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How to Prevent Humidity in Your Basement and Crawl Space?

How to Prevent Humidity in Your Basement and Crawl Space?

The maximum air you breathe in your home reaches you from your crawl space or basement. It is, therefore, very important to ensure that the air entering your living area is pure and free from any kind of septicity.

If you notice a frowsty odor or mold growth in the crawl space or basement then these are the signs of high humidity.

The high percentage of moisture in the basement can be due to:

  •  standing water caused by poor drainage.
  • moisture evaporating directly from the ground.
  • Improper vent space.

All these factors can cause a nightmare. A great percentage of air moisture can damage your items and can even cause structural damage. It also results in the growth of dust mites, mold, and mildew and increases the rate of rusting.

To prevent yourself from such torment, keep your home clean and the incoming air dry. By controlling the moisture percentage, you can keep your home comfortable, safe, and fresh.

Here are some of the ways that help in developing and implementation of a waterproofing solution and in keeping your home environment hygienic.

Proper Drainage

A proper drainage channel does not allow the rainwater to seep under the foundation and thus prevents the basement from getting wet. To prevent the basement from damping improve the grade near your home with soil.

Insulate the surface of the basement

The high moisture in the basement creates a favorable condition for the growth of molds and mildews on the surface of the wall and floor. Control the moisture by covering it with moisture-proof insulation. Rigid insulation of 1.5 inches is good and the proper taping of the same prevents air and moisture from passing into it.

Cover the floor

Most of the moisture is added to the air of the basement from the ground. It is therefore very important to cover the floor with a heavy and thick plastic cover. Lay the plastic cover in continuous runs and avoid using the cover with holes or gaps in between.

Capping of Foundation wall interior

Cap the interior of the foundation wall with a plastic sheet. Proper galvanization of the sheet further prevents the entry of moisture and the growth of termites on the walls.

Use air mover to dry air

Inappropriate ventilation and the absence of cross ventilation create dampness. To dry the air in the area, you can install an Alorair Zeus 900 air mover at the opening of the crawlspace. Keep the air mover on at least for 10 hours or according to the amount of dampness. This helps in drying the air quickly and effectively.

Keep the crawl space and basement clean

The other way of keeping moisture away from the crawl space is by cleaning the area regularly. To clean it, regularly replace the wet insulation, remove debris, prevent the invasion of the rodent, and call the professionals immediately if you find any asbestos in the area.

Use Wet and Dry Vacuum

A wet and dry vacuum is a handy and efficient tool for keeping the area dry if the amount of moisture is less. Simply, plug in the unit and turn it on. It sucks all the moisture and collects it in the drum which you can dispose of outside.

Use Dehumidifier

Dehumidifiers are the most effective way of keeping the crawlspace and basement dry and clean. There are many commercially available dehumidifiers that are customized for this purpose. Alorair basement and crawl space dehumidifiers can remove moisture from the air and reduce the humidity level. It is especially useful in humid basements and other houses where moisture is concentrated. The regular operation of the dehumidifier will remove the moisture effectively.

Push-broom

A vacuum dryer is not always a favorable option, since it may have a shorter hose. In that case, push broom comes out to be beneficial. It has a long handle that makes it easy for you to reach a long distance. It brings the water to the front of the crawl space which you can vacuum later. Removal of maximum water prior to drying helps in parching the room better.

Although you keep your home clean but to keep the good hygiene condition it is important to keep the incoming air cool and fresh and free from any kind of infection. Installing Alorair air scrubbers in your home can help improve air quality. Damp and moist air is the source of the growth of bacteria and fungus which can make you fall ill. It is, therefore, necessary to check for the dampness of the basement or crawl area regularly and to keep the same dry and salubrious.

