Apex Water Restoration
Structural Drying
If your home has been flooded or has a water leak, how you handle the situation will affect your home’s safety, specifically the structure, in the following days, weeks, and months. Inadequate drying can result in mold, mildew growth, and the spread of bacteria throughout your home.
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BEST WATER DAMAGE RESTORATION IN TEXAS – IT’S WATER RESTARTION AS IT SHOULD BE!
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Structural Drying
The process of removing excess water and moisture from the materials that comprise a structure until it is dry enough to meet a certain standard of dryness and safety is known as structural drying. If your home has been flooded, a professional flood damage restoration company can thoroughly dry out the area to remove any excess moisture that could lead to mold growth.
The structural drying process used by professionals’ aids in preserving critical building materials. If water and moisture have seeped into the area’s wood, drywall, and other materials, they will do everything possible to prevent further damage to your property.
Mopping your floors and airing your mats and materials cannot remove lingering moisture or bacteria from water damage. Many homeowners and business owners are unaware of the dangers of lingering moisture, but our experts are.
Apex Water Restoration will make your experience as pleasant as possible by assuring you that the area has been completely dried.
Our experts will locate the source of the water and then use our efficient processes and equipment to remove hazards, clean your flooded area, and completely dry it out. We will remove all traces of moisture with our high-tech drying equipment, so you won’t have to worry about mold growing in the weeks following.
Apex Water Restoration can assist you if you require immediate water damage restoration. We send our rapid response teams to the Friendswood, TX, area to assist homeowners in saving their homes in emergencies.
Apex Water Restoration technicians will use the best techniques and equipment to get your home clean, safe, and dry as soon as possible.
BEST WATER DAMAGE RESTORATION IN TEXAS – IT’S WATER RESTARTION AS IT SHOULD BE!
Apex Water Restoration
Types of Drying Equipment
When there is water damage, many different kinds of equipment can be used to dry the soaked structures.
The types of equipment used will be determined by the different materials that are soaked, the kind of water that caused the damage, and the amount of time the water was allowed to remain in the affected area.
An extractor is one of the most important machineries for water damage jobs. The extractors utilized are high-powered and have a high suction, which allows them to remove water from wet carpets and flooring. This sector uses various water extractors that can be purchased and found on the market today. From large portable water extractors to extractors that you step on to increase the pressure with the wet material and, as a result, increase the suction to lift the water out, many different types of water extractors are available.
Another essential piece of apparatus that is utilized is known as an air mover. They generate a rapid flow of air across the wet surfaces of the structures. It increases air circulation and the rate at which water evaporates. These air movers are available in a wide variety of shapes and sizes, which enables them to circulate air effectively in a variety of different and challenging environments. On any given job, these can range anywhere from two to fifty, depending on the extent of the water damage.
Dehumidifiers are utilized to remove moisture from the air and collaborate with air movers to accomplish this task. Mold and mildew can form if these are not present to collect the moisture in the air. It is a very important factor. Dehumidifiers come in various shapes and sizes, just like air movers do. There are also many different types of dehumidifiers. The amount and type of water damage will determine the number of these on a job site.
The two most common types of drying equipment used on construction sites are air movers and dehumidifiers. Many other components are also required, which vary widely depending on the nature of the water damage that has been done, the kinds of materials that are soaked, and the length of time that the water has been present.
Scrubbers of the air are frequently used in situations involving water damage. They do not change the rate at which water evaporates or the air’s relative humidity, but they work to make breathing safer. After drawing in humid air, the mixture is filtered to remove any contaminants that may have been present. It is of the utmost significance when working with contaminated water.
Drying wet walls and ceilings may require different equipment, which may be less invasive than cutting out the drywall entirely. The difficult part is getting air into the cavities in the wall and ceiling. A wall cavity drying machine that uses injectors to force air into the cavity and assist in drying is a common method. Injectors play an important role in the drying process.
BEST WATER DAMAGE RESTORATION IN TEXAS – IT’S WATER RESTARTION AS IT SHOULD BE!
