What structural drying means
Structural drying is the part of water damage restoration that happens after the standing water is gone. It means drying the building itself: drywall, framing, subfloor, concrete, cabinets and insulation. These materials soak up water and hold it, even when the surface looks and feels dry.
If they are not dried properly, they can warp, swell, rot, smell and grow mold weeks or months later.
Why Buckeye's dry air is not enough
This is one of the most common mistakes we see. Buckeye's air is dry most of the year, so people assume a wet wall will dry out on its own with a fan and an open window.
The surface does dry fast. That is the problem. The outside of drywall or the top of a slab can feel dry within a day while the inside stays wet. Stucco walls, tile floors and cabinet bases trap moisture where desert air cannot reach it. When the surface seals over, the moisture inside has even less of a way out.
The only way to know a material is dry is to measure it.
Our drying tools
Moisture meters
We take readings in drywall, wood, concrete and cabinets and compare them to dry areas of the same home. That tells us exactly where the water is and when drying is finished.
Thermal cameras
Wet materials show up cooler on a thermal image. This helps us trace water behind walls and under floors without tearing things open.
Commercial air movers
These move a large volume of air across wet surfaces to pull moisture out of materials.
Dehumidifiers
Air movers pull water out of materials and into the air. Dehumidifiers pull it out of the air so it does not soak right back in. Both are needed.
Specialty drying systems
For walls, cabinets and floors, we can push air into wall cavities through small holes, under cabinets through the toe kick, or into hardwood and concrete using drying mats.
What we dry
- Drywall. Often dried in place if caught early and not contaminated.
- Wood framing. Bottom plates and studs that wicked up water.
- Concrete slabs. Especially after slab leaks and large floods.
- Cabinets. Bases, sides and toe kicks under sinks and dishwashers.
- Subfloor. Plywood and OSB in upstairs rooms and around toilets.
- Hardwood and laminate. Some can be saved with quick, targeted drying.
- Attic framing. After roof and AC leaks.
Dry in place or remove?
Our goal is always to save as much of your home as we can. Drying in place costs less and takes less rebuilding. But some materials need to come out:
- Anything soaked by sewage or floodwater
- Drywall that has sagged, crumbled or grown mold
- Insulation that is soaked
- Particle board that has swollen badly
- Flooring that traps water over a wet slab
We explain what we recommend and why before anything is removed.
How long drying takes
Most structural drying takes about three to five days. Concrete, hardwood and thick cabinets can take longer. We check readings on each visit and move or remove equipment as areas reach dry levels. We do not guess, and we do not stop early.
Living with drying equipment
Drying equipment is loud and puts out some warmth. It needs to run day and night to work. Most families stay in the home while it runs. We place equipment to keep walkways clear and explain which rooms to avoid.
What drying usually costs
Drying is part of almost every water damage job. Most water damage jobs in Buckeye fall between about $2,000 and $7,500, depending on how much is wet and how many days of drying it takes. We give you a written estimate after we inspect.
Related services
Areas we serve
Frequently asked questions
Can I dry water damage with household fans?
Fans dry surfaces but rarely dry what is inside walls, cabinets or slabs. Without a dehumidifier and moisture readings, it is easy to leave hidden water behind.
How do you know when something is dry?
We measure it. Readings from wet areas are compared to dry areas of the same material in your home. Drying is done when they match.
Why do you drill holes in the wall?
Small holes near the floor, usually hidden behind baseboards, let us push dry air into the wall cavity. It can save the drywall instead of replacing it.
Can I turn off the equipment at night?
Please do not. Drying works best when it runs nonstop. Turning it off slows drying and can let moisture soak back in.
Will my electric bill go up?
A little, while the equipment runs. It is a small cost compared to replacing materials that were not dried.
Why does it smell a bit during drying?
Moisture leaving materials can carry a slight damp smell. It fades as things dry. A strong or lasting musty smell can mean mold, and we check for that.