Accuserve Resources

When a homeowner experiences a water loss it can be very traumatic due to their home being in many cases their most expensive possession and they have a lot of emotions tied-up in it and their personal belongings. Water damage is different than fire & smoke damage in that most people will pick up the phone and call 911 when they have a fire and ask for help, which starts the emergency response quickly, followed by restoration contractors to help clean-up and repair the damage.

Sometimes when there are coverage issues (potential mold/long-term damage) or asbestos or mold testing needed prior to authorization of demolition there may be a delay in mitigation, and the mitigation restorer is unable to use air movers. The ANSI/IICRC S500-2021 states “Humidity and temperatures within the structure should be controlled as soon as practical to minimize moisture migration, potential secondary damage, and microbial amplification.

If you have handled water losses located in California or along the coast you may have run across shear walls. Shear walls are basically required by building codes in some areas due to potential high winds from hurricanes or seismic activity from earthquakes.

Using heat to assist with drying has long been known to be a valuable tool, but unfortunately many of the heat delivery systems were expensive, too much labor to setup and take down, potentially dangerous because high temperatures could cause collateral damage if not controlled, and generally the equipment not being used correctly by restorers as a whole.

Today’s restorers are very busy, and many times miss a few critical areas that could make a BIG difference in their drying success. Remember – “Be Good at the Little Things and You Will Accomplish Big Things!” See the most missed “little things” that could make the difference in being good vs. being great at drying structures and contents and obtaining great customer service scores!