time to develop. This helps alleviate possible health problems, such as respiratory discomfort and allergic reactions, which fungal contamination can cause. In addition, mold can weaken structural materials, such as drywall and wood framing, to the point that they must be replaced. Using advanced dehumidification systems removes moisture and thus helps prevent mold growth. With little or no moisture present, mold and mildew either do not start or die very quickly.
- Other benefits of rapidly removing moisture include the prevention of irreversible swelling in porous materials, such as paper and wood; shrinkage in some fabrics, such as upholstery and drapes; rust occurring on metals like doorknobs and hinges; and damage to electronic equipment that could occur with high levels of humidity.
Professional disaster restorers have also improved
Most importantly in a situation dealing with water damage is how effective professionals are now. PuroClean’s professional restoration today relies on advanced systems including axial air movers, dehumidifiers, and in larger environments such as a warehouse, supplemental power sources like a generator may be required to maintain proper drying conditions. This ensures the process stays controlled and effective from start to finish.. That means your home will return to its original state more quickly, minimizing all related costs and inconvenience.
For water damage caused by storms and floods, as well as fire, smoke, and mold remediation services, call PuroClean of South Chesapeake at (757) 330-5511.
