Structural Drying Restoration Service

Structural Drying Restoration Services

When a building’s structural elements get wet from water damage, prompt drying is crucial to prevent secondary damage like mould growth or wood rot. Structural drying requires specialised techniques beyond surface drying of contents and furnishings. Our certified restoration technicians use industry-leading drying equipment and methods to thoroughly dry wet structural components and restore your property. We work with both commercial and residential clients including homeowners, property managers, contractors and insurance agents.

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Causes of Structural Water Damage

Some common causes of water damage requiring structural drying include:

Burst or leaking pipes – This can rapidly soak walls, floors, and other structural components made of wood, concrete and metal. Prolonged leakage causes severe saturation.
Flooding – Water intrusion from heavy rains, overflowing bodies of water or storm surges results in soaked building materials and absorption of water into porous structural components.
Fire suppression systems – Water from sprinklers or connected hoses damages many building structures including drywall, insulation, electrical systems, HVAC ducts and wooden framing.
Backflows of sewage or drains – Sewage backflows are hazardous as they can quickly spread contaminated water through wall cavities, sub-floors and other hard-to-access structural areas.

Principles of Structural Drying

Effective structural drying depends on several restoration principles:

Worker and occupant safety protocols must be followed, including PPE gear and restricted access to unsafe areas. Electrical and structural hazards are identified and mitigated.
Thorough documentation tracks affected materials and drying progress. Initial inspection notes extent of saturation. Regular inspections monitor equipment function and drying.
Mitigation stops ongoing water intrusion and spreads of moisture to undamaged areas. Materials like insulation may be removed to access enclosed wet areas.
Equipment like dehumidifiers, air movers and heaters run continuously to remove moisture from materials and air via evaporation. Airflow and heat accelerates drying time.
Temperatures are controlled for optimal drying. Thermal imaging tracks saturation. Sample materials are tested for dryness before reconstruction.

Drying Materials and Methods

Structural drying is more complex than surface drying due to material density and access limitations:

Dense materials like concrete, metals and woods take longer to fully dry compared to drywall or flooring. Trapped moisture can lead to unseen mold.
Structural components like wall cavities, sub-floors and ceiling spaces are hard to access and dry directly. Specialized drying methods are required.
Our technicians use commercial dehumidifiers and high-volume air movers placed strategically to thoroughly dry all structural materials from the inside out.

Qualifications and Training

We invest heavily in training our restoration technicians:

Technicians are certified by the Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification in Water Damage Restoration.
They undergo hands-on training on critical skills like operating drying equipment, taking moisture readings in materials, and designing drying plans.
Education on building structures, materials and the science behind drying helps them speed up restoration times.
Safety certifications ensure our technicians follow protocols for PPE use, electrical hazards, fall protection and more.

The Drying Process

Our step-by-step structural drying process focuses on complete water removal and moisture control:

Initial inspections assess damage and requirements. A strategic drying plan is made for the specific property.
Water is extracted from accessible areas. Containment stops moisture spread. Porous materials may be removed.
Equipment runs 24/7. Airflow, dehumidification and controlled heat target wet spots. Monitoring ensures optimal function.
Technicians use moisture meters to test areas and verify when structural components achieve desired dryness.
Once dry, surfaces get sanitised and deodorised. Reconstruction and repairs can begin.

Cost Factors

Several variables affect overall costs for structural drying restoration:

Extensive water damage requires more equipment and longer drying times which adds expense.
Dense structural materials are more difficult and slower to dry completely.
Access limitations also prolong the drying process. Some materials may require removal for proper drying.
Large or complex projects require multiple pieces of specialised commercial drying equipment for weeks or months.
Reputable services with extensive qualifications, training and documentation may cost more but also lower risks.

Our Structural Drying Services

As IICRC-certified restoration specialists, we provide:

24/7 rapid response to begin structural drying quickly and mitigate damage
Commercial dehumidification systems, air movers, heaters to dry any affected structure
Thermal imaging, moisture meters and lab drying analysis
Complete documentation for insurance claims
Regular inspection and progress updates