Most Effective Placement of Water Damage Restoration Equipment

There are a lot of factors that can affect the success and efficiency of a water damage restoration project; including severity of the damage and the size of the project, the types of materials damages, and the quality of equipment that you have. However, something that many professionals overlook as a way to improve project efficiency is the placement of their restoration equipment during remediation.
While every restoration project is different and unique, here are some general guidelines to consider when placing your equipment at your next jobsite.

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IMPROVING YOUR CHANCES OF SUCCESS

While choosing the right equipment and placing it effectively, also remember that evaporation is your overall goal in water damage restoration scenarios. Evaporation is influenced by several factors, including:

• The air’s relative humidity (level of moisture)
• The water vapor pressure differential between the surface of the water-damaged material and the surrounding environment
• Temperature of the wet material. Room should be heated for best performance. At 90 degrees, the moisture is converted into a vapor and pulled from the air.
• The air movement across the wet material’s surface
• The accessibility of the wet material’s surface

Having sufficient airflow is critical for controlling moisture levels and deterring the growth of mold or bacteria. Correct placement of equipment can help achieve optimal airflow.

CHOOSING THE RIGHT DEHUMIDIFIER

Choosing the right equipment starts your project out on the right foot. When choosing a dehumidifier you should consider both the size of the room, the saturation level, and room temperature and humidity.
Here are some basic guidelines for choosing a dehumidifier based on room size:

• 600 to 800 Square Foot Space — 75-99 PPD AHAM
• 800 to 1,000 Square Foot Space — 57-99 PPD AHAM
• 1,000 to 1,200 Square Foot Space — 100+ PPD AHAM

AHAM (Association of Home Appliance Manufacturers) is a standardized rating for dehumidifier equipment that measures water removal capacity at specific testing conditions. AHAM ratings are based on an environment at 80 degrees Fahrenheit and 60% relative humidity.

SELECTING THE CORRECT NUMBER OF AIR MOVERS

Most projects require more than one air mover. While the actual number may depend on the shape of the room, as a general rule, for every one dehumidifier you are using you should have four to five air movers to make sure the air circulation is sufficient. More may be needed if there are tight spaces, such as under sinks or in closets. Keep in mind that the surface area of an environment is often more relevant to determining your air mover needs than the perimeter, while also taking into consideration these smaller spaces that may require their own air mover to circulate the air.
The flooring in the space where you’re working will also impact the number of air movers you need. Here are some guidelines:

• Semi-porous and non-porous flooring: At least one air mover for every 400 to 500 square feet.
• Direct-glue carpet installations: At least one air mover for every 300 square feet of carpeted floor.
• Stretch-in carpet: At least one air mover for every 300 square feet of carpeted floor.
• Remember, you may have to use more than one type of air mover for a job; these may include axial air movers and compact or mini air movers in addition to the traditional centrifugal air movers, also referred to as “snail fans.”

EFFECTIVE PLACEMENT OF YOUR EQUIPMENT

If you don’t place your equipment strategically, it will take longer to dry out the space, or it may not dry at all. The following general tips will help you determine how you should place your dehumidifiers and air movers.

Dehumidifiers:

• Should be placed in the center of the room
• If the room requires multiple units, the dehumidifiers should be spaced so that there is an equal amount of space between each unit and also between the units and the walls.

Air Movers:

• Should be placed around the perimeter of the room
• Should be at least 6 inches from the walls or other structures to allow unrestricted airflow
• Place one air mover approximately every 10 to 16 linear feet of wall with the outlet of each pointing in the same direction

You may need to adjust the placement of your equipment over time, but these general guidelines are a good place to start when you first arrive on a jobsite.
Use these tips to make your water damage restoration projects more efficient and successful, and if you are looking for commercial restoration equipment, look no further than B-Air.
Need help choosing the right equipment? Contact our knowledgeable sales reps today by calling 877-800-2257.

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