How Flood Water Absorption Varies Throughout Merrimack Homes

10/17/2021 (Permalink)

Has your home experienced flooding? Contact SERVPRO for water removal equipment and the experienced technicians to get the job done right.

Understanding the Movement of Moisture can Help Focus Drying and Cleaning Efforts for Flooded Merrimack Homes

Flooding can vary from one property to the next. Likewise, the path that floodwater and moisture take in the residence is not the same. Inspections and assessments determine the best drying and restoration strategies.

The Intrusion of Flood Effects

The penetration of water and subsequent flood damage to Merrimack homes can be traumatic. The physical force necessary to overcome entry points and vulnerable building materials can leave many structural elements compromised.

The Permeability of Exposed Materials

There are several types of materials and building elements that could become damaged by migrating flood effects. Based on their permeance, specific actions must take place to prevent avoidable demolition and reconstruction. Classifications include:

• Porous – Carpets, gypsum board, and textiles absorb water and moisture fast and can be quickly overwhelmed and damaged when extraction and drying do not begin soon. 
• Semi-Porous – The materials under this heading can slowly absorb moisture and water, and with many of them organic materials, they can also support microbial colonization. 
• Non-Porous – These materials do not draw in moisture and are typically unaffected by standing water or pooling. 

Harnessing Drying Sciences to Help Restore Your Home

Knowing what type of material can be beneficial to restoring a flood-damaged residence, understanding the expected behavior of intruding water can also help. We can often identify the likely path of migrating water beyond tracking equipment based on wet areas seeking a balance with dry spaces nearby. We can use this knowledge to place drying and moisture management tools effectively. 

Knowing how certain materials become affected by flooding and water damage shows the attention necessary to dry and restore these elements. Our SERVPRO of Merrimack team can respond fast after flooding to assess the damage and create a tailored restoration solution. Give us a call today at (603) 262-9293.