We Have The Expertise And Equipment To Restore Your Bridgewater Home

5/26/2021 (Permalink)

Flood damage restoration is a job for a professional outfit. SERVPRO has you covered from start to finish.

Using Humidity to Control Microbial Growth after Flood Damage in Bridgewater

In dealing with excess quantities of water that enter the home, there are two primary methods. The first is an open system that establishes a natural airflow throughout the affected area by opening windows or doors. This method is not always appropriate, especially during the colder times of the year when flood damages are most likely to occur. The second method is a closed system which we use more often when dealing with private property damages.

A closed system service for flood damage in Bridgewater homes involves cordoning off the area of damage using physical barriers like plastic sheeting. At SERVPRO, we call this establishing a contained drying zone which allows us to concentrate our efforts on an area by area basis, thereby increasing efficiency. Plastic sheeting also prevents humid air from circulating into and modifying previously unaffected parts of the home.

Once a drying zone is created, we can use a combination of equipment to help draw out moisture. Hard floors and furnishings can often take on moisture after prolonged exposure. This phenomenon occurs because water naturally migrates from wet to dry. Moisture that is absorbed beneath the surface of a material can be problematic as it encourages microbial growth like mold.

Using the same water moving from wet to dry, SERVPRO technicians can draw moisture from saturated materials. We do this by controlling the relative humidity in a specific area using desiccant dehumidifiers. This equipment uses chemicals to reduce moisture levels in the air to below 40 GPP. Moisture residing inside fabrics or hard floors are then drawn out into the drier air.

To encourage the process of pulling moisture from inside material, your SERVPRO technician can deploy rapid air movers. These blast hot air at a surface level, causing water residues to evaporate. We can measure how effective this process is by using moisture meters and thermal hygrometers. In a closed system, SERVPRO can control humidity with dehumidifiers, thereby reducing the likelihood of expensive secondary damages common with water and flood damages.

Controlling humidity in property involves both expertise and equipment. Contact SERVPRO of Bridgewater at (908) 222-2020 to arrange service.