In this topic
- Extraction removes most of the water; drying handles what soaked in.
- Most homes dry in three to five days.
- Equipment stays until readings match unaffected materials.
After extraction, water is still inside drywall, subfloors, cabinets and the air. Air movers push that moisture into the air and dehumidifiers pull it out. A technician checks readings every day and adjusts the setup.
This topic is part of our complete guide to water damage restoration. The articles for this topic are listed at the end of the page.
How the drying process works
- Inspection and moisture mapping with meters and thermal imaging.
- Extraction of standing water and water in carpet and pad.
- Selective removal of materials that can't be dried, like soaked pad or swollen particleboard.
- Drying setup with air movers and dehumidifiers, sometimes specialty equipment.
- Daily monitoring and adjustments.
- Final readings and documentation for your insurer.
Read more about air movers, dehumidifiers and moisture meters.
How long it takes
Three to five days is typical for a Class 2 loss in a house. Hardwood, concrete, plaster and multi-story losses take longer. Turning equipment off at night or opening windows on humid days slows it down.
All 15 articles in this topic
0 published · 15 coming soon- What Equipment Is Used for Water Extraction?Coming soon
- How Long Does the Water Extraction Process Take?Coming soon
- What Is a Moisture Meter Used for in Restoration?Coming soon
- How Do Air Movers Speed Up the Drying Process?Coming soon
- What Is the Role of a Dehumidifier in Restoration?Coming soon
- How Do Technicians Know When a Structure Is Fully Dry?Coming soon
- What Is Thermal Imaging Used for in Water Damage?Coming soon
- How Many Days Does Structural Drying Usually Take?Coming soon
- What Happens If Drying Equipment Is Removed Too Early?Coming soon
- How Do Restorers Dry Water Trapped Under Hardwood Floors?Coming soon
- What Is Injectidry and How Does It Work?Coming soon
- How Do You Dry Water Damaged Carpet and Padding?Coming soon
- What Is Negative Air Pressure Used for During Drying?Coming soon
- How Do Restorers Monitor Drying Progress Daily?Coming soon
- What Happens During the Final Drying Verification?Coming soon
Need water extracted and dried?
A local crew can be on site in about 45 minutes, 24/7, and we document everything for your insurer.