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WATER
DAMAGE RESTORATION (FLOODS) Moisture
Control is the Key to Mold Control. Typically when water enters into your environment most assume that only the horizontal surfaces such as floors are wet. What they may not realize is that there are many substrates that may also become wet, either by direct contact, absorption, or due to vapor pressure. It then is necessary to call a reliable restorer to do a moisture evaluation of your environment. Water (moisture) left to dry on its own will cause serious damage. There
are companies that only extract the water they see. They may install some air
movers to dry what they see. This is not enough!
It also may take several days at considerable expense. You could end up
with some serious mold problems! Many times portions of the entire structure may become wet. That is why it is necessary to ask questions to assure yourself that the company your talking to has the necessary qualifications to do your job. Also realize that with the inspection it may turn out that there is nothing for you to worry about with regard to your structure. When extracting your carpet, top down has become the preferred method by many professionals. This allows the carpet and padding to stay in place not pulling up the carpet and floating it on a cushion of air as has been the custom for twenty -five years. Now with proper extraction equipment your carpet and pad can be dried in 24 to 48 hours or less depending on carpet density and type of pad. We actually have some carpets totally dry before leaving the job. We Have dried many homes and office
buildings in Southern Arizona including one 50,000 Sq. Ft. building. Categories of Water in Water Damage (IICRC S500 Standard and Reference Guide for Professional Water Damage Restoration) “A categorization of the level of contamination of water in a damaged structure is required to perform loss assessment and evaluation activities. The category of water contamination must be considered so that procedures can be established for processing water-damaged structures and materials safely. Water damage is divided into three general categories: Category 1 – Clean Water; Category 2 – Gray Water; and Category 3 – Black Water. The category of water contamination is not determined by the color of the water; rather, the category is determined by the source, contents, history and characteristics of water, as described below. “Category 1 – Clean Water “...Clean water originates from a source that does not pose substantial harm to humans. Examples of clean water sources may include, but are not necessarily limited to, broken water supply lines, tub or sink overflows with no contaminants, appliance malfunctions involving water supply lines, melting ice or snow, falling rainwater, broken toilet tanks and toilet bowls that do not contain contaminants or additives. “Clean water that has contact with structural surfaces and content materials may deteriorate in cleanliness as it dissolves or mixes with soils and other contaminants, and as time elapses.” “Category 2 – Gray Water “...Gray water contains a significant level of contamination and has the potential to cause discomfort or sickness if consumed by or exposed to humans. Gray water carries microorganisms and nutrients for microorganisms. Examples of gray water sources may include, but are not necessarily limited to discharge from dishwashers or washing machines, overflows from washing machines, overflows from toilet bowls with some urine (no feces), sump pump failures, seepage due to hydrostatic pressure, broken aquariums and punctured water beds. Gray water may contain chemicals, biocontaminants (fungal, bacterial, viral, algae) and other forms of contamination including physical hazards. “Time and temperature aggravate category 2 water contamination levels significantly. Gray water in flooded structures that remains untreated for longer than 48 hours may change to category 3 – black water.” “Category 3 – Black Water “...Black water contains pathogenic agents and is grossly unsanitary. Black water includes sewage and other contaminated water sources entering or affecting the indoor environment. Category 2 water that is not removed promptly from the structure may be reclassified as category 3 water. Toilet backflows that originate from beyond the toilet trap is considered black water contamination, regardless of visible content or color. “Category 3 water includes all forms of flooding from seawater, ground surface water and rising water from rivers or streams. Such water sources carry silt and organic matter into structures and create black water conditions. “The water is
considered to be category 3 water in situations where structural materials
and/or contents have been contaminated with such contaminants as pesticides,
heavy metals, or toxic organic substances.” “PSYCHROMETRY " “Psychrometry is the science and practice associated with atmospheric air mixtures, their evaluation, control and affect on materials and occupant health and comfort. Drying effectiveness is determined by four factors: temperature, humidity, air movement and time. Managing the relationship between these factors is critical. It is highly recommended that restoration technicians understand the principles of psychrometry. Understanding these relationships can assist in the management of the drying system, where humidity is removed from the air as fast or faster than it is created by evaporation. Moreover, it helps technicians dry and restore structural materials and contents that otherwise might require demolition or disposal. “A psychrometric chart can be used to evaluate the drying process ...or other calculating devices, aid technicians in calculating the necessary information required to make decisions that affect optimum drying. “Temperature and relative humidity can be measured with a thermohygrometer or appropriate atmospheric measuring device. These measurements then can be used to calculate specific humidity, vapor pressure, and dew point temperature. “A thorough understanding of the following information is needed to apply the principles of psychrometry: “Temperature ... Humidity ... Microorganism Growth and Health ... Specific Humidity ... Vapor Pressure ... Dew Point... “Related Factors Affecting the Drying Process: “Evaporation ... Dehumidification ... Hygroscopic Materials ... Porosity and Permeance.”
(used for drying walls, ceiling, etc.)
OctiDry Wall Drying Unit Water Damage Restoration EquipmentFlood Pro Extractor & Weighted Carpet Wand in conjunction with Genesis 56 expedite drying of all types of carpet. 30 Turbo Air Movers & 20 Air Circulators |
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