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structural drying after water

What Steps are Involved in the Structural Drying Process?

Flooding can cause significant damage in the home, especially if it’s not addressed immediately. It can ruin flooring, drywall and framing, which is why you need to act fast. At Texas Elite Restoration, our goal is to minimize water damage and help you recover from flooding. To do this, structural drying in Harlingen TX is often necessary. 

The purpose of structural drying is to remove excess moisture from building materials in a reasonable amount of time. You might need these services if your home suffers water damage from a tropical storm, torrential downpour, faulty appliance or broken pipe. Fortunately, our team will be there quickly to assess the situation and start the drying process.

No matter the size or scope of your project, structural drying involves four main steps. Let’s discuss what they are so that you can prepare and know what to expect during the process. 

Water Extraction 

The first step in the process is to extract the water from your home. The fastest and easiest way to do this is by using pumps. These aren’t just ordinary pumps – they are industrial-strength pumps that can suck water from carpet. Ignoring this step and using only ventilation will slow down the process and lead to less desirable outcomes.  

Evaporation

After removing sitting water, the surfaces in your home will still be damp. Powerful fans are used to increase airflow in the home, helping the water evaporate. Without this air movement, the water will continue to saturate your surfaces. Not only will this add time onto the drying process, but it can also start the growth of mold and mildew

Dehumidification 

Dehumidification is another critical step in the structural drying process. Even though the water has been lifted and dried, there are still vapors in the air. This moisture can trap itself inside building materials and promote mold growth. Dehumidifiers draw in and cool down moist air. This converts the vapor back into water where it can be collected for disposal. 

Temperature Management 

Finally, it’s important to maintain a consistent temperature, as warmer temperatures allow water to evaporate faster. Here at Texas Elite Restoration, we try to stay within the 70 to 90 degree temperature range. This accelerates the evaporation process and releases moisture from building materials. Maintaining a proper temperature is important throughout all the steps, as it allows the equipment to work more effectively. 

Get Structural Drying Services in TX

There are other factors that will affect how quickly your materials dry, including the time of year and the weather outside. Failing to remove all of the water can lead to major problems, such as rot, rust and decay. This is why it’s important to choose a highly qualified and reliable structural drying service in Harlingen TX. Texas Elite Restoration has trained technicians, powerful equipment and efficient techniques that will thoroughly dry out your property. Contact us today to book your appointment!