The Water Damage Blog

Carpet Drying

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When carpet drying, water extraction is the most important part of the drying process because it removes most of the water from the carpet. Once the extraction is done there is always some remaining water left, and this water is removed thru evaporation.  To help with evaporation, Water Damage Restoration firms use carpet dryers also known as air movers.  These carpet dryers will move a high volume of air across the carpet which removes the boundary layer of wet air near the surface of the carpet. The faster the air movement over the carpet (with adequate humidity reduction) the faster the carpet will dry. Thus, these carpet dryers will greatly increase airflow and speed the up drying process and also minimize the likelihood of mildew growth.

So, when drying a carpet, you extract water and then strategically set up the carpet dryers. If the carpeting is glued down to the floor without a pad, we place the carpet dryers on top of the carpet and blow air over the top of the carpeting; this dries the carpet very quickly.

If the carpet is stretched-in on tackless strips, and has a pad, we position the carpet dryers to force air under the carpet creating a tent like effect; this forces the carpet off the floor on a cushion of air. This type of drying is called sub surface drying. It will dry the carpeting and the pad. Once dry, the water damage firm will have to re-attach the carpet to the tackless strip.

An alternative to sub surface drying is using a weighted extraction tool during the water extraction phase. These new extraction tools can actually extract the water out of the carpet and padding. Instead of having to sub surface dry the carpeting, technicians can place the carpet dryers on top of the carpet. This type of carpet drying minimizes the chance that the carpeting will be damaged when the wet carpet is disengaged from the tackless strip.

Finally, the carpet dryers will be removing all of that moisture from the carpeting and putting it into the air so you will need adequate dehumidification.  If you do use a dehumidifier, that moist air will absorb into walls, ceilings, papers, paintings etc. causing secondary damage?

If you need carpet drying, it is best to call in a local water damage certified professional, they will have all the necessary tools, equipment and skills to dry your carpeting fast! 

Good Luck and Stay Dry!!!!