Structural Drying 101: What Every Homeowner Needs to Know

• Water damage is a critical situation that can escalate if professional help is not sought quickly.
• Proper structural drying prevents further structural deterioration and the proliferation of mold.
• Hiring the services of professionals who use advanced equipment and are IICRC certified can help prevent the need for reconstruction and heavy financial losses.
• Drying out water damage at the earliest is a long-term solution for the protection of health and structural integrity.

After experiencing water damage, most homeowners consider trying out DIY drying methods to extract water, ignorant of the consequences and future complications. As a homeowner, you must be aware that this is an insufficient procedure and does not guarantee thorough moisture elimination. To avert additional problems, structural drying by professionals is vital to ensure the safety of the property and its occupants.

What Is Structural Drying?

If your residence has been affected by any sort of water damage, including floods, a ruptured pipe, leaking roofs, etc., mere mopping and ventilation will not be enough, and the situation will aggravate in the subsequent days, weeks, and months. Structural drying is a systematic approach to drying out water damage from concrete structures and building materials and removing any excess moisture. It is much more than just cleaning up the visible water, instead a combination of techniques to extract even the slightest of moisture that has seeped into walls, floors, and the foundation. 

What Is the Significance of This Procedure?

The significance of structural drying cannot be emphasized enough since it goes beyond mere moisture elimination. It provides a multitude of advantages, including;

• Prevents Mold Growth: One of the biggest benefits is preventing mold and fungi growth, thereby creating a healthier living space. It helps in preserving the physical integrity of buildings as well as the health of their inhabitants.
• Improves Indoor Air Quality: A moisture-induced home or apartment can be the breeding ground for harmful microorganisms. Eliminating moisture through this process will encourage a safe indoor atmosphere. 
• Reduces Restoration Costs: Properly drying out water damage will prevent further damage to the structure, significantly reducing expensive repairs in the future. The procedure can prevent the swelling, warping, and deterioration of flooring, drywall, and wood trims. 
• Quick Restoration Process: With the use of hi-tech equipment by Onsite Pro Restoration, the restoration process is prompt, allowing daily routines and business schedules to continue with minimal disruption.
• Maintenance of Property Value: A damaged or mold-infested structure will undoubtedly decrease the property’s market value. Our efficient team helps preserve the material integrity, prevents additional issues like weakening of the structure, and degradation of the building for long-term investments. 

While clean water may not pose a health risk, black and dirty water contains harmful viruses, bacteria, and toxins that can be extremely hazardous to health. Therefore, it’s essential to hire the services of a company that strictly adheres to all stages of water damage restoration and has obtained certification from the Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC).

What Are the Stages of Structural Drying?

Water Extraction: Undoubtedly, the first step is to extract standing water from affected areas to speed up the drying process. Professionals use high-power pumps to remove this water as quickly as possible. Technicians need to keep an eye out for any mold during the extraction procedure and should properly deal with the mold with air scrubbers before going to the next step. Skipping this part can turn a water remediation project into a wide-ranging mole cleanup job across the entire place.

Evaporation: After the initial process of water removal, surfaces still remain damp, though water may not be visible to the naked eye. Industrial fans or high-velocity air movers are now used to boost airflow and help evaporate whatever moisture remains in the area. Without strong air movement, moisture can still linger in the atmosphere, thereby slowing down the drying process and leading to issues like mold and fungi. 

Dehumidification: It may seem that the surfaces are dry, but in reality, they might still hold a lot of water and encourage future mold growth. Dehumidification is, therefore, a critical part of drying out water damage, and technicians at Onsite Pro Restoration use the best dehumidifiers to pull out excess water vapour and moisture trapped inside the building materials. 

Temperature Control: During the whole process, maintaining a steady temperature, preferably between 70-90 degrees Fahrenheit, is crucial for maximizing the drying process. Very high temperatures can accelerate the evaporation, whereas temperatures lower than the required degree can prevent proper evaporation of moisture and encourage mold proliferation. 

Why Is It Necessary to Hire Professionals? 

• Water damage can overburden homeowners with substantial financial losses. But many insurance policies cover the costs when professionals are hired for drying out water damage. 
• Prompt intervention within an hour, covering service areas inside a 25-mile radius of North Hollywood, thereby reducing downtime and preventing further structural damage.
• Such adverse situations can prove to be a disaster, and may require more than 27 pieces of equipment in a 2-bedroom apartment. As a highly responsible company, Onsite Pro Restoration has all the required best-quality equipment and materials for drying out water damage.

Get the Best Structural Drying Services from Onsite Pro Restoration

For homeowners in the U.S., the most common insurance claim comes from water damage, and property owners incur heavy financial losses. 

Onsite Pro Restoration is a certified and credible company, and we use cutting-edge technologies and innovative techniques to effectively dry out water damage from structures and materials. We use a customized approach according to individual needs and use the best dehumidifiers and high-capacity air movers for a rapid drying process. We are a licensed and accredited business, and we pride ourselves on maintaining long-term relationships with our clients. 

To clarify any doubts or for a free inspection, please don’t hesitate to contact us. 

Note: For mold testing, a nominal fee of $499 is charged.