When a water loss occurs, specific steps are taken during the mitigation process to ensure the affected space is completely dry. Each step completes another phase of the extraction process and brings the affected property one step closer to returning to a pre-loss condition. We call these phases the
Four Principles of Drying:
WATER EXTRACTION: The Water Removal Phase
Removing water in its liquid state is at least 500 times more efficient than skipping this step and going straight into using air movers and dehumidifiers.
AIRFLOW: The Evaporation Phase
After removing as much water as possible while in its liquid state, the remaining moisture will evaporate naturally and with high-velocity air movers.
DEHUMIDIFICATION: The Balanced Evaporation Phase
As moisture is dried out, it doesn’t simply disappear; it evaporates and becomes water vapor in the air. Without dehumidifiers to remove this moisture from the air, other absorbent materials in the room could soak up the moisture. As a result, extra moisture can delay the drying process and cause mold growth.
TEMPERATURE CONTROL: The Temperature Maintenance Phase
Warm air between 70 and 90 degrees Fahrenheit is ideal, especially for the first 36 to 48 hours of drying. Cooler air slows evaporation therefore impeding the drying process. Hot air above 90 degrees Fahrenheit also hinders the dehumidifiers’ effectiveness.
For more information on our structural drying services contact
ResQ24 by Thompson Building Associates today!
