Stabilization vs. drying: key differences explained

Stabilization has one goal and one goal only: prevent secondary damages like high humidity and mold growth while dealing with the contamination.

Stabilization is not drying. You do not size the equipment the same way you would if you were drying a structure.

What many restorers don’t realize is that when you deal with a Category 2 or Category 3 loss, you must clean the surfaces and materials before you can apply your drying equipment.

During stabilization, you are not moving large volumes of air, you are only removing moisture from the air in an attempt to prevent the humidity levels from creating conditions for mold and secondary damages, such as condensation on cooler walls or higher humidity levels warping paper products.

A drying project that is not stabilized will often allow for secondary damages within a couple of days and can cost the client substantially more if a Condition 3 (active growing) mold growth occurs. A prudent restorer deploys stabilization tactics when the need arises. 

Drying is the use of air movement and dehumidification to create vapor pressure differentials by passing large volumes of air over a surface to transfer the heat energy.

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LEARN MORE IN OUR FREE EBOOK!

Be sure to check out Kris Rzesnoski's ebook, Encircle Hydro Restorative drying made SIMPLE!, to find out more. Written by a restorer for restorers, Kris' free eBook covers everything. You'll learn about moisture levels, moisture content, dry standards and more.

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