Water damage mitigation has a vast range of interpretation. Spilling a glass of water, an overflowing clothes washer, a flooded basement all falls in this category. Your reaction to the emergency is based on the amount of water and the area affected. My response to milk on a tile floor may be an easygoing walk to get a mop, some soapy water, and air dry the floor. Milk slopped on your work desk may need quick measures to save essential papers or your computer. The emergency and the reaction are determined by what is vulnerable.
The size, location, and type of fluid involved in any water damage site determine the recovery measures. Water has well researched, physical properties that can be used to reduce or contain the damage.
Water, or more appropriately H2O, has three different states, solid (ice), liquid (water), and gas (vapor). It needs energy to convert from one state of matter to another. To melt ice, such as the ice dam on your roof or gutters, heat becomes necessary. The same is true when water is turned to vapor or steam which is the process of evaporation. Evaporation is the physical trait used when following proper water damage recovery techniques (air movers and dehumidifiers using additional heat in some cases).
The removal of standing water must be done before any dry down occurs. It requires much more energy to evaporate the water than to suck it out with a sump pump, wet vacuum or truck mounted extraction equipment. If evaporation is not assisted by professional equipment a considerable amount of drying time is needed which can lead to the development of mold or mildew. Time is money.
Once the standing water has been taken away the actual drying process can start. Dry down not only means to make something less wet, it also demands the removal and disposition of humidity. That is where a dehumidifier comes into play. If this water vapor is not disposed of secondary water damage will occur. Secondary water damage involves the development of mold and mildew.
Fast drying occurs when there is proper humidity level, air flow, and temperature. Air flow across a wood structure or carpet draws the embedded moisture to the surface which in turn allows evaporation. The appropriate application of heat and air for moisture removal are critical for the fast dry down.
Water damage restoration companies will use many different techniques and tools to complete the task. For example, there are special pads to draw the moisture out of laminate and hardwood floors and grout lines on tile floors. In addition, tenting the water damaged area will reduce the volume of air that will be dehumidified. Heaters, fans, and dehumidifiers are important tools of the trade.
Standard water damage mitigation should take between three and five days. Knowing some simple features of water can make that a reality. It may also clarify why the job is taking longer than expected. Is there standing water? Is there good airflow? Am I drawing the moisture out of the air? The key to saving home and possessions from water damage is speed.
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