How Evaporation Works
The U.S. EPA says, “Evaporation is the process that changes liquid water to gaseous water (water vapor). Water moves from the Earth’s surface to the atmosphere via evaporation.” Is there more to it? For your home, yes. While there is science to evaporation, and entire industries are dedicated to studying and implementing the science, when things get wet, such as from a failed sump pump, a broken pipe, or water intrusion issues, understanding evaporation and using that knowledge is essential. If you get light water damage, such as something covering a few feet, you will probably attempt to dry it yourself. Whatever you do, make sure you get it completely dry. This is where the science comes in. Evaporation is increased with both air flow and dehumidification. You may have a small dehumidifier, but there is no doubt you have a few fans. By moving air across the wet surface and relying on a dehumidifier to remove the water from the air, you increase evaporation. However, removing water from a surface and not dehumidifying the air means it will take everything longer to dry. When water damage occurs, it’s critical to work on removing the moisture and restoring property right away. This is tough to do without the right equipment, not even considering the time involved. Let the pros do it. If your home has a basement, you probably have moisture. You need to manage that. Opening windows isn’t usually a good option. Installing effective dehumidifiers is one of the best ways to keep a basement dry all the time. You can increase their effectiveness with airflow to move the air around. If your basement walls are constantly wet, it would be smart to have an inspection by an expert who specializes in dry basements. Shop around and look at the reviews. This could get expensive but could also be necessary. Professional contractors use professional tools for almost all water damage or other moisture issues. They have specialized equipment, such as air movers and dehumidifiers, and they have methods to monitor the drying process. These professionals create optimal conditions for evaporation, including controlled temperature, airflow, and humidity levels during the job. So call your favorite restoration company. You don’t want more damage to occur, and you don’t want mold to grow. After all, it pays to call a pro! How Mold Works
Mold is everywhere. It’s easy to spot if out in the open; you can smell the mustiness. While it can hide, such as behind walls, it doesn’t stay just on the surface … mold spores travel, and some have severe reactions to any exposure. Ubiquitous in the natural environment, mold serves a vital role outdoors by breaking down dead organic matter, such as fallen leaves and trees. However, mold growth poses a significant concern where you don’t want mold (indoors). Because of how mold grows, with tiny, invisible spores that drift through outdoor and indoor air, mold finds fertile ground for growth when landing on wet surfaces. The United States Environmental Protection Agency says this about mold: “Molds reproduce by means of tiny spores; the spores are invisible to the naked eye and float through outdoor and indoor air. Mold may begin growing indoors when mold spores land on surfaces that are wet. There are many types of mold, and none of them will grow without water or moisture.” Identifying types of molds is a challenge, as they come in all shapes, sizes, colors, and more. Professional mold remediators are experts at identification. Mold is not considered a plant. It is considered a fungus, but like a plant, it needs a food source and certain conditions to grow. If you have a dark, warm area and add some moisture to it, along with a food source such as wood products or even dirt, you have the recipe for mold. The challenge with mold, whether avoiding it or removing it, lies in moisture management. The presence of mold in your home necessitates prompt cleanup and removal of any water-related issues. Many experts say drying water-damaged areas and items within 24-48 hours of the damage occurring is important to prevent mold growth. Health concerns warrant attention. Consulting a health professional before commencing cleanup is advisable, especially if pre-existing health conditions are a concern. While molds are a natural part of the environment, their presence indoors demands proactive measures. Through effective moisture control and timely cleanup, in conjunction with consulting professionals, homeowners can minimize the risks associated with mold growth, ensuring a safer and healthier living environment for everyone in the home. If you ever do have any water intrusion issues and especially with mold concerns, do the right thing. Call your favorite disaster restoration company. After all, it pays to call a pro! How Flash Floods Work
This is the time of the year when we need to think about the possibilities of heavy snowfall, rain, and especially spring flooding, such as flash floods, which could be right around the corner. Flooding is a natural disaster that can devastate homes, causing extensive damage and chaos for your family. Understanding how to first prevent and, if the unthinkable does occur … recover from flooding is essential for homeowners. Let’s look at what flooding is and where and when it can occur so you can analyze your own situation and prepare—if needed. Flooding occurs when an overflow of water inundates land that is typically dry. Various factors, including heavy rainfall, coastal waves, rapid snowmelt, or the failure of dams and levees, can trigger it. Floods can wreak havoc with as little as a few inches of water or submerge entire houses, lasting for days, weeks, or even longer. Floods are the most widespread of all weather-related natural disasters. Flash floods are hazardous as they combine the destructive force of floods with incredible speed. These occur when heavy rainfall exceeds the ground's ability to absorb it. Flash floods can also result from water filling ordinarily dry creeks or streams or when streams overflow their banks, causing rapid water rises within a short timeframe. These events can unfold within minutes, leaving little time for public warning and protection. The only good news here is this doesn’t occur everywhere, but you should know if you are in a zone that could be affected. Do your research. Areas at Risk The first would be densely populated areas. Urban development, including buildings, highways, and parking lots, increases runoff by reducing ground absorption and elevating the risk of flash floods. The failure of storm drains is also a concern. In cities and towns, underground routing of streams into storm drains can overflow during heavy rain, flooding nearby roads and buildings. Even low spots can be a concern, such as underpasses, underground parking garages, basements, and low-water crossings. Areas near rivers, mountainous regions, and when dams release water for safety reasons, are all concerns as well. If your home is in the pathway of possible water, prepare your home with smart landscaping and other means to keep water from entering. What You Can Do While the risk of flooding is always there, you can prepare. Having a professional restoration company on your side will help bring your damaged home back to pre-flood condition. Contact your favorite restoration company and get their help if something does happen. After all, it pays to call a pro! |
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