WATER DAMAGE REMEDIATION
The Remediation Procedure
Wet Item Removal
If furniture or other objects must be removed, this will be done first. Free-standing or running water will be removed from the surfaces of any affected items. After the contents are removed and protected, extraction of water will begin.
Water Extraction
Depending on the size of the water intrusion, equipment ranging from portable units to heavy-duty truckmounted units will be used. The attempt will be made to remove as much water as possible from the area; first the standing water, then to remove any water from carpeting and pads.
Air-movers
These are special units that blow air with tremendous pressure across a surface to help it to dry out faster. An air mover will pick up moisture from the surface and the more air you can pass over the surface, the more rapid the drying.
Dehumidifiers
The drier the air, the sooner the entire area will dry. Dehumidifiers pull the moisture from the air. Air movers help circulate the dry air to allow the interior structure to dry faster. What type of dehumidifier used (refrigerant or desiccant) will depend on the scope of the job. Refrigerant dehumidifiers can pull moisture at temperatures as low as 35 degrees F. Desiccant dehumidifiers are used in specific instances beyond the use of refrigerant dehumidifiers.
Monitoring and Metering
During the entire process of drying, the area will be continually monitored and the drying progress checked with meters. This equipment will have to be moved around to take full advantage of their capabilities. Drying time can vary depending upon the density of the building material. Sheetrock dries out relatively quickly while wooden studs take longer. Plaster and concrete and any porous materials take the longest time to dry. Carpets, pads, upholstery, and insulation in wall cavities and under floors can all absorb vast amounts of moisture. Surfaces with vapor barriers can be very hard to dry if the moisture is able to seep under the surface. Vinyl floors in kitchens and bathrooms sometimes need to be torn up in order to let air flow freely to the wet areas.
