Professional Drying vs. DIY: How to Truly Dry Out Your Home and Prevent Mold

Posted on by msi-admin

When water damage strikes — whether from a burst pipe, leaking appliance, or heavy rain — many homeowners reach for household fans and a store-bought dehumidifier, hoping that will solve the problem. While it may seem like a quick fix, these tools simply aren’t powerful enough to stop the hidden dangers that come with water damage. Without the right equipment and techniques, moisture lingers in your home’s structure, creating the perfect conditions for mold growth and costly repairs.

Why Household Equipment Falls Short

  • Fans: A box fan or ceiling fan circulates air, but it doesn’t create the high-velocity airflow needed to pull moisture out of walls, flooring, and other building materials.
  • Store-bought dehumidifiers: These units are designed for comfort in a bedroom or basement, not for drying a water-damaged structure. They pull out only a fraction of the moisture required, and can take weeks to have any impact. Meanwhile, mold has time to spread.

What Professional Equipment Does Differently

  • Commercial air movers: These machines blast air at floor level and across surfaces, forcing moisture out of wood, drywall, and carpeting.
  • Industrial dehumidifiers: Unlike small home units, professional dehumidifiers extract dozens — even hundreds — of pints of water per day, rapidly lowering humidity to safe levels.
  • Moisture meters and thermal imaging: Hidden dampness inside wall cavities or under flooring can’t be seen with the naked eye. Professional tools detect and verify that everything is truly dry.

Why Speed Matters: Stopping Mold Before It Starts

Time is critical after water damage. Mold can begin growing in as little as 24 to 48 hours if moisture is left unchecked. Even if a surface feels dry, deep inside the materials, moisture may still be present. Professional drying equipment ensures the structure is dried quickly and completely, cutting off mold before it has a chance to take hold.

Protecting Your Home and Health

Using household equipment may make the surface look better temporarily, but it doesn’t address the bigger issue. Without full structural drying, homeowners often face mold infestations, warped building materials, and persistent odors just weeks later. Professional equipment prevents these problems, saving money, time, and stress in the long run.

The MSI Difference

At MSI, we use advanced drying equipment and IICRC-certified techniques to restore homes the right way. Every job is documented with moisture readings to prove that your property is safe, dry, and mold-free. Choosing professional help isn’t just about convenience — it’s about protecting your home and your health.

Don’t risk mold and long-term damage by relying on household fans. Call MSI today at 215-339-1769 for fast, professional water damage restoration.

From Denied Claim to Full Coverage — Media, PA Water Loss

Posted on by msi-admin

What seemed like a small water damage issue on the first floor of a single-family home in Media, PA turned out to be a multi-floor problem that had been quietly causing damage for some time. This project revealed the hidden extent of water damage — and how having an experienced restoration company can make all the difference when dealing with insurance claims.

The First Call

When the homeowner first contacted us, they believed the water damage was limited to their first floor. Upon inspection, our team found additional damage extending upward to the second floor and downward into the finished basement. With no visible source in sight, we began carefully opening walls to trace the water’s path.

Finding the Culprit

The break was eventually traced to a cracked stack pipe in the second-floor wall. The homeowner had already filed an insurance claim, but it had been denied because the insurer labeled it a “long-term leak” — a common reason for claim rejections, especially when mold is involved.

However, our inspection told a different story.

Proving the Case

We documented how the crack in the pipe was small enough to release only minimal amounts of water at a time. The insulation and double-layered drywall/plaster acted like a sponge, absorbing the water before any signs appeared on the surface. By the time damage became visible, the underlying problem had been active for some time — but not because it was ignored.

Once the wall was opened, a plumber could repair the pipe, and with our findings, the insurance company reversed its decision and covered the claim.

Understanding Category 3 Water

This was a Category 3 water loss — the most hazardous classification:

  • Category 1: Clean water from a sanitary source.
  • Category 2: “Gray” water with some contamination.
  • Category 3: “Black” water containing sewage, bacteria, and dangerous pathogens.

Because the cracked stack pipe was part of the home’s waste system, any escaping water posed serious health risks. Immediate, professional remediation was essential to remove contaminated materials, sanitize the area, and prevent mold growth.

Why Stack Pipes Crack

Stack pipes — the vertical plumbing pipes that carry waste and water from upper floors — can crack for several reasons:

  • Material fatigue in older cast iron or PVC systems.
  • Shifting or settling of the building.
  • Temperature fluctuations causing expansion and contraction.
  • Corrosion or rust over time.

Even a small crack can cause major hidden damage, as this case clearly showed.

The MSI Difference

Our role went far beyond cleanup. We:

  • Discovered the hidden extent of the damage.
  • Removed contaminated materials from all affected floors.
  • Performed mold remediation to IICRC standards.
  • Coordinated with the plumber for quick repairs.
  • Provided the documentation needed to reverse a denied insurance claim.

When you’re facing water damage — especially from a hidden source — you need a restoration company that knows how to uncover the problem, clean it up properly, and help you get it covered.

Have water or mold damage you can’t figure out? Call MSI at 877-712-1600. We’ll find the source, stop the damage, and help restore your home safely.