What Effect Does Moisture Have on Structural Elements in Morris Plains?

10/18/2020 (Permalink)

Contact SERVPRO of East Central Morris County at (973) 887-9100 for professional water cleanup service.

Moisture Can Cause Water Damage to Morris Plains Homes That Experience Water Intrusions

Morris Plains is a quaint borough in New Jersey that is a bedroom community to many people commuting to New York City. Like any town, it has its share of burst pipes, faulty appliances, and water leaks. This can result in water damage not only to the content of the home but the structure as well. Getting professional help fast is key to preventing serious damage to the residence.

What is the Difference Between Primary & Secondary Damage?
Primary damage occurs when materials come in direct contact with water. Secondary damage takes place when materials get damaged by water vapor, mold infestations, and cosmetic changes that reduce the aesthetics of the surface material. Certain materials are more susceptible to secondary damage than others.

Primary Damage includes problems such as delamination of carpet backings, swelling or buckling of hardwood floors, and rusting of metal surfaces. Secondary damages may include moist and crumbling ceiling tiles, wallpaper softening, and mold growth.

You cannot prevent water damage from direct contact in every situation. But issues resulting from water vapor can be prevented by fast mitigation. SERVPRO technicians who provide water cleanup in Morris Plains use a precise ratio of air movers to dehumidifiers. This ensures the air movers do not push the moisture into the air faster than the dehumidifiers can remove it.

How are Drywall & Insulation Impacted?
The insulating power of the home’s insulation gets lessened by moisture. Depending on the extent of the water damage and the type of insulation involved, it may need removing. Fiberglass insulation is made of a non-porous material that allows it to be dried successfully in many cases. This restores its effectiveness. There are mitigating factors that can prevent the successful drying of fiberglass installation, such as vapor barriers, which slow the process. It is challenging to dry insulation in ceiling cavities and enclosed walls. SERVPRO technicians have the equipment and experience to determine the best procedure for removing moisture from structural elements.

Drywall cavities require ventilation to dry properly. Technicians can implement techniques such as:
    •    Removing baseboards
    •    Drilling holes between the studs
    •    Forcing air into holes to increase evaporation
    •    Controlled demolition of saturated areas

Moisture meters help determine if there is moisture in the walls. Other detection equipment adds insight to the amount, water migration, and developing mold issues.

What Key Factors Play a Role in Drying?
Drying a home as quickly as possible is always our goal. But specific components play a role in how the building gets dried and by what methods. During water cleanup, SERVPRO crews take all aspects of the process into consideration to determine optimum drying procedures. This includes:
•    Extraction – Removing as much water as is possible by using pumps, extraction wands, rovers, and other equipment. It is easier to remove water physically than to remove it from the air.
•    Humidity – Relative humidity (RH) is the amount of moisture in the air, at a given temperature, at the moment tested. The ideal RH range is 30% - 60%.
•    Air Movement – Damp, humid air slows evaporation. Blowing warm, dry air with air movers helps push the damp air out and is crucial to proper drying.
•    Temperature – The temperature in the home needs to be between 70 degrees and 90 degrees. Technicians can use portable heaters or air conditioners to bring the residence to the required temperature.

Our technicians are well-trained in understanding the role each of these plays in water restoration to a home. Industrial strength equipment and advanced technology provide the tools in which to implement that knowledge. When you hire SERVPRO, you know you are getting a team with the experience and expertise to do the job well.

What Does Water Damage Do to Items Such as Furniture?
Not all water intrusions are severely damaging to the furniture, but it can have an impact, even in minor ways. Kitchens may have tables, chairs, and cabinets that come in contact with water. Couches, chairs, drapes, and carpets may be affected in other areas of the home. Moisture can cause:
    •    Stained upholstery
    •    Warped and buckled wood items
    •    Rusted metal if not dealt with promptly
    •    Waterlogged cushions and linens
    •    Potential mold growth on damp items

There is always the possibility of hidden water damage as moisture can migrate into unseen areas. This often impacts structural elements. It is critical to get professional water cleanup to avoid more significant problems than initially occurred. Let SERVPRO provide an assessment of your situation and recommend a course of water cleanup action.

Contact SERVPRO of East Central Morris County at (973) 887-9100 for professional water cleanup service. We are licensed and bonded – Contractor Licenses: General: 13VH06046200.  We’re Faster to Any Size Disaster!