Structural Drying & Dehumidification
Expert Structural Drying and Dehumidification in Portland, OR
After emergency water extraction is complete at your Portland property, the most critical phase is structural drying and dehumidification. Simply letting materials air dry is not nearly enough; trapped moisture deep within structural components like wood framing, drywall, and concrete can remain hidden for weeks. This residual, deeply-held water leads inevitably to long-term structural damage, warping of finishes, and the devastating mold growth that thrives in the Pacific Northwest’s humid climate. True, successful restoration requires technical expertise and the science of drying to prevent secondary damage.
Our IICRC-certified technicians specialize in the science of drying, using advanced techniques and industrial-grade equipment to restore your property to pre-damage moisture levels, known as the “dry standard.” We use powerful low-grain refrigerant (LGR) dehumidifiers and high-volume air movers to create a meticulously controlled drying environment. By constantly monitoring moisture content with specialized meters, we ensure that every square inch of your Portland home or business structure is dried completely and verified against industry benchmarks, effectively preventing secondary damage and future fungal issues.
REVIEWS
Our 3-Step Structural Drying Process
Moisture Mapping and Atmosphere Setup
We use thermal imaging and non-invasive moisture meters to precisely map the saturation within walls, ceilings, and floors. We then set up containment barriers and strategically place air filtration devices and drying equipment to create the necessary controlled environment.
Targeted Dehumidification and Airflow
Industrial-grade LGR dehumidifiers work to rapidly strip moisture from the air, while high-velocity air movers accelerate evaporation from materials. This creates a low-humidity environment that efficiently pulls deep moisture out of the entire structure.
Continuous Monitoring and Verification
Our technicians continuously monitor three key elements: temperature, humidity, and the moisture content of materials themselves. We adjust the equipment daily until moisture readings match the accepted IICRC industry
Q&A
Why can't I just use regular household fans and open windows to dry my structure after water damage?
Regular fans only move warm, humid air around, which can actually increase the rate of mold growth in Portland’s climate, and they do not possess the power to remove deep-seated moisture. Professional structural drying utilizes specialized dehumidifiers that actively remove moisture from the air and equipment that forces air into structural cavities, which is necessary to lower the moisture content in materials like wood and concrete to safe levels, something a residential fan simply cannot achieve.
What is "moisture mapping" and why is it essential to the professional drying process?
Moisture mapping is the process of using sophisticated electronic meters and thermal cameras to accurately trace the path of water saturation throughout the structure, even behind walls and under floors. This is essential because it allows our technicians to know exactly where the hidden water is located, ensuring we place our specialized drying equipment precisely where it is needed most, and confirming that all wet materials are dried completely before the reconstruction phase begins.
What are LGR dehumidifiers and how do they work better than standard residential units?
LGR stands for Low-Grain Refrigerant dehumidifiers, which are industrial-grade machines capable of operating efficiently in low humidity environments and cooler temperatures common in affected structures. Unlike standard household units, LGRs can pull moisture content down to much lower “grains” (a measure of moisture in the air), aggressively drawing deeply held moisture out of porous structural materials like concrete, plaster, and wood far more effectively and rapidly.
What are the IICRC standards and how do they ensure my property is truly dry?
The IICRC (Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification) S500 Standard is the globally recognized protocol for water damage restoration. It dictates the scientific procedures, equipment requirements, and dry standard moisture levels that must be met in different materials. We adhere strictly to these standards by comparing the moisture levels of the affected materials to unaffected, dry control samples, guaranteeing that your Portland property is not just visually dry, but structurally and scientifically dry, thereby mitigating liability and mold risk.
How long does the professional structural drying and dehumidification process typically take?
The duration of structural drying depends heavily on the severity of the saturation, the type of materials involved, and the relative humidity of the structure. Generally, a professional structural drying job in Portland takes between three to five days to complete, assuming the water source is fixed and the proper equipment is maintained. We provide continuous updates and verification of the drying process until the structure reaches the confirmed IICRC-mandated dry standard.
