Our Restoration Specialists Use Hygrometer

10/8/2021 (Permalink)

Sometimes called thermal hygrometers, hygrometers are one in a long list of restoration tools. On a water damage project, they monitor any air that may have an influence on humidity and/or the temperature. Within an air sample, this item can measure the amount of humidity (water vapor). Hygrometers, when used properly, can verify whether additional equipment might be necessary to control humidity or temperature, and additionally that the drying equipment is operating appropriately.

Strategic Decisions Using Hygrometers

Drying conditions can be verified through the use of hygrometers as the drying progresses. It can help answer the question, "Are the conditions needed to allow wood, carpet, and walls to dry being met?" You will know, through an analysis using a hygrometer, that things are going according to plan.

On a water damage restoration job – on a daily basis – monitoring is needed on five key areas. They are as follows:

• Outdoor air
• HVAC system
• Dehumidifiers
• Unaffected areas
• Affected areas

Let's look at each of these individually.

Outdoor Air

To assist drying, outside air can be used if it is actually more conducive to drying than the inside air in the area affected. For a short period of time, it would be perfectly acceptable to open a window or a door. Wet air will travel toward the drier air because it gravitates to dry, if it can.

HVAC System

Rather than hindering a process, a running HVAC system should aid in it. Monitoring will help make sure this is happening. Monitoring the output of the HVAC – which acts like a big dehumidifier – is crucial.

Dehumidifiers

Being assured that a dehumidifier is continuously removing humidity is essential. Grain depression can be determined by making a comparison between the air in the affected area and the GPP coming from the humidifier. Drying will be faster the greater the depression. Between the two, grain depression will narrow as drying progresses.

Note: GPP stands for grains per pound. It measures the weight of water vapor in the air.

Unaffected Areas

There should be relatively stable humidity in areas that are unaffected. Drying times will be slowed considerably if unaffected area humidity decreases along with the humidity in the affected area.

Affected Areas

With each reading, humidity should decrease. Readings under 40% Rh should be present (for relative humidity) after the first 24 hours. By denying needed moisture, you can help stop mold growth with a low Rh.

Count on SERVPRO For Water Damage Restoration

Everyone likes to save money, but when it comes to water damage restoration, this is no time to start cutting corners. Make sure only the most reputable, dependable companies take care of any damage involving damp or wet conditions. You don't want to put your business (and your employees) or your home (and your family) at unnecessary risk.

Get the water cleaned up the right way! See to it that all the damage is repaired, so it looks like new, through the reliable services offered by SERVPRO. We use the latest and greatest high-tech tools and specially trained individuals to handle every project. Do you have flood or water damage? Call us today at 212 -564-6365. You can also fill out our online request form as an alternative.