Install Air Movers
Air movers are used in water mitigation jobs to help water to evaporate more quickly from all affected surfaces. Follow this process in order to install your air movers correctly.
This is an example template process. By importing this process, whether you customize it or not, you acknowledge that KnowHow is not liable for the content contained, implementation or use of this example process.
Step 1: Decide how many air movers to use
This will depend on how many wet surfaces there are, how much water is present, and how easy or difficult the water is to get to (consider wall cavities, cabinets, and contents). You want to make sure air is always flowing across affected surfaces.
Follow these general tips:
- Place one air mover in each affected area.
- Use one air mover for each 50-70 sq.ft. affected floor area (this will change based on the type of flooring - non-porous and semi-porous flooring needs fewer air movers than direct-glue carpet installation, and stretch-in carpet requires the most).
- Add an air mover for each 100-150 sq.ft. of affected wall surfaces (above 2ft.) and ceilings.
- Add an air mover for every room offset or inset greater than 18".
Step 2: Understand exceptions
If there is limited flooring surface affected and the primary wet areas are lower walls (if the water has migrated less than 2ft. into the middle of the room), add one air mover for every 14 linear ft. of affected perimeter walls. Do not combine this with the information in Step 1.
Step 3: Make adjustments as needed
Ensure air circulates throughout the affected area. Direct airflow should cover affected open areas and lower portions of affected walls.
Step 4: Place the air movers in the area
The actual placement of the air movers, once their number has been determined, is affected by:
- type of material
- degree of saturation
- accessibility of wet surface
- power and equipment availability
As a general rule, you'll need 4-5 air movers for each dehumidifier that is used in a job.
Specialty air movers may be needed if building cavities require airflow.
Step 5: Place air movers at 5-45 degree angles to the wall, depending on type
Step 6: Place the snout of the air mover 1" from the wall
Ensure the snout is not actually in contact with the wall.
Step 7: Face air movers in the same direction
This ensures they are not working against each other to push the air.
