Restoration

Why Temperature and Humidity Management in Commercial Restoration Matters

Effective temperature and humidity control is about much more than comfort; it is a vital part of the physical restoration process. There are three primary reasons this step is non-negotiable in commercial settings:

1. Preventing Secondary Damage (The Mold Risk)

High relative humidity (RH) is the number one accelerator of secondary damage, the most common of which is microbial growth (mold).

  • The Science – Mold spores are ubiquitous and begin to germinate when two conditions are met: a food source (like drywall or wood) and elevated moisture. Most experts agree that mold can begin to grow within 24 to 48 hours when the RH exceeds 60% and temperatures are between 70°F and 90°F.
  • The Cost – If mold takes hold, the remediation process requires additional containment, specialized cleaning, and often more extensive demolition, leading to significant project delays, increased costs, and putting insurance claims in jeopardy.

2. Ensuring Proper Material Drying and Structural Integrity

Effective drying is a precise process that requires balancing temperature and dehumidification.

  • Temperature – Cold air holds less moisture, meaning the drying process slows down considerably when temperatures drop. Conversely, excessively high temperatures can cause porous materials like wood framing to dry too quickly, leading to cracking, warping, or splitting (structural instability). Restoration crews must maintain a moderate temperature range to facilitate efficient moisture transfer while avoiding further damage to building materials.
  • Dehumidification – Dehumidifiers lower the RH, creating a vapor pressure differential that actively pulls trapped moisture out of building materials and into the air, allowing it to be filtered and removed. Monitoring the RH is essential to ensure moisture isn’t just being moved around but is actively being removed from the structure.

3. Protecting Sensitive Commercial Assets

A commercial property often houses specialized equipment, valuable inventory, and critical infrastructure that are extremely sensitive to environmental fluctuations.

  • Electronics and Equipment – Data centers, servers, medical equipment, and other electronics can be permanently damaged by excessive humidity, which leads to rust, corrosion, and short-circuiting. Maintaining tight RH control is critical in these areas to mitigate metal degradation.
  • Inventory and Finishes – Materials like paper goods, textiles, wood flooring, and cabinetry can swell, warp, or become permanently unsalvageable if they remain exposed to high humidity for too long, even after the initial flood water is gone.

 

The Priority Response Advantage – Readiness and Rapid Environmental Control

For companies like ours that offer Priority Response Programs, environmental management is integrated into pre-loss planning. Our proactive approach ensures that we don’t waste time looking for specialized equipment when disaster strikes.

Management Goal Action/Equipment Restoration Benefit
Moisture Removal Low Grain Refrigerant (LGR) or Desiccant Dehumidifiers Creates the necessary vapor pressure differential to pull moisture from deep within materials.
Speed/Air Flow High-Volume Air Movers Forces trapped moisture out of materials and across the drying plane.
Environmental Monitoring Psychrometric Readings & Data Loggers Provides documented proof that drying goals were met.

By prioritizing the meticulous monitoring and adjustment of temperature and humidity, we ensure that the restoration isn’t just complete, but is done right, protecting the structural integrity and high-value assets of your commercial clients.

 

 

Works Citied

  • Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification. ANSI/IICRC S500-2021: Standard for Professional Water Damage Restoration. ANSI/IICRC, 2021.