Addressing Water Damage In Buildings In A Timely Manner!

The importance of addressing Water Damage in Buildings in a timely manner.

Many believe that building structures and materials will self-dry over time and it is unimportant to address using advanced mitigation services after a water loss occurrence. This is true! Traditionally, many buildings did self-dry over time.

Historically, buildings were constructed using higher quality grade materials such as natural wood, plaster and concrete that have greater durability and resilience to water damage. The structure was more exposed to the interior and exterior ambient environments. Weather conditions also play a major role in the drying process. Thus, self-drying was more common then than now.

Supply and demand for interior design improvement led to many changes in building science. Consideration for design, comfort, efficiency, cost, product availability, technology, safety and weather all play a role. As a result, new synthetic materials are now being used in building assemblies making structures more vulnerable to water damage.

Interior designers focus on aesthetic improvements incorporating an array of wall, floor and ceiling specialty finishes that may in some capacity act as a moisture barrier limiting the ability for the structure to properly dry in place.

Engineers and Architects focus on designing and constructing more efficient, technologically advanced and air tight structures making it more challenging for structural breathing and self-drying.

Building product manufacturers constantly look for ways to produce less expensive products resulting in reduced quality and durability and thus compromising their ability to withstand water damage. Some examples include drywall, press-wood, OSB and engineered wood. Once these materials are affected by water damage, they either need to be removed and replaced or properly dried using restoration strategies and technology. If not properly dried these materials can result in deterioration or microbial growth. Still, the structure behind these materials needs to be addressed and exposed for proper ventilation to dry.

As a result, buildings need professional assistance to properly dry and avoid greater structural and secondary damage after a water loss, now more than ever. A professional restoration expert knows when to dry a materials versus when to remove and replace and how to salvage the structure before it is too late. Several factors such as time, cost, logistics, materials and drying strategies are considered during the restoration evaluation process before drying begins. Drying strategies and dry standard goals need to be established for every material being addressed. The restoration professional needs to prevent over drying or under drying a material while controlling the atmospheric environment to avoid additional damage.

Restoration is both an art and a science and it plays a major role in restoring structures back to normal conditions.

For more information on Water Damage, Mold Remediation and Fire Restoration, send us an email request and we will be glad to assist.