While some people approach water damage restoration as a Do-It-Yourself activity, there is really little that you can do on your own without ample training and the right equipment. The onslaught of water damage continues even after the storm has gone, thus, the problem has to be solved quickly and accurately. Failure to do so would result in greater damage to your possessions.
One of the main reasons why you should hire professionals to solve water damage problems is because these people are equipped with the right tools. One of the main tools used by these professionals is the air mover.
Air movers are efficient water drying and water damage restoration equipment made up of very strong fans. Most of them are portable and ideal for drying carpets, upholstery, or even hard floors. They are most useful in places that are not well-ventilated. Such places will have difficulty drying up quickly due to the high humidity in the air, which would slow down the rate of evaporation.
A typical air mover is usually powered by a 1/3 or 1/2 hp motor that allows for a drying of 2000+ cfm (cubic feet per minute). When an air mover is rated at 2000 cfm, this means that the maximum amount of water it can remove or dry is 2000 cubic feet per minute. They usually have a 3-speed setting to allow the user to choose the appropriate power output. This will allow for a flexible water damage restoration operation.
To speed up the drying process, most professionals use multiple air movers at the same time. This is possible because most air movers are hand-held, and typically weigh in at around 30 lbs. Thus, one air mover can be operated by one water damage restoration crew member. Modern air movers are very efficient. Some of air movers only require 4 Amps at a 115V power input. Hence, you don't have to worry much about the energy consumption during the simultaneous use of multiple air movers. The motors are built to perform well even during extended use, hence, you don't have to worry about them conking out while you try to get rid of that water quickly.
Most air movers have directional settings to provide for varying air-movement requirements. This will allow crew members to have a convenient and efficient drying process. The more expensive types are housed in a durable shock-proof casing to allow for rugged use, typical of a water damage restoration operation.
Air movers are usually used alongside dehumidifiers to further speed up drying. Water is removed by the air movers, and the dehumidifiers reduce the water vapor content of the air.
Since a typical household would not normally have an air mover in their possession, and since this type of equipment is essential in any water damage restoration operation, it is therefore clear now why professionals have to be hired to perform the water damage restoration operation. Either that, or you would have to rent one. Ideally, multiple air movers have to be rented to provide for a fast water damage restoration operation.