In each edition of ANSI/IICRC’s S500 Standard and Reference Guide for Professional Water Damage Restoration, dating back to 1994, the mitigation contractor’s stated first priority on a loss site has remained clear: “Eliminate safety hazards”. I am certain that SARS-CoV-2 (the virus) or COVID-19 (the disease) are not what the authors of the standard had in mind.

We are now digging into equipment sizing and understanding the ANSI/IICRC S500, Edition 4, 2015 (S500) to improve drying performance and are starting with air mover calculations and getting the job properly sized.

When you think about hoarding, there is an array of risks and dangers that come to mind – from cleanliness to injuries to air quality. Unfortunately, there’s another less obvious danger and hidden risk that causes both property damage and a lot of heartache for those involved.  Fire. 

For years, I have heard restorers and carriers say some pieces of equipment are “specialty equipment”, and I must admit for a bunch of years early in my career, I listened to the crowd. 

While studying to become a Certified Restorer, I had the pleasure of taking a building science course offered by the Restoration Industry Association. This course should be required early in any restorer’s career. It is knowledge that will make you think differently about your drying projects. 

This year, Jenkins Restorations celebrates 45 years in business. What started as primarily an architecture and general contracting firm in Sterling, VA, has since branched into a full-service restoration contractor with more than 350 employees and 26 locations across the U.S.

Over the years, many people have asked me what heat drying is. The simple answer is heat drying is doing what you are already doing only using higher temperature air versus the temperature of air you are now.