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How to Handle Personal Belongings after Water Damage

How to Handle Personal Belongings after Water Damage？

Water damage to a home can be deeply damaging and disruptive, especially when it impacts cherished personal belongings and memorabilia. Whether caused by a burst pipe, an overflowing toilet, or a larger flood event, standing water poses risks to items it touches through warping, staining, loss of value, and potential mold growth.  The key to recovering personal items after water damage is acting fast once the water has been removed. A timely response is required, as wet items left unattended can face almost total ruin within 48 hours due to mold. This outline guides homeowners and renters on safely assessing water damage, prioritizing item cleanup, and determining what can and cannot be saved.  With the right actions taken as soon as it is safe to do so, many personal possessions that seem doomed after a flood or water leak may survive with cleaning, drying, and disinfecting care. Acting promptly could preserve important documents, electronics, furniture, photos, etc. Assess the Situation  The first step is a full assessment to find the water source like broken pipes, leaky roofs, or flooded grounds. Determine water amount, activity, and spread. Inspect for structural integrity issues such as cracked foundations or buckling walls that require prompt resolution. Documentation of the situation is also important. Take pictures to document the conditions for insurance purposes. Prioritize which flooded rooms or areas need immediate attention, either for safety concerns or to salvage valuable items. By understanding the extent and source of the water, appropriate steps can then be planned to remove standing water, start drying processes, and tackle the items at the highest risk first. Safety First Wear shielding clothing such as rubber boots, gloves, and eye safety when wading through water or holding wet items Do not enter a home or room if there is standing water and the force has not been disconnected. Call an electrician first. Be conscious of hazards like slippery floors, damaged walls or ceilings, and electric shocks near appliances. Watch for mold growth, which can cause health issues like asthma for those with sensitivities. Do not disturb mold without protection. Use fans to vaporize moisture but avoid directly blowing air on moldy materials which can circulate spores. Wash your hands thoroughly after handling items, especially before eating or touching your face. Ventilate areas during drying with open windows and fans. Moisture trapped post-cleanup can encourage new mold. Contact professionals as needed for electrical work, sewage water contamination or structural damage repairs. Remove Water and Dry Out The first step towards drying is removing as much standing water as possible. For small amounts, use wet-dry vacuums or empty buckets and pans regularly. Larger floods may require pumps. Once the water is cleared, open all windows and aim fans, dehumidifiers, and an air solution towards wet areas to increase airflow. These appliances should run continuously until areas are completely dry. These appliances should run continuously until areas are completely dry. Move damaged items from the interior to a covered, well-ventilated location if the home remains damp. Placing furniture and fabrics in direct sunlight can also speed up the drying of natural fibers. Absorbent materials like drywall or carpeting may need replacement if saturation is severe. Monitoring humidity levels ensures areas dry fully to prevent future mold growth. Handling Specific Types of Items Books - Freeze books for 48 hours to kill mold, then air dry slowly by stacking them with paper towels or rags between pages. Documents & Photos - Freeze paper items as well, then air dry away from direct sunlight which can further damage the documents over time. Electronics - Do not power on wet devices. Allow to fully dry for 3-5 days, then consider taking it to a professional for cleaning/repair. Upholstered Furniture - Remove cushions or seats/tops if possible. Rinse with