Water Damage Mitigation: The Science of Water Damage Mitigation

The term water damage mitigation can be interpreted in many different ways. This includes spilling water on a table, a washing machine that is overflowing, and a basement that has flooded. The amount of water, and the affected area will determine your response. I may take a stroll to the store to pick up a mop and some soapy water to air dry a floor that has milk on it. If you spill milk on your desk, it may be necessary to act quickly in order to save your important documents or computer. What is at risk determines the emergency and response.

Water damage sites are classified by the size, type, and location of the fluid. The recovery process is determined by these factors. The physical properties of water have been well studied and can be used to contain or reduce damage.

Water, or H2O, has three states: solid (ice), fluid (water), and vapor (gas). Energy is required to change from one state to another. Heat is needed to melt ice. When water turns into steam or vapor, the same thing happens. Evaporation is the term used to describe water being converted into vapor. When using proper water damage recovery methods, evaporation is the key physical characteristic.

Standing water, or small puddles in any size, must evaporate for any drying to occur. This particular characteristic of the water is covered in many text books. It is important to remove as much standing water as possible before the dry-down occurs. The water will take more energy to evaporate than to be sucked out by a sump-pump or wet vacuum. Time is money. Time is needed to evaporate. Calculate.

The drying process can start once the standing water is removed. Drying down does not just mean to make something less damp. The moisture must be removed and disposed of. Dehumidifiers can help. Secondary water damage can occur if this water vapor does not get disposed. Mold and mildew are often involved in secondary water damage.

When the humidity, temperature, and airflow are all in balance, fast drying can occur. The air flow over a wooden structure or carpet will draw the moisture embedded in the wood to the surface, which allows for evaporation. For a fast drying down, it is important to use the right combination of heat, air and moisture removal.

Companies that treat water damage will employ a wide range of tools and techniques to complete the job. Special pads are used to remove moisture from the surface. Tenting the area will reduce the amount of air to be dehumidified. Heaters, fans and dehumidifiers make up the trifecta.

Water damage mitigation can take anywhere between 3 to 5 days. This is possible if you know some basic characteristics about water. This may explain why the work is taking longer than anticipated. Is there any standing water? Is the air moving well? Do I remove the moisture from the air? Speed is the key to saving your home and belongings from water damage. Visit website and check Fire Remediation West Palm Beach to know more information.

First, falling or windblown water enters a structure as a result damage to wall or roof assemblies. Second, horizontally moving ground surface water with silt or soil contaminants infiltrates into structures. This usually occurs through doors and around foundation walls. The ground surface water (storm surge) can accumulate up to several inches or feet. If structures remain submerged for several weeks or are partly submerged, more complex procedures are usually required.