The Technical Process & Equipment

How to professionally dry a house

How Do You Professionally Dry a Flooded House?

Drying a flooded house involves more than removing visible water, it requires moisture detection, specialist equipment, trained water restoration technicians, and a carefully managed process. Professionals like JAE map moisture inside walls and flooring, remove excess water and contaminants, then use industrial drying systems to restore the carpet and structure safely, preventing mould and long-term damage.

Why Professional Drying Matters

Floodwater doesn’t just sit on the surface, it wicks into carpet underlay, subflooring, wall cavities, and joins. If not professionally dried, it can lead to:

  • Structural damage
  • Mould growth
  • Odours and bacteria
  • Flooring and joinery swelling or warping
  • Insurance complications

When flooding strikes, time is critical, the longer moisture remains, the higher the risk of long-term damage and mould growth. That’s why it’s important to call JAE first. We’re an insurance-approved provider and can work with any insurer to get the process moving quickly. Our teams respond fast, assess the damage, and begin professional drying right away, helping protect your home, reduce repair costs, and avoid delays in your insurance claim.

Professional flood restoration ensures the drying is complete, safe, and documented.

Step 1: Initial Assessment & Moisture Mapping

The first step is understanding the full extent of the water damage, not just what you can see.

Trained technicians will:

  • Identify the water source
  • Check how far water has spread using non-invasive and invasive monitoring equipment such as moisture readers, infra-red cameras and hammer probes.
  • Assess contamination risks
  • Determine what can be salvaged
  • Map and document all aspects of the water intrusion and capture initial moisture and humidity readings.
  • Assess any Health & Safety risks

Why it matters:

Moisture often spreads into places you can’t see or feel - like under skirting boards or inside walls, behind cabinetry. There is actually a science behind it all! Out technicians understand the science of Psychrometry that deals with the study of the physical and thermodynamic properties of moist air and water vapor mixtures. Understanding this science is critical in the post-flood water damage restoration and drying process.

Step 2: Water Extraction

Fast water removal reduces the overall drying time and limits damage.

This may include:

  • Truck-mounted water extraction units
  • Portable water extraction tools
  • Sub-surface extractors for underlay
  • Timber floors drying mats

At this stage JAE technicians will:

  • Remove standing water
  • Extract moisture from carpet and underlay
  • Prepare the area for drying equipment
  • Apply antimicrobial treatment

Step 3: Carpet & Underlay Treatment

Not every carpet needs to be removed, but in some cases it must be lifted to allow for drying of the materials beneath the carpet.

We may:

  • Lift carpet to dry underneath
  • Remove and replace or restore damaged underlay
  • Install drying equipment Clean and treat carpet fibres

JAE’s expertise helps determine:

Carpet that can be fully restored vs carpet that needs replacing.

flood restoration equipment

Step 4: Structural Drying

This is where specialist equipment is critical.

Technicians set up a controlled drying system using:

  • Industrial air movers
  • Commercial-grade dehumidifiers
  • Structural cavity drying equipment (for walls & ceilings)
  • Drying mats (for timber floors)

This stage prevents:

  • Mould growth
  • Swelling of timber or plasterboard
  • Long-term odours
  • Hidden moisture damage

Step 5: Continuous Monitoring

Flood restoration is not “set and forget.”
JAE technicians return regularly to check progress and ensure that everything is still running smoothly and progressing as it should.

We track:

  • Moisture levels
  • Relative humidity
  • Equipment performance
  • Temperature control
  • Drying effectiveness inside walls and flooring
  • Any changes to the site that may present a H&S Risk

Adjustments are often made, such as:

  • Moving equipment
  • Repositioning airflow
  • Increasing dehumidification
  • Widening the drying zone

Step 6: Cleaning, Sanitising & Deodorising

Once fully dry, the affected areas are treated to restore them safely.

This may include:

Step 7: Final Verification & Documentation

This is critical for both peace of mind and insurance.

JAE provides:

  • Moisture readings
  • Drying reports
  • Photographic documentation
  • Confirmation of safe restoration

If replacement is needed, we liaise with insurance providers.

flood restoration machines

Professional Flood Restoration Equipment JAE Uses

Moisture Detection:

  • Thermal imaging cameras
  • Hygrometers
  • Non-invasive moisture meters
  • Hammer Probe Moisture detectors

Water Extraction:

  • Truck-mounted extractors
  • Sub-surface water extractors
  • Weighted wand systems

Drying Technology:

  • Industrial air movers
  • Low-grain refrigerant dehumidifiers
  • Desiccant dehumidifiers
  • Wall and ceiling cavity drying systems
  • Timber floor drying mats

Why Choose JAE for Flood Restoration?

  • Certified water restoration technicians (IICRC Water Restoration Technicians and Applied Structural Drying Technicians)
  • Health & Safety PreQual approved
  • 24 / 7 emergency flood response
  • Industry-leading drying technology
  • Fast response across NZ
  • Over 50 years’ experience
  • Preferred insurance provider
  • Safe, effective, and documented drying process

FAQ Section

Q: Can I dry a flooded carpet myself?

A: Not completely. While you can start with towels and ventilation, only professional equipment can remove moisture from the underlay, subfloor and walls. DIY drying often leaves hidden moisture that has often penetrated deep into the building material, which can cause mould and structural damage.

Q: Is it safe to keep living in a flooded home?

A: It depends, clean water may be manageable with prompt drying, but contaminated water (such as from storms, sewage or ground flooding) can pose health risks. JAE can assess and advise on safety.

Q: Will insurance cover flood restoration?

A: In most cases, yes, especially if you act quickly and use a professional restoration service like JAE. It will of course depend on what your insurance policy specifically covers. We work directly with any insurance company and provide all documentation required.

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