Drying Flood Damaged Wood Framing in Daytona Beach Homes

2/15/2020 (Permalink)

We understand the need for rapid response and restoration to minimize the loss of your Daytona home.

The Importance of Drying to Avoid Mold and Other Harmful Effects of Flood Damage in Daytona Beach

Wood framing is a standard construction element to residences throughout Daytona Beach, but these materials are also highly susceptible to saturation and damage from flooding and water loss incidents. In many flooding scenarios, it is impossible to protect exposed wallboard and wood trim that becomes oversaturated. However, without the threat of contamination, it is possible to dry out wood framing with a direct approach.

Before much of the flood damage in Daytona Beach homes can get dried up and addressed, our project manager and other field technicians must determine the extent of the damage and make drying decisions to make water removal for efficient. In some situations, controlled demolition to remove the surface materials and expose the wood framing beneath is the best solution, as this uncovers salvageable construction elements and becomes a strong foundation for reconstruction to come.

Determining the damage to wood framing begins with the use of surface moisture meters. These devices gauge the percentage of moisture saturation in the material. When moisture content rises above 16 percent, for example, the boards are susceptible to mold colonization. Structural damage like dry rotting can begin when moisture levels exceed 20 percent, as this allows fungal colonies to consume cellulose in the wood and allow for decay. Moisture meters can determine the current absorption of the material and indicate the best solution for drying.

Often the most effective strategies when mold and other microbial threats have not started yet is the strategic placement of centrifugal and axial air movers. Pushing heated, dry air against these surfaces can evaporate absorbed water to reduce moisture content levels back to acceptable dry lines established by testing undamaged wood framing elsewhere in the house.

Restoring wood framing is only part of the flood recovery process, but one that can establish a stable, dry foundation to begin rebuilding your property after cleaning and drying the flood effects. Give our SERVPRO of North Daytona Beach / Ormond Beach team a call anytime that your home gets threatened by storm damage and flooding at (386) 677-9993.

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