Spock's Guide to Drying Water Damage

3/8/2018 (Permalink)

"Fascinating is a word I use for the unexpected; in this case, I would think interesting would suffice."

Water damage is something we come into contact with on a daily basis. Some days it could be a small water leak from a loose plumbing fixture. Other days it could be a three story loss from a sprinkler head bursting.

No matter the size, the same principals apply to drying a structure. There's a scientific technique behind the process, and here it is, explained by Spock:

"Once you have eliminated the impossible, whatever remains, however improbable, must be the truth."

The first step in the drying process is an inspection, also known as a Loss Assessment Report. Upon arrival, the water technician must first assess any health concerns and safety hazards. Depending on where the water came from (sewage compared to a washing machine overflow) there could be pathogens that have the potential for serious adverse health effects. Structural damage or exposed wires would be a safety concern.

Determining the source of the water intrusion is also important in the drying process. Before the drying can begin, the water source must be stopped and the extent of intrusion evaluated.

Once the water source has been stopped, the technician can begin scoping the damage. Moisture meters are used to determine the saturation of materials and boroscopes can be used to view inside cavities for a better understanding of the structure's condition.

 "A dazzling display of logic."

Logically, the next step in the drying process is to remove any standing water. The primary purpose of water extraction is to stop any further water migration. This prevents other surfaces and rooms from being affected, so it should be done as quickly as possible.

The other reason for water extraction is to speed up the drying time. The only ways for water to be removed from a home or business is evaporation or extraction. The more water that is extracted, the less that will need to be evaporated.

 "Change is the essential process of all existence."

To completely dry a structure, a technician must increase the rate of evaporation from the wet materials. Evaporation will increase when the temperature is raised, when drier air is used, and when air is moved across the wet surface.

In order to achieve this, a number of different types of equipment is used. Air movers are essentially compact, high velocity fans. By strategically placing them in an affected area, the air movers help accelerate the rate warm air heats the surfaces. Industrial dehumidifiers balance the drying system by removing the moisture that air movers sweep away from wet materials.

"Insufficient facts always invite danger."

A lawyer will tell you if it's not documented, it didn't happen. In the restoration industry all activities that relate to a job should be documented by the water technician. After the first 24 hours of drying, materials should be monitored to determine if progress has been made. The materials should be monitored every 24 hours after, until the drying has been completed.

If you've had water damage in your home, call SERVPRO of Cookeville/Carthage/Smithville/Woodbury for 24/7 emergency services.