Rate of evaporation for water intrusion causing water damage
Rate of evaporation for water intrusion causing water damage
Each water intrusion involves different materials, a different source of water, and a different quantity of moisture - amd each situation requires a unique and specific equipment set-up. The key when determining how much equipment to place initially is in knowing the potential evaporation rate. If evaporation rates will be slow, less equipment will be needed to remove the boundary layers and moisture from wet surfaces. On the other hand, if evaporation is rapid, more dehumidification and air movement will be needed to deal with the moisture being removed from the wet materials.
A wet structure will often contain areas of both rapid and slow evaporation, presenting a variety of drying challenges. When this is the case, a variety of systems are employd, each tailored to a specific challenge.
A tool used to determine equipment needs is water classification. Classes of water describe the potential rate of evaporation based upon the amount of water present and the type of material affected. Equipment types and quantities are then determined based upon the potential rate of evaporation defined by each class.
Restorative drying companies such as Hi-Tech National Flood Relief use the most efficient drying systems and they are successful becasue they save money for customers and reduce liability on every drying job. The best professionals manipulate and control as many factors as possible in their drying system to finish each job as soon as practical.
Several systems can be used to control humidity and temperature in a drying environment. Choosing the appropriate system is a critical component to successful structure drying.
Source of article: "New Guide to Restorative Drying" DriEaz Education