Water Mitigation Requires Understanding the Science of Drying – Part 1

9/1/2017 (Permalink)

SERVPRO – Coeur d’ Alene have Technicians who have been certified to properly remove moisture from a home that has sustained water damage.  Fully understanding the drying process results in ensuring the proper amount of time required for water mitigation.  If the process does not follow Industry Standards (IICRC) it is likely to take much longer to adequately mitigate the moisture in your home.  Extra time drying means extra costs.  SERVPRO – Coeur d’ Alene is committed to conducting our work in accordance with the Industry Standard referenced above.

Is it really that complex to follow Industry Standards?  It is if you have not been trained. 

It may seem, to the untrained eye, like we just randomly place air movers and dehumidifiers throughout the home.  However, there are calculations to be made to ensure proper drying times. 

For example, consider two (2) separate rooms that have the same square feet of flooring.  One (1) has a ten (10) foot ceiling and the other has a seven (7) foot ceiling.  It would take more drying equipment to dry the room with higher ceilings than the room with lower ceilings.  The reason is the cubic feet of air volume in the lower ceiling is much smaller than the air volume with the higher ceiling.  The cubic feet of air volume for a twenty (20) foot by twenty (20) foot room with the lower ceiling is 2,800 cubic feet.  The cubic feet for the room with higher ceilings is 4,000 cubic feet.  That is a 30% increase in cubic feet of air volume in the higher ceiling than the lower ceiling.

The cost for installing a new hardwood floor is approximately $18.00-$20.00 per square foot. To replace 1,000 square feet of hardwood flooring could cost up to $18,000.00.  That is one good reason for being very attentive to any potential water leaks onto your hardwood floor.

There are many other factors to consider when planning the configuration of our drying strategy.  SERVPRO – Coeur d’ Alene will address the additional factors to consider in an upcoming blog.