Reducing Mould Risk: Where To Place Water Damage Equipment
By: Brothers Equipment & Supply
Excess moisture is one of the leading causes of mould growth in homes and businesses. When water damage occurs, acting quickly is essential to prevent long-term structural issues and health hazards.
Proper placement of water damage equipment, such as dehumidifiers and air movers, plays a crucial role in drying affected areas efficiently. Failure to position equipment correctly can prolong moisture retention, increasing the risk of mould growth.
Let’s get right into it!
Mould thrives in damp environments, particularly in areas with high humidity levels above 60%. Once water damage occurs, spores can begin growing within 24 to 48 hours.
The Canadian Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC) states that moisture control is the most effective way to prevent mould in buildings. By properly positioning water damage equipment, moisture can be eliminated before mould has a chance to spread.
Delaying water damage mitigation increases repair costs and creates unsafe living conditions. According to the Insurance Bureau of Canada, water damage is the most common home insurance claim, accounting for nearly half of all property-related claims.
Using dehumidifiers, air movers, and moisture meters immediately after water exposure can prevent severe damage and costly repairs.
Certain areas of a building are more susceptible to mould growth due to poor ventilation and prolonged moisture exposure. Basements, crawl spaces, attics, and bathrooms are common problem areas.
If water damage occurs in these spaces, placing drying equipment correctly is vital to ensure moisture is completely removed.
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Dehumidifiers are one of the most effective tools for removing excess moisture from the air. They work by drawing in humid air, extracting water, and releasing dry air back into the environment. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recommends maintaining indoor humidity between 30% and 50% to prevent mould growth.
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Air movers accelerate the drying process by increasing air circulation. These high-powered fans direct airflow over wet surfaces, helping to evaporate moisture quickly. Proper placement of air movers is critical for ensuring that water does not settle into building materials and lead to hidden mould growth.
Moisture meters measure the level of water saturation in materials such as drywall, wood, and flooring. These devices help determine whether water damage equipment is effectively reducing moisture levels.
According to the Institute of Inspection, Cleaning, and Restoration Certification (IICRC), materials should be dried to their normal moisture content levels to prevent mould and structural damage.
Dehumidifiers should be placed in the centre of the affected area to maximize moisture absorption. If dealing with a particularly wet space, positioning multiple dehumidifiers around the perimeter can enhance efficiency.
Keeping doors and windows closed while the dehumidifier is running ensures that the device focuses on extracting moisture from the targeted area.
Air movers should be placed at a 45-degree angle towards wet surfaces to promote even drying. Positioning them too close to a wet area can create uneven airflow, leading to slower drying in some sections. For larger spaces, placing air movers in a circular or “V” formation helps distribute air more effectively.
In small rooms, using a single dehumidifier along with one or two strategically placed air movers is often sufficient. However, larger spaces or commercial buildings may require multiple units positioned evenly throughout the area. Placing air movers near baseboards and under furniture ensures that no hidden moisture remains.
Using too many dehumidifiers and air movers in a confined space can disrupt airflow and reduce efficiency. Proper spacing allows air to circulate freely and prevents moisture from getting trapped in certain areas. Following manufacturer guidelines for optimal equipment placement ensures effective drying.
While keeping doors and windows closed helps dehumidifiers work efficiently, some areas may require controlled ventilation. If using air movers in conjunction with dehumidifiers, slightly opening doors can help maintain balanced airflow. Ventilation also prevents trapped moisture from lingering in pockets within walls or ceilings.
Humidity levels change throughout the drying process, so adjusting equipment placement is necessary. Using moisture meters to check different areas of the room helps determine whether equipment needs to be repositioned. If an area is drying slower than others, relocating air movers or increasing dehumidification power can improve results.
Humidity sensors provide real-time readings of moisture levels in the air and materials. Placing sensors at different heights in the room helps ensure all areas are drying evenly. Consistently monitoring these levels allows for proper adjustments to water damage equipment.
If certain areas remain damp longer than others, repositioning air movers or adding additional dehumidifiers may be necessary. Checking moisture readings frequently helps optimize equipment placement and ensures the fastest drying time.
If moisture levels remain high after 48 hours, equipment may need to be adjusted. Musty odours, condensation buildup, or visible damp spots indicate that moisture is still present. Ensuring that equipment is operating at the correct settings and positioned effectively can resolve these issues.
How Long Should Water Damage Equipment Be Left In Place?
The drying time depends on the severity of the water damage, but most areas require at least 24 to 72 hours of continuous drying. Monitoring moisture levels ensures that drying is complete before removing equipment.
What Is The Best Way To Prevent Mould After Water Damage?
Using dehumidifiers, air movers, and moisture meters immediately after water exposure helps prevent mould. Keeping humidity levels below 50% reduces the chances of mould growth.
Can Air Movers And Dehumidifiers Be Used Together?
Yes, using air movers and dehumidifiers together accelerates the drying process. Air movers circulate moisture into the air, while dehumidifiers remove excess humidity.
Where Should I Place A Dehumidifier In A Water-Damaged Area?
Dehumidifiers should be placed in the centre of the affected area or near the source of moisture. Keeping it away from walls and ensuring proper airflow improves efficiency.
How Do I Know If An Area Is Fully Dry?
Using a moisture meter to check materials such as drywall and flooring helps determine if an area is dry. Humidity sensors can also confirm that moisture levels are within the recommended range.
What Is The Ideal Humidity Level To Prevent Mould Growth?
Indoor humidity should be maintained between 30% and 50% to prevent mould and mildew. Dehumidifiers help regulate these levels effectively.
How Can I Speed Up The Drying Process After Water Damage?
Increasing airflow with fans and air movers, using multiple dehumidifiers, and maintaining consistent room temperature speeds up the drying process.
Can I Use A Household Fan Instead Of Professional Equipment?
Household fans are not powerful enough to dry significant water damage. Professional-grade air movers and dehumidifiers are necessary for effective moisture removal.
Is It Necessary To Use Moisture Meters?
Yes, moisture meters ensure that all damp areas are properly dried. Without them, hidden moisture may remain, leading to potential mould growth.
How Often Should I Check Water Damage Equipment During Use?
Moisture levels should be checked every few hours to ensure drying progress. Adjusting equipment placement based on moisture readings improves efficiency.
Proper placement of water damage equipment is crucial for preventing mould growth and structural damage. Dehumidifiers, air movers, and moisture meters must be positioned strategically to ensure even drying. By monitoring humidity levels and making necessary adjustments, businesses and homeowners can effectively eliminate moisture before it leads to long-term problems. Investing in professional water damage mitigation techniques ensures faster drying times and a safer indoor environment.
If you have any questions about our article “Reducing Mould Risk: Where To Place Water Damage Equipment” or about water damage equipment, feel free to contact us at 1-416-912-2205 or message us on social media!
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