clean water, then air dry in the direct sun if the material allows. Mattresses & Box Springs - Usually not salvageable if soaked. The core material holds mold risks even after drying. Rugs & Carpets - Remove excess water with towels or wet vac. Professional cleaning may be needed for thorough drying and disinfecting. Fabrics - Wash in the hottest water, then dry completely. Dry clean if possible to remove musty odors before storage. Framed items - Remove backings/glass and dry frames, artwork & photos individually. Replace backing/matting if saturated. Disposal of Unrecoverable Items Safely disposing of contaminated materials Any porous materials like furniture, clothing or mattresses that absorbed flood or sewage water must be discarded. Place these, along with other debris, in heavy-duty garbage bags and tie them securely before placing them curbside on scheduled pickup days. Contact local waste authorities for guidelines on bulk item disposal or hazardous materials like paints. Proper methods for hazardous waste Certain cleaning supplies, batteries from devices, fluorescent lights, pesticides, and more require separate handling from regular trash as they could release toxins. Check official disposal stations for these items, as dumping them risks polluting local water and land. Proper identification ensures approved treatments at waste facilities that safely neutralize toxins. Install water alarms or leak detectors It is important to install water alarms or leak detectors as a preventative measure after water damage occurs. These devices can provide an early warning if a future water leak develops. Sensors can be placed near at-risk areas like water heaters, washing machines, unattended pipes in the basement or crawlspace. If a leak is found quickly, it prevents small issues from turning into major water disasters that cause extensive property damage and loss of personal items. Water alarms allow for a fast response to contain flooding and water intrusion. Recycling opportunities Scrap metal pieces from appliances or housing structures can often be recycled for cash at metal yards. Electronics with water damage might still have recyclable parts; look for e-waste recycling programs in your community. Many damaged books can still have pages recycled if covers and binding are removed. Check with local paper mills. Hard plastic items not salvageable post-flood may recoup some material's value if brought to recycling centers. Building materials debris such as drywall, tile, and lumber scraps may be reused in landfill cover or erosion control projects. Contact your waste and recycling facilities for guidelines on what water-damaged items can still contribute valuable recycled commodities. Preventive Measures for Future Incidents In the aftermath of water damage, it is important to make repairs and changes to help safeguard personal belongings long-term. Install backflow valves on main water lines and underground sprinkler systems to block reversed flow. Add protective water sensors tied to automatic shut-off valves near at-risk areas like washing machines and hot water tanks.  Have private sump pumps installed as a backup to municipal drainage if groundwater intrusion occurs. Invest in portable barriers like sandbags, sump plugs and steer dams that can create temporary barriers against rising floodwaters. Maintain home insurance policies and periodically review coverage amounts to ensure the property is appropriately protected from future disasters. Taking preventive measures can help grant years of worry-free housing. Conclusion Recovering from water damage demands careful planning, safety and observing best practices for drying, cleaning and disposal after a thorough initial assessment. This approach allows for well-informed options and increases the potential to salvage valuables and sentimental items despite inevitable losses. Most importantly, implementing preventive measures provides long-term peace of mind against future water calamities. Residents who follow these guidelines can successfully recover from flood and moisture-related disasters.
4 Recommended Equipment for Water Damage Restoration

