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!