Structural drying & dehumidification in Sacramento, CA

Why is drying more than running fans?

Drying is a controlled process that manages air movement, humidity and temperature, based on the science of psychrometry covered in the ANSI/IICRC S500 standard. Equipment is placed according to the materials and the extent of moisture, then adjusted as readings change. Simply opening windows or pointing a household fan rarely dries wall cavities or subfloors. Structural drying works because dehumidifiers pull moisture out of the air while air movers push it off wet surfaces; without both, a room can feel dry while the framing still holds water.

How do you know when it is dry?

Technicians take moisture readings at the start and repeat them over the job, comparing them with the readings of unaffected materials of the same type. Drying continues until affected materials reach their dry standard. Records of the readings also help support an insurance claim.

How long does it take?

It depends on the amount of water, the materials, the building and the weather, so we cannot give a fixed number before inspecting. See how long structural drying takes for the factors.

What can slow drying down?

Wet insulation trapped in walls, layered flooring, hardwood, plaster, hidden leaks and ongoing water sources all slow drying. Sometimes removing a section of wall or flooring is the fastest way to dry the structure.

For more detail, read how long structural drying takes and when mold starts after water damage. Larger buildings get commercial structural drying.

Structural drying & dehumidification: common questions