Structural drying equipment, including air movers, dehumidifiers, and specialized injection systems, is used to remove moisture from a property’s air and materials after water damage, preventing mold growth and further structural damage.
Why Proper Drying Matters
Simply extracting standing water is not enough. Building materials like drywall, wood framing, and subflooring can hold moisture well after the surface appears dry, and mold can begin growing within 24 to 48 hours if that moisture isn’t removed. Professional drying equipment is sized and placed specifically to dry a space faster and more thoroughly than passive air-drying.
Types of Drying Equipment
| Equipment | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Air movers | Circulate high-velocity air across wet surfaces to speed up evaporation |
| Low-grain refrigerant (LGR) dehumidifiers | Pull moisture out of the air, especially effective in cooler, more humid conditions |
| Injectidry systems | Direct air into hard-to-reach cavities like wall voids, subfloors, and cabinetry |
| Air scrubbers | Filter airborne particles and odors during drying, often paired with mold-related jobs |
How Drying Time Is Determined
Rather than running equipment for a fixed number of days, our technicians monitor moisture levels daily using meters and hygrometers, and adjust equipment placement based on those readings. Drying is considered complete when affected materials reach a moisture level consistent with dry, unaffected reference materials in the same property, not simply when the space looks or feels dry.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does structural drying typically take? Most residential water damage jobs take three to five days to dry fully, though this varies based on the extent of the damage and the materials affected.
Can I just use household fans instead of professional equipment? Household fans can help with air circulation but are not powerful enough to fully dry structural materials or reach wall cavities the way professional-grade equipment can.
Will running drying equipment increase my electric bill? There is some added electricity cost during the drying period, but this is standard for water damage restoration and is typically outlined in the restoration estimate.
Structural drying is included in every water damage restoration project we complete.