4 Recommended Equipment for Water Damage Restoration

Water damage can cause serious issues like mold growth if not addressed promptly. For professional water restoration contractors, having the right equipment is essential to efficiently and effectively dry out flooded areas and return affected spaces to a pre-loss condition.  While the specific tools may vary depending on the size and scope of the job, there are four categories of recommended equipment that water restoration specialists rely on for most residential and commercial water damage situations.  Proper water extraction, cleaning and drying gear along with necessary safety equipment allows restoration professionals to safely and thoroughly mitigate water losses and structure impacts. This article will outline the four basic types of essential water restoration equipment contractors should have available for rapid response and remediation of flood and water intrusion incidents. Why is Water Damage Restoration Important? It is crucial to address water damage promptly and properly to prevent further costly issues and health hazards from developing. Standing water after a flood or plumbing leak can wreak havoc if left unattended, as moist environments provide ideal mold and mildew growth conditions. Toxins produced by mold can cause respiratory problems, especially for those with asthma or allergies.  Beyond health concerns, water sitting on floors, walls, and furniture will cause damage through rot and deterioration over time. This can affect the structural integrity of a home or building. Fast professional water removal and drying is important to stop destructive water in its tracks and avoid needing further repairs or complete renovations. How Can we Save Water Damage? When water damage occurs, swift action is necessary to minimize further issues. Initially, stop the water source by turning off leaky faucets or pipes, or repairing roofs or walls. Then pump out standing liquid thoroughly using wet-dry vacuums or buckets. Move any salvageable items to dry locations after sanitizing them.  Set up moisture-removing equipment such as fans, dehumidifiers, and infrared heaters indoors to draw out excess dampness from surfaces and materials including walls, floors, and furnishings. Contacting professional restoration experts promptly permits the remediation of contaminated areas before mold growth through their drying tools and specialized skills. Timely assistance can lower property losses from water disasters. 4 Essential Equipment for Water Damage Restoration Water Extraction Equipment Rapid water extraction is crucial after water damage occurs. Professional restoration contractors rely on strong yet efficient water removal tools. Wet/dry vacuums in various sizes quickly suction up flooded liquid. Portable dehumidifiers are essential to pull moisture from the air. They assist in drying damp building materials like drywall.  Air movers also come in handy. Powerful blowers circulate air continuously, aiding the evaporation process. Together this extraction equipment forms the backbone of the initial water damage response. Contractors choose heavyweight gear for durability and maximum water removal power. Commercial-grade wet/dry vacuums: Commercial-grade wet/dry vacuums are rugged and powerful. They can remove flooded water rapidly from large areas. These heavy-duty vacuums are essential for quickly extracting pooled water after storms or burst pipes. Professional restoration teams rely on their suction strength. Air movers/fans: Air movers and fans are important drying tools. They continuously circulate air around wet materials. This accelerated airflow aids evaporation and drying. Restoration workers use different-sized fans. Both pedestal and floor models help speed up the restoration process. Dehumidifiers: Dehumidifiers are essential equipment after water damage. They pull moisture from the air around soaked materials. This prevents further damage and speeds up the drying process. Restoration specialists use powerful commercial dehumidifiers. They work to lower ambient humidity levels. Moisture Meters Moisture meters are an important tool that professional restoration contractors rely on during the drying process after water damage occurs. They use pinless moisture meters and pin-type moisture meters to accurately measure the moisture content of soaked porous materials like drywall, flooring, and insulation.  Taking regular moisture readings allows contractors to track the progress of drying over time. It ensures that impacted areas are dry enough for cleanup and repairs to begin. Only when follow-up meter readings reveal that moisture levels have dropped below the acceptable thresholds for each particular type of material will remediation efforts such as replacing drywall or flooring get underway. Moisture meters play a vital role in verifying that restoration is complete. Drying Equipment After the water is extracted, restoration professionals utilize specific drying equipment to evaporate the remaining moisture. Desiccant dehumidifiers are large-capacity machines that lower ambient humidity levels, aiding the drying of saturated materials. Portable air conditioners with dehumidifier functions pull moisture from the air and simultaneously keep spaces cool for proper equipment operation. Together this drying equipment works to rapidly reduce water content in porous surfaces like drywall, carpets and wood. Regular moisture meter checks ensure a full dry-out is achieved before repairs can begin. The right post-extraction drying tools are crucial for restoring water-damaged structures comprehensively. Infrared heaters: Infrared heaters are an important drying tool used after water extraction. They provide a targeted source of heat able to accelerate the evaporation of surface moisture. Restoration contractors will set up various infrared heaters around damaged areas. The heaters work to quickly dry wet surfaces through their directed beam of infrared energy. Air Scrubbers Air scrubbers are an important piece of equipment used during mold remediation efforts after water damage occurs. They work to filter particles out of the air and help contain mold spores and other allergens in the impacted area. Restoration contractors will set up air scrubbers with HEPA filters at the entryway to contain remediation zones.  The powerful filtration systems scrub the air as people and equipment move in and out of the working space. This prevents cross-contamination by trapping mold spores that could otherwise spread throughout a building. Air scrubbers play a critical role in ensuring mold clean-up work is conducted safely and effectively. Conclusion Water damage restoration is crucial to mitigate a host of issues that arise from flooded or wet environments if they are left untreated. Beyond potential health hazards like mold growth, standing water can lead to expensive structural damage over time through material degradation and rot.  Professional restoration utilizing the right extraction, drying, and testing equipment is necessary to thoroughly remove moisture, prevent additional complications, and verify repairs can commence safely. A prompt, comprehensive response is important to not only preserve the integrity and value of affected residential or commercial properties but also protect occupants from toxic contaminants. Timely water remediation prevents small problems from worsening into much larger and more costly renovations or rebuild situations down the road.
7 Effective Types of Water Damage Restoration Equipment

