Drying Out Your Water-Damaged Home
How long does it take to dry out water damage in your home? A frequently asked question that needs a clear answer.
Water damage can be a pain a homeowner has to deal with. Its aftermath is very challenging and frustrating. Not only do you have to deal with its short-term problems, but also its effects in the long run. When not addressed immediately, water can further damage and affect the entire structural integrity of your home, plus the mold that starts thriving and poses health risks to your family.
As a homeowner, you might be worried and impatient about getting your life back to normal and the biggest question you might have in your mind now is: how long does it take to dry out water damage in your home? This article will help you understand how long the drying process would take and some methods you can use to dry out your water-damaged home.
How Long Does It Take To Dry Out Water Damage
Water damage drying is the major job in the entire restoration process. It takes the longest time and should be done thoroughly. Depending on the affected area and the size of the water involved, the drying process takes up between 12 hours to 72 hours.
Areas that are not fully saturated with water can dry faster than those that are fully saturated. That same goes for the size of the affected area. Smaller areas tend to dry out faster than larger areas.
It is also important to consider the equipment used in drying water damage. For instance, you are using a single fan to dry out your basement. Drying the area could take days or even weeks. Whereas, drying a basement with six fans and dehumidifiers could only take 12 to 24 hours.
Water Damage Drying: Learn the Methods
There are several ways of drying a water-damaged home. In some cases, it is best to use a combination of different methods to ensure that the area is properly dry and help reduce the process. Here are some ways to dry out water damage.
Dehumidifying
Dehumidification is the process of removing moisture from the air and surrounding materials in the affected area. After the water is completely extracted, dehumidifiers are placed in the affected area. This method is one of the most effective and safest ways of drying out a water-damaged property.
Using Fans
Placing fans in the affected area is very effective as it can help maintain air circulation. The air inside your home can hold moisture but when it cools down, the moisture will evaporate. So, it is important to remove the moisture away from the affected area to dry out water damage. However, using fans to dry out a home can be dangerous if mold is present. The application of forceful air can cause mold spores to spread and multiply quickly. Thus, it is important to ensure that there is no mold growing in your home before using fans.
Air Drying
Air drying is a simpler and easier method of drying a water-damaged home. It is only about opening windows and doors. However, it is not effective for homes with high levels of humidity. This method works well during a dry and sunny season, where the heat of the sun can dry out water-damaged areas.
Tips For Drying Out A Home
- Always wear protective gear. Your safety is very important. You should at least wear gloves, boots, and a face mask.
- Act fast. If you are drying your home on your own, start the cleanup process immediately. If you are hiring professionals, contact them right away. The longer water sits in your home, the greater damage it can take.
- You should work in sections. To ensure that you won’t miss anything when drying the water damage, it is best if you do it in sections. Begin at a certain end of a room and go all the way to another end and start from the top to bottom.
- Be very careful with electricity. Keep in mind that water and electricity don’t mix. Make sure to turn off the power supply to the affected area before you start cleaning. Keep electrical appliances away from the water. Contact a professional electrician if needed.
Get Professional Help!
The drying process is often tricky and challenging. Not being able to see or feel the water in the area does not mean it is completely dry. Moisture can get trapped behind walls and continuously cause damage to your property. Molds might be hiding and slowly eating up the building materials and destroying the indoor air quality of your home.
Whether it is moderate or severe damage, it is best to call in professionals. Professional water damage restoration companies, like Superior Restoration of Corona, are equipped with the proper tools and methods. We have a team of experts that can handle any size of the disaster. Rest assured that your home is back to normal condition. Contact us today!
