Why Controlling Indoor Humidity Is Important

4/13/2022 (Permalink)

Don't delay after you've had a water damage, mold growth can start in as little as 72hrs.

Controlling indoor humidity is import for several different reasons, in East Central Florida for example where SERVPRO of North Daytona Beach/Ormond Beach, is located where the outdoor humidity is one of highest naturally in the U.S. Making the use of air conditioning critical for controlling the indoor humidity. When controlling the indoor humidity 60% RH (relative humidity) is the threshold, above 60% RH can result in mold amplification which in turn could lead to mold damage. Controlling the indoor humidity can be especially important if a structure has been affected by water damage or fire damage in the water damage situation after the water removal has been completed, the next step would be to get the indoor humidity down below 60%. Usually this is done by using commercial dehumidifiers to remove the moisture from the air thus reducing the humidity. When a building is affected by fire there may be excessive moisture and elevated humidity in the structure from extinguishing the fire and may consist of water damage cleanup as well as fire damage clean up.

When excessive humidity or water damage is not addressed in a timely and proper fashion a building can sustain additional damage by causing warping, swelling or cracking. When a structure becomes wet and the evaporation process starts the humidity increases and secondary damage will result from the migration of the moisture from the affected materials to the unaffected materials until equilibrium is achieved. When this occurs the repair process will become more extensive resulting in unneeded repairs and possibly dangerous for these reasons it’s a good idea to call an expert like SERVPRO of North Daytona Beach/ Ormond Beach for assistance when dealing with water damage, fire damage and mold removal.