Damage Assessment : Thoroughly inspect the extent of water damage , identifying all affected areas . Also need to identify the source of the water and if it ’ s a contaminated source .
Materials Affected : Determine the type of building materials affected ( wood , drywall , carpet , MDF board etc .) as drying times and methods vary . Some materials can be dried in place and others must be removed .
Moisture Measurement : The moisture content of affected materials needs to be addressed . All materials have a dry standard and this provides a baseline for tracking drying progress . Drying times and ability for materials to dry vary depending on the material type . Typically , most structural drying can be accomplished in 3 to 4 days , but other variables can impact these timelines .
Water Extraction : Extraction is the most efficient way and key to removing the bulk of the water in a water damage . However , mold does not need much moisture to grow and develop colonies . Extraction alone does not constitute structural drying which is essential to prevent mold growth .
Equipment Selection and Placement : The proper amount and type of equipment needs to be utilized for proper drying . The wrong type and amount of drying equipment can often lead to improper drying which can lead to mold growth . Equipment must be set properly per IICRC guidelines and adjusted during the process to insure a complete and correct dry out . Drying progress needs to be monitored along with temperatures , relative humidity and moisture content . Equipment must stay on for 24 hours running continuously . It is not uncommon for residents to turn off equipment which can extend drying times .
Demolition : Some materials can be dried in place , but depending on several variables , demolition is necessary . It is common to pull base boards , wet insulation and sandwiched building materials . MDF and other pressed building products often require removal as they will not return to their original shape and size , even after proper drying . All porous materials ( ie carpet , carpet pad , wood , drywall ) affected with contaminated water ( ie . Sewage backups , outside water infiltration ) must be removed per the IICRC standards and to create a safe and healthy environment
As you can see , water damage may seem simple , but there can be significant complexities and challenges . Common sense can be applied , but with significant water damage , it is always best to consult with a qualified water damage restoration professional you can trust . The ultimate goal is to dry it right the first time which will prevent mold growth and save everyone a lot of money and headaches . So , next time you have a water damage , don ’ t hesitate to reach out to your trusted restoration professional who should be IICRC certified and knowledgeable enough to help alleviate water damages from coming back to haunt you .
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Quincy has worked in the multifamily industry since 2009 as a supplier , you may have seen him MC an event or two over the years . He became a member of the San Antonio Apartment Association when moved here permanently in 2012 . Quincy has had the opportunity of servitude with both PSC ( 2019 ) and will serve on to the board in 2025 . He is also a Lyceum Graduating class of 2017 . Quincy currently works as the territory sales executive for Belfor Restoration San Antonio .
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