Maintenance and Repairs

January 6, 2025 Published by British Columbia Chapter - By Jamie Madi

Drying In Place: An Emerging, Sustainable Approach in Restoration

From CCI BC Strata Connection Magazine, Volume 03, Fall/Winter 2024

Drying in place is becoming a renewed and increasingly popular technique in water-damage restoration, offering a sustainable alternative to the “rip everything out” approach that has dominated the industry for the past 15–20 years. Instead of removing and replacing materials, drying in place involves preserving existing components, like drywall and flooring, by carefully extracting moisture from within the structure. This approach reduces waste, conserves resources, and often shortens project timelines—all while helping residents return to their homes faster and with minimal disruption.

But drying in place isn’t a universal solution. Not every water-damaged environment can be successfully restored this way, and the process requires a high level of skill, technical expertise, and a scientific approach to make it work effectively. For strata councils, understanding the basics of drying in place can help clarify when this method is viable and what questions to ask contractors to ensure the right choice is being made for each situation.

What Makes Drying In Place So Effective?

Drying in place relies on specialized equipment, including dehumidifiers, high-powered air movers, and injectidry mats that target moisture within walls, floors, and other affected areas. The process doesn’t just involve setting up equipment and hoping for the best; it demands a deep understanding of psychrometry—the science of controlling air, temperature, and humidity to remove moisture effectively. 

By carefully monitoring these conditions, technicians can create an ideal drying environment, often using controlled drying chambers to manage airflow and humidity with precision.

In addition to traditional drying tools, borescopes—small cameras used to look inside walls—play a critical role in the drying process. Borescopes allow technicians to inspect for microbial growth in hidden spaces, but perhaps more importantly, they help identify the construction assembly itself. For example, is there double-layered drywall, insulation, or other features that may impact how moisture moves through the structure? Understanding these construction details allows for a tailored approach, ensuring that the drying process is thorough without causing additional damage.

Is Drying In Place Right for This Job? Questions Strata Councils Can Ask

Since drying in place is a highly specialized approach, it’s worth discussing with restoration contractors to determine if it’s a viable solution for a given project. Here are some questions that strata councils can ask to confirm whether drying in place is appropriate:

1. Where did the water come from, and what category of water damage is it?

• Not all water damage is the same. Restoration professionals categorize water into three types: Category 1 (clean water, from sources like a broken pipe), Category 2 (gray water, with minor contaminants), and Category 3 (black water, highly contaminated from sources like sewage). Ask contractors about the category of water involved, as this will determine if drying in place is safe and feasible or if removal is required.

2. Can the affected materials be effectively dried without removal?

• Some materials, like certain types of drywall or insulation, may not retain their integrity after being saturated. Ask contractors to assess if the specific materials affected can be restored through drying.

3. What equipment and technology will be used for this drying process?

• Drying in place requires more than just standard fans. Specialized tools such as dehumidifiers, injectidry mat systems, thermal imaging, and borescopes to inspect hidden areas may be necessary to monitor and control the drying environment effectively.

4. How will you verify that moisture has been fully removed?

• A proper drying process involves monitoring moisture levels continuously. Verification tools, like moisture meters, thermal imaging, or even AI-based monitoring systems, can provide transparency and confidence that drying is complete.

5. Is there a controlled drying environment being set up?

• form of containment to optimize conditions for moisture extraction. This helps control airflow, temperature, and humidity precisely.

6. What experience does your team have with drying in place?

• Drying in place is a specialized skill that not all contractors have. Inquire about the team’s experience with this technique to ensure they understand the science and commitment it requires.

Why Drying In Place Isn’t Always Feasible

While drying in place is an emerging trend with considerable benefits, it isn’t suitable for every job. In some cases, the extent of water damage or the nature of the materials affected may make removal and replacement a more practical option. For instance, in cases where water has extensively saturated porous materials or where contamination is present, drying in place may not yield effective results.

Strata councils should also consider that drying in place takes time and careful monitoring, which may not be feasible in certain high-priority situations where rapid results are essential. Additionally, environmental factors like humidity levels in the building and the specific type of water damage (e.g., clean water vs. contaminated water) can impact the suitability of this approach.

A New Era of Restoration

As drying in place becomes more recognized and widely used, it’s shaping a new era in the restoration industry that prioritizes sustainability, resource conservation, and community well-being. This approach is setting new standards for reducing waste and environmental impact in restoration projects, all while aiming to help people get back to normal life as quickly as possible.

While drying in place won’t be the right solution in every situation, it represents a step forward for the industry. By asking the right questions and partnering with skilled contractors who understand the science and dedication involved, strata councils can make informed choices that support both the community and the environment.

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Jamie Madi
Director of Sustainability, Pro-Claim Group

Jamie Madill is revolutionizing sustainable practices in the restoration industry through initiatives like electric vehicle adoption and advanced waste management. He loves collaborating to help everyone reach their goals and actively champions circular economy practices across Canada.