Where does structural drying fit your project?
Pick the closest match. Each one shows how we handle that kind of job, then you can go deeper or book a visit.
For homeowners: Structural Drying
Work planned around the house you live in, with the rest of the home kept livable where possible.
- Scope agreed in writing before any work starts
- One lead on site from start to handover
- Clear records at handover
For an insurance claim: Structural Drying
We document the work so your insurer can see what was found and what was done.
- Scope agreed in writing before any work starts
- One lead on site from start to handover
- Clear records at handover
For commercial buildings: Structural Drying
Scheduled around an occupied business and built to the commercial code and the building use.
- Scope agreed in writing before any work starts
- One lead on site from start to handover
- Clear records at handover
For condos and multi-unit buildings: Structural Drying
Coordinated with the building, the board and the access rules.
- Scope agreed in writing before any work starts
- One lead on site from start to handover
- Clear records at handover
For rental properties: Structural Drying
Planned for durability, tenant turnover and a schedule that keeps the unit available.
- Scope agreed in writing before any work starts
- One lead on site from start to handover
- Clear records at handover
Structural Drying
Water that gets into framing and subfloors has to be dried fully, or rot and mould follow.
What it is
Water can soak into wall cavities, floor systems and framing even when the surface looks dry. Structural drying uses moisture mapping and specialised equipment to pull that water out before it causes rot or mould.
Drying is done in stages and checked daily. We only close the work once readings show the structure is dry.
How it works
- Map the moistureWe measure moisture in walls, floors and framing to see where the water has gone.
- Set up dryingDehumidifiers, air movers and drying mats are placed where they will work best.
- Monitor dailyReadings are taken each day and the equipment is adjusted until the targets are met.
- Confirm dryWe record the final readings and confirm the structure is ready for repairs.
What we look at
Wall cavities
Water inside walls is often the last thing to dry and the easiest to miss.
Subfloors
Plywood and joists that stay wet under finished flooring.
Decision 1: Where structural drying is used
Structural drying goes into wall cavities, floor systems and framing after water has got past the surface. It is used after leaks, floods and storm entry.
| Use | Typical area | What matters most |
|---|---|---|
| Wall cavities | Exterior and interior walls | Moisture trapped behind finishes |
| Floor systems | Subfloors and joists | Rot and mould under flooring |
| Roof and ceiling | Deck, rafters, insulation | Water above the ceiling line |
Our pick: Dry the structure, not just the surface. Water that stays in the framing is the water that causes rot.
Decision 2: Mapping the moisture
Moisture is mapped before the drying starts, so the equipment goes where the water is. Readings are taken in the walls, floors and framing, not only the surface.
| Location | Reading | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Wall cavities | Moisture meter at the sill and plate | Where water sits behind the finish |
| Subfloor and joists | Moisture meter at the joists | Where water has run |
| Ceiling and deck | Moisture meter at the underside | Where water entered from above |
Our pick: Map first, then place. Equipment set without a map dries the easy spots and misses the hidden ones.
Decision 3: Opening the structure
Some drying needs openings in the wall or the floor so air can reach the cavity. The openings are placed and sealed so the work is controlled.
| Opening | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Drilled holes in the wall cavity | Lets air move through the cavity |
| Baseboard and trim removed | Access to the subfloor |
| Drywall cut at the bottom | Lets air reach the wall base |
Our pick: Open only where the readings say to. Each opening is patched when the drying is proven.
Decision 4: Equipment and air movement
Drying equipment is placed to move dry air across the wet structure. Dehumidifiers pull the water from the air, and air movers keep it moving.
| Equipment | Job |
|---|---|
| Dehumidifiers | Remove water from the air |
| Air movers | Keep air moving across the wet surfaces |
| Drying mats | Dry floors and subfloors from below |
Our pick: Air has to move across the wet material. A dehumidifier alone in a closed room dries slowly.
Decision 5: Daily monitoring and targets
Readings are taken daily. The equipment is adjusted until the structure reaches the target, and the readings are recorded.
| Day | Action |
|---|---|
| Day one | Map and place equipment, first readings |
| Days two and three | Readings and adjustments |
| Final | Confirm the target is reached |
Our pick: Read every day and adjust. A drying job is only as good as its readings.
Decision 6: Verifying the structure is dry
The structure is dry when the readings reach the target for each material. Only then is it closed in or released to the rebuild.
| Check | Target |
|---|---|
| Framing moisture | Within the target for the wood |
| Subfloor | Dry to the surrounding floor |
| Insulation | Dry before any cover goes back |
Our pick: Close only on readings. A structure closed wet is the one that molds.
Decision 7: Safety on site
Drying work involves open walls, electrical equipment and moisture. Power, air quality and access are managed during the work.
| Hazard | Action |
|---|---|
| Electrical equipment | Cords and outlets checked and protected |
| Open structure | Fall and trip hazards controlled |
| Air quality | Filtration if mould is present |
Our pick: Check the electrical and the access before the equipment is started.
Decision 8: Insurance and documentation
The drying record supports the claim. The readings, the map and the equipment log show what was done and when it was complete.
| Record | What it shows |
|---|---|
| Moisture map | Where the water was found |
| Daily readings | The drying progress |
| Equipment log | What was placed and when |
Our pick: Keep the map and the daily readings. They are the proof the drying was done.
Decision 9: Coordination with the rebuild
The rebuild starts when the structure is dry. The trades that follow need a clear end point from the drying.
| Trade | What it needs |
|---|---|
| Framing repairs | Dry and inspected |
| Drywall and insulation | Dry to the readings |
| Flooring | Subfloor dry and level |
Our pick: Hand over a dry, measured structure. The rebuild depends on it.
Decision 10: After-care and recheck
Drying is checked again after the rebuild, especially after the first heavy rain or the first thaw. A recheck catches anything that was missed.
| Item | What to do |
|---|---|
| Walls and floors | Rechecked after the first heavy rain |
| Odour or staining | Investigated straight away |
| Records | Kept with the house file |
Our pick: Recheck after the first heavy rain. It is the test that proves the drying held.
Questions
How long does drying take?
It depends on how much water got in and how quickly we started. We give you a timeline once we have the first readings.
Why not just open the walls and let it dry?
Opening walls helps, but water can stay trapped in cavities and framing. Equipment and monitoring make sure it is fully dry.
Will my insurer see the readings?
Yes. We record the readings so your insurer can see the drying progress.
Related: Water Damage RestorationMould RemediationAll restoration