24-HR EMERGENCY WATER DAMAGE DRY OUT SERVICES
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Water Damage DRY OUT
When your carpet has been water damaged our first priority is to protect those objects that are in contact with the carpet from further damage. Furniture is removed to a dry place or put up on plastic blocks to prevent water from seeping into the legs. Other smaller objects that remain are relocated as well. Once your belongings have been secured, we begin removing water from the carpet and pad using specially designed high power water extractors.
When sufficient water has been removed we disengage the carpet and fold it back. The damp pad is removed and disposed of. After any remaining standing water has been removed from the subfloor, we coat all layers of carpet and subfloor with an antimicrobial spray to inhibit mold growth. The carpet is then reattached and high volume air movers are inserted to float dry air underneath the carpet.
When sufficient water has been removed we disengage the carpet and fold it back. The damp pad is removed and disposed of. After any remaining standing water has been removed from the subfloor, we coat all layers of carpet and subfloor with an antimicrobial spray to inhibit mold growth. The carpet is then reattached and high volume air movers are inserted to float dry air underneath the carpet.
Drying Process.
Dehumidifiers are usually installed in the room to speed the water damage drying process.
A plastic containment wall may also be erected to further increase the efficiency of the drying process and to seal off the affected areas from the rest of the living spaces.
A technician will come to monitor the installed equipment and map out the progress of the drying
Dehumidifiers are usually installed in the room to speed the water damage drying process.
A plastic containment wall may also be erected to further increase the efficiency of the drying process and to seal off the affected areas from the rest of the living spaces.
A technician will come to monitor the installed equipment and map out the progress of the drying
Wood Floor and Drywall Drying
Water damaged hardwood floors, cabinets and drywall are handled as a special case. First, the moisture is located with a moisture meter and infrared camers. Then special vacuum drying pads are placed over the affected areas and securely attached with special tape. The water is then extracted. The drying continues using powerful suction until the areas test dry.
Drying Damaged Walls
How wet and water damaged drywall is treated depends on the amount of water that has already been absorbed and is usually handled in one of two ways. When the water absorbed by the drywall is light to moderate (moisture only extends 1 or two feet above the floor) we first remove the baseboards. Small vent holes are drilled behind the base area. Dry air is pumped into the wall until all of the moisture has been evaporated. In those cases where the amount of water absorbed by the drywall is more severe (where it extends above 2 feet), the affected sections of water damaged drywall may need to be cut and removed. This allows underlying structural wood to be thoroughly dried before it weakens.
Drying Damaged Cabinets
Drying water damaged cabinets is similar to drying walls. First, the moisture is located then the drying equipment is attached. Sometimes the cabinets must be removed from the walls but usually they may be dried by draining holes in the kickboards and cabinets backs and then inserting drying tubes
Drying Water-Gamaged Ceilings
Upstairs water damage from plumbing problems and attic water damage from leaking roofs will flow through the ceiling. Moisture metering and infrared cameras will reveal which areas of the ceiling are affected. It is common to mark out wet areas and then cut out vent holes through which wet insulation is removed. Dry air is then blown into the ceiling cavity. Moisture and equipment operation is monitored daily and recorded until the ceiling is determined to be completely dry.
This illustrates why professional water extraction needs to begin as soon as possible after a floor has been flooded. The more extensive measures are usually only necessary when standing water has been in contact with walls for a substantial period. Initially clean water left standing for more than 24-48 hours can deteriorate into unclean (category 2/category 3) water which may pose health risks. This is also true of water that has been absorbed but not removed from carpets and walls.