Structural drying covers the process of removing moisture that's worked its way into the actual building materials – wood framing, subfloors, drywall, insulation – after a water event. It's different from just mopping up standing water; wet wood and drywall can hold moisture for weeks if they're not dried correctly.
Homeowners in Chicago, IL usually need this after a plumbing leak, roof leak, or flooding has soaked into the structure rather than just sitting on the surface. Sometimes the surface looks dry within a day, but the material underneath is still holding water, which is where problems start if it's left alone.
We use moisture meters to check how deep the water has traveled into each material, then set up industrial air movers and dehumidifiers positioned to pull moisture out at the right rate. Drying too fast can warp wood and crack drywall, so equipment gets adjusted and monitored through the process rather than just left running.
Cost depends on how much of the structure is affected and how long the material has been wet – a same-day catch dries out faster than water that's been sitting for several days before anyone called.
Keep in mind, drying the structure properly now is what prevents a much bigger mold or rot problem later. We check moisture levels daily until readings are back to normal, not just until things look dry on the surface.
Water soaked into your Chicago, IL home's structure? Call (253) 289-3960 for a free estimate.