7 Effective Types of Water Damage Restoration Equipment

Water damage can wreak havoc on homes and buildings if not repaired promptly. Professional water damage restoration requires the right equipment to extract moisture, dry wet areas, and prevent mold growth. Several essential types of gear are used for effective water damage restoration work. Pumps are used to remove standing and flooded water.  Fans are deployed to speed up the drying process. Dewpoint meters measure moisture levels to determine when an area is fully dried. Thermal imaging cameras locate hidden moisture trapped within walls and floors. Floodlights are needed to work in dark, damp areas.  Respirators and protective suits protect workers from mold, bacteria, and other organic hazards. HEPA vacuum cleaners thoroughly extract dried residue and minimize airborne particles. Having the proper water damage restoration equipment allows professionals to get the job done safely and properly. 1. Thermo-Hygrometers Thermo-hygrometers are essential devices for measuring both temperature and relative humidity during water damage restoration projects. They help professionals determine if an area has fully dried by monitoring these key environmental factors.  The device displays the current temperature and humidity levels, while some models store min/max readings or chart fluctuations over time. This data allows crews to identify if additional drying equipment is needed or when repairs can begin. Thermo-hygrometers provide an accurate assessment of interior conditions throughout the drying process. 2. Moisture Detectors Moisture detectors locate any residual wetness that may be trapped behind walls, under floors, or within other building cavities. Some utilize electrical conductivity to sense water, while infrared cameras visualize moisture as differences in surface temperatures.  Pin-type moisture meters are inserted into small drill holes. Whichever type is used, it is vital to check for any hidden dampness that regular visual inspections may miss. Only by fully eliminating all moisture can restoration specialists ensure mold will not regrow after cleanup work is finished. 3. Infrared (IR) Cameras Infrared (IR) cameras are one of the most useful pieces of moisture detection equipment for water restoration professionals. Unlike traditional cameras that show visible light, IR cameras can visualize temperature differences that indicate where moisture is present. Areas that contain water will show up as cooler spots on the IR display.  This allows restoration specialists to locate dampness trapped behind walls, under floors, within wall cavities, and other out-of-sight locations. IR cameras enable crews to see moisture that would otherwise be invisible to the naked eye. They can accurately map the full extent of damage and ensure all wet materials are found and dried completely. 4. Dehumidifiers Dehumidifiers are essential for extracting moisture from the air during water damage restoration projects. These machines continually monitor the surrounding air and pull water vapor out through a condensing coil. Larger commercial dehumidifiers can remove dozens of pints of water per day from large, flooded spaces like basements.  They are often set up with continuous drainage hoses to pump away collected liquid. Dehumidifiers significantly speed up the drying process by lowering the ambient humidity levels. Professionals closely monitor dehumidifier performance and rotate equipment as needed to dry even very wet structures thoroughly and efficiently. 5. Air Movers Air movers, such as fans, are another indispensable type of equipment used for water damage restoration. Whether large commercial blowers or portable floor fans, air movers help evaporate moisture from affected spaces much faster than relying on natural air circulation alone.  Professionals strategically position different-sized air movers throughout a restoration job to efficiently direct air currents over wet surfaces, like behind baseboards, under carpets, and within wall cavities. The increased airflow pulls damp air away and pushes dry air in to hasten surface drying. Air movers are essential for thoroughly drying restored areas and preventing the re-growth of mold or stagnant moisture issues. 6. Air Scrubbers Air scrubbers play an important role in water damage restoration by cleaning particles and pathogens from the air. These portable devices use powerful fans to pull air into a filtering system. Most contain HEPA filters that can capture fine dust down to 0.3 microns in size, preventing cross-contamination of mold, bacteria, and other pollutants.  Scrubbers are placed in contained restoration zones and run continuously to scrub the air as work is done. They are especially vital when removing wet materials to minimize the circulation of contaminants. By filtering microscopic matter from indoor air currents, scrubbers help ensure a fully remediated environment and protect the health of restoration professionals and building occupants. 