Apex Water Restoration
Structural Drying Process
In the process of cleaning up after a flood or water damage, four fundamental tenets must be adhered to regardless of the scope of the work, the kind of area involved, or the constituents of the damaged items:
Extraction of water refers to the removal of surplus water, which can improve the structure’s chances of being dried successfully and the efficiency with which it does so.
Movement of air: In the absence of air circulation and evaporation, water will continue to saturate a surface, and the rate at which water will evaporate from the surface will decrease.
It ultimately causes the drying process to take longer, and it also has the potential to cause rot or mold. One thing that should always be considered regarding this procedure is the significance of awareness of what you could be spreading.
To prevent the possibility of a spill or to cross-contaminate an environment or place, the surfaces must first be inspected for the presence of asbestos and then cleaned before equipment installation for air movement and drying.
During the water removal process, if any molds are discovered, air movement should be halted until the molds can be effectively removed using air scrubbers. If not installed correctly, a single air mover can transform a water removal project in one room into a mold removal project across the entire facility.
Dehumidification is one of the most important aspects of the drying process. Other important aspects of the drying process include determining the cause of the problem and removing any standing water. If dehumidifiers are not used to collect excess water vapor, then moisture has the potential to become trapped inside the building materials themselves.
Even though the surface may feel dry to the touch, the water content is frequently still quite high. The relative humidity may be higher than average, ultimately encouraging mold growth.
Temperature: It is critical to keep the temperature stable and work within the temperature range suggested by the manufacturer of the dehumidification machinery for the best drying process. To hasten the process of evaporation and release moisture from building materials, we make it a point to maintain temperatures in the range of 75 to 90 degrees Fahrenheit. Because of this, steps two and three can accomplish their goals more successfully.
The drying process is slowed when the air conditioner is on or when too much cooler air is allowed into the drying chambers. Likewise, increasing the temperature can inhibit the effectiveness of the dehumidifiers, so it is important to find a balance between the two factors.
Other Techniques for the Drying Process
There is a certain art to “drying down” a structure, and a certain balance must be found in every building and structure.
The right mix of demolition and damage mitigation highlights our capacity to promptly and efficiently return a company to its pre-loss state promptly and efficiently. Because of our well-established sense of urgency, drying out the structure is maintained, which helps prevent further secondary damage and delays in business operations.
The approaches that we decide to pursue will frequently be called into question. What motivated you to delete this? Why is it that this cannot be dried? What is causing this to take so much time? In addition to structural drying, two other methods can be utilized to complete the drying process successfully, and each company will need to select one of these methods.
Aggressive Drying: This is typically the dry-in-place method, generally chosen in situations involving less severe water damage. In these cases, the water damage is usually contained in a smaller area.
The facility or structure in question needs to be adequately outfitted with drying equipment, which can boost the evaporation rate by increasing the temperature and the airflow volume. For this course of action to succeed, the surrounding conditions must be ideal, and it needs to be determined that this is the most appropriate path. It will necessitate that the water category is at or below a 1; this refers to water free of sediment and additional building materials that could alter the water category (asbestos, mold, hydraulic fluid, etc.).
Why do we use this Drying approach?
Customer may incur fewer costs for repairs as a result, experience less downtime in their place of business or facility, and not have to worry about material matching or excessive demolition to find similar materials. However, what may be saved in repairs will typically increase equipment costs, and while aggressive drying may save time with repairs, it will require additional dry time overall.
It is the most common method, and it’s also the one that offers the best chance of success. After the asbestos testing has been completed, the building materials (but not the structural materials) will be removed, which is exactly what it means when it says “disruptive.” In most cases, this requires the removal of baseboards, flood cuts, pads, insulation, and any other items that cannot be effectively dried within a reasonable amount of time.
This method is more effective when drying structure materials covered by finishes than any other method. Because materials cannot be salvaged in any case in situations involving water damage classified as category 2 (grey water) or category 3 (black water), this method is always utilized in these kinds of catastrophes.
