After a flood or water loss the method you choose to restore your property can mean the difference between a rapid recovery and a long and expensive reconstruction project.
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There have been many technological
changes since the 1950’s, but very little has rubbed off on the restoration
industry.
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 Refrigerant Dehumidifier |
 Early Desiccant Dehumidifier |
Refrigerant and desiccant dehumidifiers have been repackaged but the methods are the same. These dehumidification tools are called “closed systems.” A “closed” dehumidification system works on a theory that if a building is sealed off from the outside and the equipment can dehumidify the air, the building structure and contents will give up their moisture by evaporation. After five decades the problem remains the same. The process of dehumidification is slow. Odors and mold spores are allowed to build and grow inside the “closed structure” before the contents can dry. In addition refrigerant and desiccant dehumidifiers use so much electrical power that they are often impractical.
Dehumidification methods, including refrigerant and desiccant systems, have been in use for over forty years, virtually unchanged.
Open
vs. Closed System
Water Out uses outside, fresh air and conditions it to less than 2% relative
humidity, then heats it to just the right temperature. As this hot, dry air
is pumped into the building, air movers are strategically positioned to create
a vortex effect, creating the most favorable conditions for evaporation from
walls, ceilings, floors and furniture. The heavy, moisture-laden air is then
exhausted to the outside of the building. There is no recycling of stale air,
and that's why it is called an "open" system.
Refrigerant dehumidifiers rely on condensation to reduce the moisture in the air. Common refrigerant dehumidifiers are minimally effective, and work only when the temperature is above 60 degrees F. "Low grain" dehumidifiers are more effective and work at temperatures as low as 40 degrees F. Their use is appropriate for smaller, isolated water damage situations.
Desiccant dehumidifiers use absorbant material to attract water molecules from circulated air within the flooded building. The moisture is then "baked" off the desiccant material and expelled through a hose.
Capacity
A Water Out® trailer
can move 300+ gallons of moisture per day in any type of atmospheric conditions.
A high volume desiccant dehumidification trailer can remove 100-250 gallons
per day, depending on conditions. A low grain dehumidifier cam remove 7-8
gallons per day.
Energy
Water Out® trailer-mounted
units run on propane and a 115-volt house current. They are quiet and extremely
energy efficient.
Large desiccant dehumidifiers require large amounts of electricity. They are expensive to run and quite noisy.
Drying Time
The Water Out® convectant
drying method is so efficient, it cuts the drying time dramatically.
A flooded 2000 sq. ft. building can be dried completely in 2-3 days when Water Out® is used in conjunction with vortex drying techniques.
The best dehumidification system will take considerably longer.
Saves
Carpets and Pads
Water Out®
is so effective and so fast, we can actually save carpets and pads rather
than replace them. Dehumidifiers work too slowly, and generally require carpets
and pads to be pulled and replaced.
The replacement of carpets and pads cost insurance companies $1.2 billion in 2002 alone!
Cost
Because Water Out®
thoroughly dries in less time, and because carpets, pads and contents can
be saved by proper and fast drying, Water Out®
is routinely 40-60% less expensive than dehumidification.
Monitoring
The Water Out® convectant
drying system includes a sensing device called Data Logger®
that measures and records the temperature, relative humidity
and dew point within the flooded building throughout the entire drying process.
When the building is thoroughly dry, complete documentation, including graphing,
is provided to the insurance carrier.
An office building is flooded due to sprinkler leakage. Drywall, ceiling tiles and carpeting have been wet for at least six hours. Paper documents and furniture have also been affected. It is early December, and the outside temperature is between 38° and 42° F.
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Desiccant
Dehumidification
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Convectant Drying |
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HC4500 Dehumidifier 64kw heater $229/day for 12 days = $2,748 100 kw generator including Shipping charges = $782 Service Charge |
Water Out Trailer Heat (included) $0 Propane tanks including Setup/breakdown fee = $400 Service Charge |
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COST OF DRYING: $28,545 The above figures are taken from an actual invoice from a national emergency drying company. |
COST OF DRYING: $16,303 These figures represent a reasonable estimate based on experience and knowledge of the building. |
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SAVINGS: $12,243 Water Out saves time and money. How much are you saving? |
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