7. Self-Propelled Dump Container Large-scale water restoration jobs require effective removal and disposal of saturated, often heavy materials. This is where self-propelled dump containers excel. These portable bins have integrated axles and electric motors allowing them to be easily maneuvered and positioned as needed. Contractors can use them to quickly load debris extracted from flooded structures without requiring heavy equipment or additional labor.  Full dumpsters are then hauled away without delaying remediation work. This greatly improves efficiency on complex water damage projects where timing is critical to mitigating mold growth. Self-propelled dumpsters optimize debris transportation and removal - crucial for making headway on recovery efforts. Water Damage Restoration Combo Water restoration professionals rely on "combo" equipment to efficiently handle multiple aspects of a job. Combos consolidate drying and air-scrubbing functions. For example, a typical water damage restoration combo unit will join a dehumidifier, fan, and HEPA air filtration system together on wheels.  This portable three-in-one machine allows technicians to dry moisture-laden areas while simultaneously cleaning circulating air of mold spores or bacterial contaminants. Combos improve work efficiency as they replace the need for separate individual machines. Technicians value the space-saving and ease-of-use benefits combos provide on remediation projects. Thedryair has plenty of machines to help you. Like air movers, air scrubbers, dehumidifiers, etc. We are the brand to watch. Click here if you are interested. Techniques And Equipment In Water Damage Restoration Techniques Drying and dehumidifying structures Set up containment areas and negative air machines Extract residue and flooded materials Inspect for mold growth with thermal cameras Moisture map affected areas Equipment Dehumidifiers, fans, and air movers Negative air machines/air scrubbers Infrared and moisture meters Pumps and wet/dry vacuums Protective suits, boots, and respirators Thermal imaging cameras Self-propelled dump containers Fans, blowers, and portable generators Dewpoint meters and Thermo hygrometers Disinfectants and antimicrobial products Other Resources Coverage generators and spotters Temporary repairs and containment supplies Trash removal equipment and dumpsters Project planning and documentation tools Health and safety training for crew members FAQ’s How To Clean Air Of Mold Spores? Depending on the size of the room where you want to remove mold spores, choose an air purifier that is powerful enough. Install the air purifier in a location where it can draw in dirty air and release purified air to you. Depending on the air purifier's air changes per hour (ACH) and clean air delivery rate (CADR), it can take about 30 minutes to several hours to purify the air in a room. Keep the air purifier running 24/7 to keep your indoor air clean. After the initial cleaning is complete, you can turn it down to a lower setting to conserve power. If you are away from home for an extended period, you can turn off the air purifier; however, be aware that mold spores may return to the air once the purifier stops running. How to Properly Implement Technology to Improve Restoration Workflows? Technicians, especially those in the fields of restoration, remediation, or structural repair, rely on a variety of specialized tools to properly map damage and plan restoration workflows. These tools help assess the extent of damage, identify potential problems, and develop an accurate remediation plan. Some common tools include Moisture meters, thermal imaging cameras (infrared cameras), laser range finders, 3D imaging and scanning tools, drones with cameras, hygrometers, endoscopes (borescopes), data logging equipment, differential pressure monitors, air quality monitors (particle counters), CAD (computer-aided design) software, BIM (building information modeling) software, moisture probes, XRF (x-ray fluorescence) analyzers, mapping and surveying applications. Conclusion Having the proper equipment is essential for water damage restoration professionals to safely and effectively remediate properties impacted by flooding or water leaks. The right tools allow specialists to assess the severity of damage, extract moisture from structures, prevent mold growth, monitor environmental conditions, and properly dispose of waste. While technology and techniques continue to advance the industry, some equipment has remained standard for restoring even the most severe cases of water damage.  By strategically using pumps, fans, meters, cameras, dehumidifiers, and other critical gear, professionals can thoroughly dry sites, pinpoint hidden moisture issues, improve efficiency, and most importantly - ensure buildings are restored to a healthy state and future problems are avoided. Selecting high-quality, state-of-the-art restoration equipment also helps contractors achieve the best possible results for homeowners and clients.

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