This approach is considered to be the gold standard. Without relying solely on readings taken from the surrounding air, one can have peace of mind that a structure is dry by measuring the amount of moisture present within wall cavities, on studs, in gypcrete, and in other hidden areas. The rate at which wet materials can be removed will determine how quickly the drying process can be completed.
The disadvantage of using this approach is that it will require much more downtime and repairs for your customer while mitigating and repairing the damage. Compared to other approaches, this typically results in higher overall costs.
WHY CHOOSE US?
Experience and Expertise
You want to work with a water restoration company that knows what they’re doing. You’ve come to the right place. Apex Water Restoration has the skills and expertise to ensure your property is safe. Our experience is what sets us apart and we do the job right the first time.
High-Quality Equipment
The process of water removal from a home or business requires the use of special equipment. As you can imagine, not all equipment is created equal. At Apex Water Restoration, we ensure the equipment we use is top notch and highly rated.
Customer Service
We know that communication and great customer service is the thing that sets any business apart. Our professionals are dedicated to giving you the best customer service experience you can get. We know you have options, and we treat every customer as part of our family.
Competitive Pricing
Getting the price right is important. In fact, pricing our jobs fairly and competitively is something we work hard to get right. We work with your insurance and make sure that we can get your water problem resolved quickly, and fairly.
More Structural Drying Information
Apex Water Restoration is well informed about what needs to be done when water intrusion occurs. However, we know you may have some questions. Below are great resources to help answer any of your structural drying questions.
Dehumidification
The dehumidification services offered by Apex Water Restoration might include using moisture meters to analyze the humidity inside the structure. After determining the amount of moisture present, the team will devise an individualized strategy for dehumidification.
Air Movement
When it comes to drying out a structure, airflow is one of the single most important factors. When attempting to remediate a water-damaged structure, an increase in airflow accelerates the rate at which water evaporates, which speeds up the process of achieving drying goals.
Moisture Detection
Constant moisture detection is one component of our expert remediation service in the Friendswood, Texas area and the surrounding areas. Apex Water Restoration is aware of how critical it is to promptly identify the origin of the water damage and carry out the necessary water removal and drying services to safeguard your property.
Structural Drying Equipment
Ensuring that the remaining water will not cause structural damage and helps prevent mold from growing (which thrives on moisture) is essential. You can rid your home and your health of any potential issues in the future if you perform the necessary structural water damage drying procedures.
Structural Drying Timeline
Structural drying times vary depending on the level of damage that has occurred and the amount of water intrusion. However, we can give you a few pieces of information that will help answer this question.
What They Say
Customer Testimonials
Busted pipes are the worst! We had ours bust from the freeze and had a lot of damage. Thanks to Apex Water Restoration for taking care of our problem quickly!
Best company for water damage. They got to us the same day and began drying out our home. It could've been worse, but with their quick response, thankfully it wasn't.
Panic ensued when we found the leak in our shower. Unfortunately the damage had already been done. Apex came out and did the demo and got our space dried out so we could get it repaired. Thanks!
Friendswood, TX
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Structural Drying FAQs
Find the Answers to Your Water Damage Assessment Questions Here
A water restoration professional can answer any and all questions you may have regarding issues related to water damage restoration. Below are some commonly asked questions.
Apex Water Restoration technicians can provide the answers you need. Call us whenever you need any water damage services in Texas!
What is the process for drying out a property after water damage?
It is critical to be thorough during the drying process, as many things can potentially retain water that is not visible at first. The attic is a good example of this. Insulation is easily soaked and thus loses its effectiveness. Wet boxes or storage can cause cracks in the ceiling below.
To begin, open the windows in this or any other room of your home to promote natural airflow, but professionals will bring additional equipment to assist in this process. Air movers are large fans that help circulate airflow throughout a room. Furthermore, the same dehumidifiers used to prevent mold growth after the initial cleanup serve a similar purpose during the dry-out stage. Furthermore, keeping the environment dry reduces the likelihood of swollen or warped floors and furniture.
