Water Extraction Basics
The three ways of removing water from a structure are physical extraction, dehumidification and evaporation. The easiest and quickest way to remove water is physical extraction. The amount of water extracted from the carpet and carpet pad will determine the time it takes for the structure to dry. The more water that can be extracted the quicker the structure will dry. The density, size (oz), thickness of the protective skin of the pad, and the weight, length of fibers, and backing of the carpet will all affect extraction and drying time. The extraction hose should be sized in length for the job. The shorter the hose, the more CFM (cubic feet per minute) will be yielded.
HomeOwner Hint:
If you have had water damage affect a carpeted area, always ask your restoration company if they are planning on pulling out the carpet, padding or both. It is NOT always needed, if any company tells you they are going to "float" your carpet, it's time to call another company. Floating carpet is the worst thing that you can do because it may tear or stretch and it will weaken the laminated backing, allowing your carpet to wear faster than it should. Water damaged carpet should be extracted ONLY with a truck-mounted extraction unit, preferably with a Hydro-X (Also called the Extreme X-Tractor), the highest rated extraction machine currently on the market. Never allow a company to use an ordinary carpet wand to extract the water from your carpet, it will leave to much water behind!
Left: The self propelled Hydro-X in action. The carpet in this test is soaking wet, notice the lighter shade to the right of the Hydro-X, that is the area it has passed over and extracted the water out.
