Structural Drying

Structural drying is the process of removing excess moisture and humidity from a building's structural components—walls, floors, and ceilings—that have been wet from water damage. For Spokane Valley, with its installation of Climate Zone 5A and 5B, that structural drying needs to happen quickly, lest mold start growing; lest the wet walls and other components start rotting, warping, or deteriorating in some other way; and lest the property begin suffering more long-term sorts of "water damage" that aren't covered by a flood or homeowner's insurance policy.

The structural drying process can take several days to more than a week, depending on the extent of water damage and types of materials affected. Advanced drying equipment and techniques used in Spokane Valley can speed up the drying process. Moisture removal, however, requires close to perfect judgment on the part of the monitor. If excessive moisture is present and overlooked, restoration concerns will be raised. If these problems and excessive moisture are not addressed before the beginning of the structural drying process, water and warping signs may appear in the not-so-distant future.

Structural drying is the process of removing moisture and restoring normal humidity conditions using specialized equipment. The main tools of structural drying include: 1. High-capacity air movers that are the same in design and function as the industrial fan. 2. Dehumidifiers that are designed to remove large quantities of moisture from the air. 3. Moisture meters and infrared cameras used to identify and monitor the areas of moisture during the drying process.

Although a few drying tasks with small water volume can be handled by homeowners, water damage that has affected an area significantly almost always requires the help of professionals.In Spokane Valley, when you hire a certified professional, you can be sure they will use advanced equipment and techniques and that the drying process will be done efficiently and thoroughly.Experts evaluate concealed moisture and head off problems that could mushroom into growth of mold or a half-strength structure.If you attempt to solve problems yourself and lack experience, you could end up with a solution that's only half-done. This can lead to a downhill escalation of trouble. You might call in an expert to do it right, but you'll be paying for something that could have been avoided, had a qualified person done the work in the first place.

Several indicators exist that a building in Spokane Valley might need structural drying. These include visible water stains or dampness on walls, ceilings, or floors and a musty smell that is a sign of mold growth. Other clues point to the need for immediate attention and include peeling paint or wallpaper, the warping of materials like wood flooring, and an increase in indoor humidity levels.

The structural drying process is significantly influenced by the Spokane Valley's climate, which features distinct seasonal changes and heavy rainfalls. "These influencers drive the Spokane Valley's indoor relative humidity and substantiate our several existing pathways to drying levels within fully constructed spaces," says John Mielcarek, Mielcarek Construction and Consulting, Spokane Valley, WA. As he explains, professionals adjust their methods based on the heavy precipitation and snowfall during the winter months and the hotter, dried-out summer months that follow.

In Spokane Valley, if you want structural drying from a water damages company, the insurance you have may or may not cover that.The reason for the "may not" is this:Many homeowners and property owners insurance policies do cover sudden and accidental water damage—like where a pipe bursts or an appliance fails. Most policies, however, do not cover damage that's the result of a long-term leak or lack of maintenance.

To lessen the possibility of requiring structural drying, it is vital to maintain and take proactive measures to assure that all systems are in good working order. This means checking for and repairing leaks in a timely fashion. Ensuring that all gutters and downspouts are clear and in good working order. And if your house has any areas that are particularly prone to flooding, like a basement, putting in some kind of water detection system that will alert you to when something's going wrong.

Extracting water and drying structures are two different but closely related processes that are often used in conjunction to reduce and rectify water damage.Extracting water means quickly getting rid of water that is just sitting there. You use pumps to pull it out and vacuums to suck it up. You do this right away to take care of as much water as you can before it has a chance to seep into places where you don't want it.Afterward, structural drying takes place. Air movers and dehumidifiers do their best to remove as much moisture as possible from the building materials. They also help to stabilize the humidity in the affected area and the surrounding areas.The structural integrity of a property cannot be restored, nor can further damage be prevented, without both of these processes.

When a structural professional provides drying services in Spokane Valley, they will first conduct a moisture damage assessment. This is done with specialized equipment, like moisture meters and infrared cameras, to really understand the depth and breadth of the moisture problem.They will then use air movers, dehumidifiers, and other tools to get the affected areas dry in a timely manner.Ensure expected progress in the process by monitoring periodically and adjusting equipment settings as necessary.The service wraps up with a last look at the place to ensure it's dried out enough to go on to the next step, which might be some kind of restoration. It's them saying, "Okay, we're done drying. Now you guys can do whatever it is you do to make that place livable again."