Water damage can be an incredibly stressful and overwhelming experience. Homeowners commonly wonder how long to run fans after water damage to effectively dry out their property and possession. The biggest problem is, there isn’t any single answer to that question. We’re going to take a look at the optimal duration for running fans during water damage recovery, why it’s important to use the right fans to dry things out, and why the most reliable way to fight water damage and mold is to use the help of an experienced professional like Sensitive Environmental.
The Importance of Proper Drying
The aftermath of water damage, no matter what the cause, is intimidating. The biggest way to minimize the potential long-term damage from mold growth is to remove all excess moisture as quickly and efficiently. Fans play a crucial role in this moisture removal, but it’s also only one part of a much larger puzzle. Fans help move air around for increased circulation, which helps to promote enhanced evaporation, which speeds up the overall drying process. Knowing how long to run fans after water damage is critical to seeing the results you want.
The Duration for Running Fans After Water Damage
The exact length of time that you’ll need to run fans after water damage will depend on several factors, including the extent of the damage, the types of materials that have sustained water damage, and the relative humidity levels in your home. In most cases, it will take between 24 and 48 hours for surfaces and building materials to dry out completely, but this can vary based on location-specific conditions.
During the drying process, it’s important to monitor the humidity levels as well as the moisture content of all affected materials. This is done with a conventional moisture meter and tracking the progress over time. Keep the fans running until the moisture and humidity are back within safe ranges to prevent mold.
Choosing the Right Fans for Drying Out Water Damage
When it comes to choosing and using the right fans for drying out water damage, don’t waste your time with household fans, desk fans, or anything else that small. You’re looking for industrial air movers, which you’ll likely have to rent from a nearby equipment rental company. Depending on the options in your area, this may not even be a viable option. Working with a professional ensures you’ll have access to the equipment needed to properly rescue your home.
The Benefits of Professional Help for Water Damage and Mold
Even if you do manage to get your hands on several large air movers to help dry out your home, we’ve mentioned that that’s only one step in a larger process. Working with an experienced professional ensures that you experience a wide range of benefits, including:
- A comprehensive evaluation of the damage to your home
- Development of a personalized home drying plan
- The use of advanced drying and dehumidification technologies for faster results
- Top-tier mold prevention and remediation to protect
- Assistance with making and filing claims to your insure
Trust the Experts for a Safe and Thorough Recovery
Once water damage has happened, the clock is ticking to get your possessions and even the physical structure of your very home dried out enough to prevent mold, and knowing how long to run your fans after that water damage is only one piece of the big picture. By partnering with Sensitive Environmental you’ll be able to count on your home to be restored to its previous state with minimal stress and disruption in your daily life. Reach out today for more information or to get started with an estimate.