Taking the time to inspect every part of the affected area for moisture, on the other hand, tends to slow down the drying process the most. We already mentioned insulation, but molding, backboards, and wallpaper must all be removed to remove trapped moisture. Wallpaper may be a surprise here, but it does so because it forms a "seal" that keeps moisture in the wall. Drilling holes in the drywall to help it dry out faster is another powerful but necessary method.
Containment is another final step in the dry-out process concurrently with this other work. Wet areas in the home will be taped off while drying to ensure that heat and suction are directed to the rooms that require it the most. The dry-out crew will also inspect the surfaces and the readings to determine how well the drying is going. When it's finished, you can redesign the room to make it livable again.
How long does structural drying take?
A well-trained and knowledgeable remediation contractor should be able to dry a structure in three to four days.
Can structural drying prevent mold growth?
Yes. In addition to preventing mold growth, structural drying can help reduce the risk of other water-related issues like wood rot and insect infestation. When done correctly, structural drying can help keep your home or business safe and healthy for years.
Mold can begin to grow within 24-48 hours if buildings are not properly dried. Mold can cause various health issues, such as respiratory infections, allergies, and headaches. Mold can even cause lung disease in some cases.
What equipment is used during the structural drying process?
Specialized equipment such as air movers and dehumidifiers remove moisture from the air and surfaces. After the water is physically removed, the moisture is evaporated using high-velocity air movers.
Can structural drying save water-damaged materials?
Yes, structural drying has the potential to save water-damaged materials. Professional structural drying techniques help to protect critical building materials by preserving their integrity during water damage recovery. Whether the wood, drywall, or other materials in the area have been soaked by water, they will take every precaution to prevent further damage to your property.
The non-destructive procedure can restore the integrity of critical building materials. The more water extracted, the faster the structure will dry. The density of the materials will affect the extraction and drying times.
Is it safe to occupy a property during structural drying?
No. It is unsafe to occupy a property while structural drying occurs. Depending on the size of the damage, the process can take days to weeks, and the equipment used to dry the structure can be noisy and disruptive.
Furthermore, the process can produce a lot of dust and debris, which can be hazardous to your health.
How do you know when the proprerty is completely dry?
There are several methods for determining whether a property is completely dry. One method is to use a moisture meter, a device that measures a material's moisture content. A hygrometer, which measures the relative humidity of the air, is another option. The property is considered dry if the relative humidity is less than 50%. You can also use a simple trick to see if the air in your house is too dry by heating it. If the temperature outside is 15 degrees with a relative humidity of 75%, heating the air to 70 degrees reduces the humidity to 15%.
Can structural drying remove all the moisture from a property?
Removing all water from surfaces is referred to as structural drying. Professionals then use extraction tools to remove all excess moisture from structures. As a result, the structural materials are restored to their pre-water event state and dryness level.
What happens if moisture is left behind during structural drying?
If moisture is left behind during structural drying, mold can grow, causing health problems and structural damage. After the water is physically removed, the moisture is evaporated using high-velocity air movers.
In recent years, the market has expanded to include air movers as structural drying equipment for fast structural drying. Their low energy consumption improves air circulation efficiency.
Can I use my own fans and dehumidifiers during the structural drying process?
Yes, you can use your fans and dehumidifiers during structural drying. Fans draw air into the dehumidifier and direct it over the drying mechanism, which could be a desiccant or cooling coils. The moisture is removed as the air passes over that mechanism. It then proceeds to the output duct before being released back into space.
When comparing a fan to a dehumidifier, it is important to remember a few key differences. A fan will circulate air throughout your basement. It is useful for ensuring that your room is well-ventilated. You can ensure fresh air is constantly available so the air does not become stale.
A dehumidifier, on the other hand, is intended to remove moisture from the air. It can help to reduce humidity in your basement and make it more comfortable.
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