How We Know the Water Cleanup Process is Complete

The Three Keys to a Successful Water Cleanup Project

Flood damage restoration experts know that every step in the water cleanup project is critical: the analysis, setup, drying, monitoring, and reevaluation. Reevaluation is the final step in the water remediation process, when the project leader determines if the affected areas are restored to their pre-loss state. This important final step is where the final decision is made, and the water damage is finally eliminated.

There are three major factors or criteria for determining whether or not the area is “dry” and the water contamination is no longer present. All three of these conditions must absolutely be met before a water damage professional will consider the water cleanup effort accomplished.

Water damaged areas must be returned to a pre-loss state in order for the water cleanup process to be completed.

Building Materials are at their Equilibrium Moisture Content

“Equilibrium moisture content” is the point at which the building material is no longer saturated, gaining, or losing any moisture, and is a function of both temperature and the humidity of the surrounding air.

Why is this so Important?

Ensuring the building materials are at their equilibrium moisture content is essential because once this point is reached, the water damaged area will no longer support the growth of mold or mildew.

Interior Ambient Room Conditions are Considered “Normal”

Ambient room conditions must be returned to a normal, stable, pre-loss state in order for the water damage reevaluation process to be completed. This is the primary goal of most water cleanup projects and the hope of any client: for things to be exactly as they were before the flooding event. Ambient room conditions are also a function of temperature and relative humidity, with 50% RH to 70 degrees Fahrenheit considered normal and common for the San Diego area.

Why is this so Important?

Without normal and stable ambient room conditions, the affected area may not fully recover from the water damage, which can lead to the growth of fungal organisms and a hazardous environment.

Affected Areas can Achieve Stability without the Further Use of Drying Equipment

Before any drying equipment can be removed, it must be determined that the water damage must no longer poses a threat because the room is stabilized and able to reach equilibrium without the further aid of the equipment. This is also considered a “pre-loss state,” because the interior conditions are healthy and self-regulating, just like they were before the water cleanup project began.

Why is this so Important?

If the room cannot achieve stability on its own, the equipment must remain with continued support and monitoring, meaning the water cleanup process is not complete. If the equipment is removed prematurely, the room could undergo further damage trying to reach equilibrium.