Fighting excessive moisture that can lead to mold is one of principal responsibilities for just about every restoration company mitigating water losses. Leaks and flood damage lead to the growth and infestation of harmful microbes such as mold, fungi and bacteria, which can cause significant health problems for residents or workers. In addition, as moisture seeps into the structure, it can also wreak havoc on walls, floors, insulation and many other components of a building.
Despite the health risks associated with this type of biological contamination, unfortunately, no federal standards exist for airborne concentrations of mold spores, according to the Division of Occupational Health and Safety within the National Institutes of Health. However, although the U.S. Occupational Health and Safety Administration, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health within the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention do not adhere to a codified set of requirements, the DOHS noted that epidemiological studies have provided a wealth of knowledge about the connection between damp or moldy buildings and adverse health effects such as asthma exacerbation, respiratory symptoms and infections.
Unchecked moisture or dampness can lead to dangerous mold infestations.
The Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification, however, maintains strict standards and best practices for the restoration of water-damaged property. These can be complex and overwhelming for even the most knowledgeable restorer. Without the ability to track, monitor and measure moisture readings, restoration companies may find it difficult to maintain these best practices while remaining transparent and accountable.
Using the right tools
As noted by Restoration and Remediation Magazine, the lack of uniformed standards combined with the need to make quick, accurate assessments of the moisture conditions inside a building means restorers must have the right tool for the job. Companies handling water damage or other moisture-related readings should be able to do the following:
- Swiftly locate and isolate high-moisture areas.
- Identify the precise spots in a building impacted by the moisture.
- Determine if the structure is suitable for drying.
- Establish the property equipment for drying the structure.
- Track the status of the dryout process.
- Confirm the removal of all moisture before finishing the job.
Using the right tools
Designed and developed by Next Gear Solutions, DryTrack is a mobile mitigation management tool that helps restoration professionals rationalize the drying process with pre-programmed IICRC S500 recommendations built within the application. Developed by an IICRC-certified trainer, DryTrack works as a both a technical consultant and a guide during the often complex drying process. With this cloud-based ability to retrieve dry standards and atmospheric readings from a mobile device anywhere in the field, restorers can streamline the moisture mitigation process. Having the ability to capture and digitally document allows restoration companies to greatly reduce their exposure and better manage risk by capturing all important job information in the field.
