How long until it’s dry? Professional water damage restoration

There are too many variables involved.  To say that all structural materials and contents can be dried within three days is preposterous.  The structure is dry when the meters say it’s dry.  And this can take anywhere from two to six days.

According to the IICRC S500 Standard and Reference Guide for Professional Water Damage Restoration, DRY STANDARD is defined as “A reasonable approximation of conditions prior to the moisture intrusion, or by comparing moisture content conditions in unaffected areas of the building.” IICRC S500 Stands Section 4 (blue pages) states:

4.2.2 DOCUMENT CONDITIONS AND WORK PROCEDURES:

 4.2.2.1 INITIAL INSPECTION

Upon entering the building, professional moisture detection equipment should be used to evaluate the document the psychometric conditions inside and outside the building and the moisture content of materials in affected and unaffected areas.

Restorers should evaluate and document the sources and time of the water intrusion, visible material deterioration, pre-existing damage and microbial growth. Professional moisture detection equipment should be used to evaluate and document the extent of water migration intrusion into building materials and contents.

Restorers should establish moisture content or drying goals for affected building materials and contents at the start of the restoration process. If possible, it’s recommended that agreements be made with materially-interested parties to the approximation of conditions prior to the moisture intrusion, or by comparing moisture content conditions in unaffected areas of the building.

4.2.2.2 ONGOING INSPECTION(S)

Restorers should record, calculate and document moisture measurements required to adequately monitor the drying process. Measurements should be taken at reasonable intervals, preferably daily. Using this information, appropriate adjustments to the -drying system should be made.

4.2.2.3 FINAL INSPECTION (COMPLETION)

Materials are considered dry when they meet pre-determined drying goals. Drying equip­ment should remain in operation until drying goals have been met.

9.5.2 ESTABLISHING DRYING GOALS

Restorers should establish a dry standard and drying goal for affected structure, systems and contents. Restorers should record and docu­ment moisture measurements. The dry stan­dard is usually determined by taking moisture content readings from known dry materials in an undamaged area or structure, and using these readings to establish a drying goal. 

There are too many variables involved to de­termine exactly how fast a structure will dry. Some building materials are more porous then others. These materials release water more slowly. Outside and inside conditions affect drying times. Hot and humid conditions are going to slow down the drying time. Hot and dry conditions will accelerate drying times.

Using professional restoration firms with certified technicians should ensure that structures are dried as quickly as possible. However, completely and thoroughly drying the struc­ture will always be much more important than how fast the structure dries.