When it comes to restoring items damaged by water, freezing followed by vacuum freeze-drying is one of the most effective methods for removing water from large quantities of books and other types of paper. After the flood waters have subsided and the clean-up is done, many people want to return to their homes or businesses and start rebuilding. However, wood that has been submerged in water has likely absorbed a large amount of water, which can cause ongoing problems such as mold growth, insect infestations, and deterioration of wood and wall coverings. It is important to determine the category and class of water related to a disaster in order to formulate an effective drying strategy.
The Library of Congress has used the conservation procedures described here for the care of its collections and considers them appropriate; however, they will not be responsible for any damage that results from the use of these procedures. If you are tackling the task of cleaning your flooded basement yourself, there are some tips for restoring water damage that can help you. It is important to identify the type of water you are dealing with in order to decide if you want to solve the problem by restoring water damage on your own or by seeking professional help. If you think that water damage is more than you want to treat, contact a professional.
The document outlines the principles on which drinking water restoration is based and includes the measures that a supplier should consider, as well as reference material to support the standards. Specialized training in TEA (Thermal Energy Analysis) helps you understand the science of water damage and the best practices on water loss. With a reasonable knowledge of psychometry, restorers can often dry and restore materials that in the past were demolished and rebuilt. This is where a commercial model will far outperform a residential dehumidifier, and when repairing water damage, remember that there is no such thing as “too dry.”.
