Posted by Ashley Peden on Nov 11th 2020
In recent years, there has been growing demand on restoration contractors to dry faster. A series of articles written by our friend Kris Rzesnoski, VP at Encircle, take a deeper look into “The Myth of 3-Day Drying” that has perpetuated throughout the insurance industry in recent years.
Effective communication between the insurer and the contractor can, in most cases, clear up this misconception. The more effective the explanation, the more trust there is in the process, the timeline and the contractor carrying out the work.
In a Category 1 (“clean water”) loss, it is often unnecessary to tear out building materials to dry out the space. Disaster Restoration professionals with IICRC credentials such as Applied Structural Drying Certification (ASD), have trained to use specialty equipment to dry the building materials in place. While this process will most often take longer than 3 days, there is still a significant value to the property owner and the insurer by removing the need for costly replacement materials and extended timelines to schedule installation for the re-build.
Inspection and Specialty Drying Equipment has come a long way over the years. Let’s check out some of this technology now:
Instrumentation
Infrared Technology: Infrared Cameras have become an invaluable tool for moisture mapping and documentation. Infrared Cameras detect changes in surface temperature. Evaporative cooling is the principal that makes water damage hard to hide from an infrared camera. Of course, cool spots can also be caused by other sources such as disturbed or missing insulation so it is still important to back up your infrared documentation with your moisture meter readings. With this in mind, Flir’s MR176 offers a moisture meter with infrared imaging built right in!
Remote Monitoring: With a global pandemic adding one more complexity to drying projects, Phoenix has launched their Drylink system to help you track your equipment, monitor the drying progress. This system includes a free, job-based drying app and Dryphone that connects to Bluetooth enabled equipment giving you the long-range power to manage equipment and take accurate readings remotely. If you don’t own the bluetooth-enabled equipment, no problem! Simply pick up Phoenix DryTags or Drytag RH to add to your existing equipment.
Documentation: Matterport 3D Cameras are an essential tool to improve documentation and communication. The Matterport Pro 2 camera allows you to scan an entire property to create a 3D model that you can refer back to throughout the claim cycle. Share your 3D model to collaborate with engineers, adjusters, contractors or policyholders. With a complete record of the property’s condition, including contents, you can reduce discrepancies and expedite the claim process.
Equipment
Desiccant Dehumidification: While this technology is not new, it is still an essential part of a professional contractor’s equipment fleet. In colder drying conditions, LGR refrigerant dehumidifiers are limited by their operating temperature that is only optimal between 33F and 110F. Desiccant dehumidifiers such as the Dri-Eaz Dritec 4000i or the Phoenix D385, can operate in conditions as cold as -10F. They are also highly effective for pulling bound water out of dense building materials like hardwood, brick, ceramic tiles or concrete.
Floor and Wall Cavity Drying: High pressure drying systems have been a staple for many years to target areas where there is hidden moisture such as walls, ceilings, floors and behind cabinets. We have seen improvements in the efficiency of this equipment as well as quieter operation. Check out the HP-Plus from Injectidry. Dry up to 100 linear feet with one system!
Portable Electric Heat: Controlling temperature is a key component of the drying process. When you raise the temperature of air, it allows for more grains of water to be present in that space. This helps to move moisture trapped in building materials into the air where we can capture it through dehumidification. New portable electric heaters, like the Phoenix Compact 20 make adding heat to a space safer, more portable and user friendly. Other tools such as Injectidry’s Infrared Heat panels help put heat right to the source of trapped moisture to enhance evaporation.
Safety Express is your solutions provider for your restorative drying! Reach out today to learn more about any of the products listed above or to find out more about IICRC Applied Structural Drying Certification.
