Techniques and Equipment Used By A Water Removal Company
Water damage is incredibly common and ranks among the top concerns for home and business owners in Hudson Valley of NY. It can manifest itself in many different ways, too.
Depending on the source, severity and duration of the water intrusion, water damage can appear in the form of stains and discoloration on walls, ceilings and floors; warped and bucked floors; mold and mildew growth; a musty odor; or peeling paint and wallpaper.
The culprit can vary, too. Whether a broken washing machine, a flood or storm, a leaking or burst pipe, or an overflowing toilet, water removal companies have to be prepared for all eventualities.
Water removal experts possess years of experience, specialized knowledge and the necessary equipment to effectively address the various issues that arise from water damage. Utilizing appropriate techniques and equipment, water damage restoration experts can rectify these problems in a cost-effective, safe and timely manner.
Here, we take a look at some of the most common tools used by water removal companies to restore structures affected by water damage.
1) Industrial dehumidifiers
Dehumidifiers are a key element of the water removal and drying process. They help to remove excess moisture from the air and reduce the risk of mold, mildew and other moisture-related issues.
Dehumidifiers function by condensing the water vapor present in the air using refrigerated coils. The moisture-filled air is directed into the dehumidifier and cooled below its dew point, causing it to release the moisture onto the ultra-cold coils. A heat pump reheats the dry air, preventing frost from accumulating on the coils, before it is released from the machine.
Unlike dehumidifiers that can be store-bought, professional water removal companies use Low Grain Refrigerant (LGR) to achieve rapid drying. They’re more energy efficient than regular dehumidifiers and restore affected areas faster.
2) Air movers
There’s a common misconception that “air mover” is just a fancy word for “fan”. However, that’s not the case.
When it comes to drying carpets and other water-damaged flooring, air movers are considered the most effective option. Unlike fans, air movers can target airflow directly toward the ground level, ensuring rapid evaporation of water molecules.
Professionals typically utilize air movers in thirty-minute cycles, facilitating quick water removal from the flooring. Within a few hours of use, most of the moisture can be extracted from the floor.
3) Thermal imaging and moisture meters
The presence of moisture is not always obvious to the naked eye. Both when identifying sources of water damage and when checking that drying has been thoroughly completed, professional water damage restoration experts use a number of instruments to spot the presence of water.
With the use of thermal imaging, it’s possible to locate minute temperature discrepancies and patterns that may indicate the presence of water.
Though thermal cameras cannot visually detect moisture in walls, in tandem with moisture meters, it’s possible to confirm the presence of concealed water and moisture problems without the need for destructive testing.
Moisture meters allow water damage restoration professionals to measure the severity of the situation in particular areas and identify the source of any leak or burst.
4) Air scrubbers
Water damage, if not addressed promptly, can result in mold growth within just a few days.
Mold can contaminate the air, making it hazardous for anyone to breathe and especially perilous for individuals with respiratory issues such as asthma and other allergies.
To purify the air, air scrubbers draw in impurities through a filter, which helps to eliminate pollutants.
By utilizing an air scrubber, it’s possible to purify the air so it’s safe to breathe following water damage.
5) Humidity meters
To ensure that a property has been thoroughly dried out and is safe for human occupation again, humidity meters are used to gauge the progress of the restoration.
Not only will a humidity meter show if the conditions are still encouraging or, better still, inhibiting the growth of mold, but they also help to monitor the effectiveness of the drying process and ensure that moisture levels are reduced to safe and optimal levels.
First Call Restoration, fully equipped for all water removal projects
First Call Restoration strives to reduce the duration of time that individuals are displaced from their homes and businesses. Our skilled and proficient technicians have easy access to top-of-the-line equipment to deliver efficient and high-quality services, ensuring that clients can resume their normal routine as safely and quickly as possible.
For those residing in Hudson Valley of NY who have been impacted by water damage, First Call Restoration can provide prompt and reliable assistance. Our team possesses the necessary expertise, equipment and experience to restore properties to their pre-damage condition ASAP.
Call us now on (845) 442-6714 for more information about our water removal process and for a consultation.