Water Damage Restoration Basics
An important factor in proper drying is the type of equipment used. Many so called "professionals" are 10 years behind current drying technology. Superior Steam Cleaners uses the highest rated, most efficient Low Grain Refrigerant (LGR) dehumidifiers in order to create the best drying conditions. Many companies are still using Conventional Refrigerant dehumidifiers which are not capable of removing a large volume of moisture from the air. Without the proper dehumidification for quick drying, more days are required to complete the job. As you know, more time on the job means even more inconvenience to you and your family.
Here is some basic information for homeowners on the subject of water damage restoration. This is only a guide; each flooding event has unique variables. Please call us with questions regarding your specific situation. The sooner Superior Steam Cleaners begins mitigation efforts, additional damage can be prevented, lowering the cost of restoration.
Regardless of the size of your disaster, there are four basic principals that apply to all water recovery situations:
- Water Removal
- Dehumidification
- Evaporation
- Controlling the building environment
STEP 1: Water Removal - Extraction
The volume of water and the length of time before restoration begins will determine the extent of damage to the structure and its contents. Moisture seeks out dry materials. Structural moisture WILL NOT STOP at your carpet and pad. Moisture will migrate into the sub-floor, trim moldings, walls, wall framing, etc., until the moisture load equalizes.
The reality is that a shop-vac, or a carpet cleaning machine, will not produce the necessary suction to effectively extract moisture from carpet and pad. The excess moisture trapped in the structure will damage other materials, and very likely create the conditions for mold growth. Allied Restoration uses the highest-rated, most effective extractors available to the restoration industry. We will efficiently remove the bulk water from wet carpet and pad.
STEP 2: Evaporation
The only way to liberate the remaining moisture which cannot be physically removed is by evaporation. Evaporation is a function of rapid, direct air flow. There are only a handful of drying fans, (air movers) that are engineered specifically for structural drying. Superior Steam Cleaners uses the most efficient air movers on the market as part of our drying strategy.
STEP 3: Dehumidification
Producing the proper conditions is crucial to moving moisture from structural materials. The drier the air, the more evaporation is enhanced. This moisture is suspended in the indoor air and then processed through dehumidifiers. Large quantities of moisture in the air can cause secondary damage to items such as photos, wallpaper, framed art, paper products, etc. It can also cause condensation of the moisture on and inside materials, creating the potential for mold growth.
Superior Steam Cleaners properly determines dehumidification requirements on every job. Using the highest rated dehumidification equipment in the industry achieves the goal of drying the structure as quickly as possible.
STEP 4: Control the Environment for Optimal Drying Conditions
Once the drying system is in place, the environment must be closely monitored and managed. Moisture and temperature levels play a crucial role in the rate of evaporation. Superior Steam Cleaners technicians use “Psychrometry” to evaluate every water damage scenario. Any damaged area must be controlled and closed off from any unaffected areas if the structure is to dry properly and safely. Creating a “Drying Chamber” enables a restorer to have control of the environment. Whether it is simply closing the door of a room, or setting up plastic sheeting containments, the drying equipment must be focused on processing the air only in the affected area
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