KnowHow

Processes For Growing Restoration Companies

Overview: Why Air Mover Placement Matters
Effective drying requires removing moisture from surfaces and assemblies quickly and thoroughly. Air movers play a critical role in this process by:
<ul>
<li>Promoting evaporation through convective heat transfer</li>
<li>Enhancing air pressure to reach deep into structural assemblies</li>
<li>Reducing drying time, which minimizes risk of secondary damage</li>
</ul>
🔍&nbsp;From Reets Drying Academy: Like wind cutting through your coat, high-velocity airflow reaches into building cavities to remove hidden moisture. Slower airflow simply can&rsquo;t penetrate in the same way (Reets <a href="https://reetsdryingacademy.com/blog/is-slower-air-flow-sufficient-to-dry-buildings/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Blog</a> &ndash; Okefenokee Analogy).

Maximizing Air Mover Placement for Water Damage Restoration

To follow the IICRC S500 standard, determine the right number of air movers based on floor surface area&nbsp;and room configuration.
<img style="width: 500px; height: auto;" src="https://d1d4x9xaxq9e85.cloudfront.net/image/draftjs/Screenshot 2025-03-27 115919.jpg" alt="Screenshot 2025-03-27 115919.jpg">
General S500 Guidelines (Residential Setting):
<ul>
<li style="font-weight: bold;">1 air mover per 10 to 16 linear feet of wall space</li>
<li>OR 1 air mover per 50-70 sq. ft. of affected floor area</li>
<li>Add additional units for insets, closets, stairwells, or large furniture
<ul>
<li>Every inset, closet, or small room</li>
<li>Cabinets, stairwells, or large furniture interrupting airflow</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
🎥 Watch the Reets Quick Tip - "<a href="https://reets.wistia.com/medias/1f976m0dns" target="_blank" rel="noopener">How Many Air Mover Should You Use?"</a>

Calculate the Correct Number of Air Movers

Basic Placement Tips:
<ul>
<li data-end="1813" data-start="1690">Place air movers to create a circular airflow pattern (vortex) that continuously moves air across all wet surfaces.</li>
<li data-end="1875" data-start="1816">Aim at 45-degree angles to walls for even distribution.</li>
<li data-end="1955" data-start="1878">Avoid blowing directly at walls for long durations—adjust angle for coverage.</li>
</ul>
<img alt="air movers inside home.jpg" src="https://d1d4x9xaxq9e85.cloudfront.net/image/draftjs/air movers inside home.jpg" style="width: 500px; height: auto;"/>
Special Considerations:
<ul>
<li data-end="2105" data-start="1987">Use low-profile air movers or specialty drying equipment to direct airflow under cabinets or into crawlspaces.</li>
<li data-end="2174" data-start="2108">Focus air movers on wet baseboards, carpet edges, and drywall.</li>
</ul>
💡 Reets Pro Tip: Increased air speed = increased air pressure. This allows airflow to push into wall cavities and layered assemblies more effectively. Slower airflow won’t generate the same pressure.

Position Air Movers for Maximum Effectiveness

<img alt="AdobeStock_313596595.jpeg" src="https://d1d4x9xaxq9e85.cloudfront.net/image/draftjs/AdobeStock_313596595.jpeg" style="width: 500px; height: auto;"/>
<ul>
<li data-end="2521" data-start="2440">Always run air movers on high speed unless specifically instructed otherwise.</li>
<li data-end="2635" data-start="2524">Do not reduce airflow late in the drying process. Slower speeds reduce evaporation and prolong drying time.</li>
<li data-end="2716" data-start="2638">High airflow continues to deliver energy to deep, hidden moisture pockets.</li>
</ul>
⚠️ Reets Blog Warning: Don’t fall for the myth that slower airflow is sufficient late in drying. Buildings are complex assemblies—not just flat materials!

Monitor and Adjust Placement as Needed

As drying progresses:
<ul>
<li data-end="3010" data-start="2964">Check moisture readings at least once per day.</li>
<li data-end="3097" data-start="3013">If areas are not drying uniformly, reposition air movers to target wetter spots.</li>
<li data-end="3156" data-start="3100">Document any changes and explain why they were made.</li>
</ul>
<img alt="reed-r6018-kit-water-damage-restoration-kit-reed-r6018_kit-2.jpg" src="https://d1d4x9xaxq9e85.cloudfront.net/image/draftjs/reed-r6018-kit-water-damage-restoration-kit-reed-r6018_kit-2.jpg" style="width: 500px; height: auto;"/>

Accurate documentation is critical for:
<ul>
<li data-end="3282" data-start="3258">Insurance compliance</li>
<li data-end="3303" data-start="3285">Job validation</li>
<li data-end="3327" data-start="3306">Team coordination</li>
</ul>
Document Checklist:
<ul>
<li data-end="3385" data-start="3360">Number of air movers used</li>
<li data-end="3445" data-start="3388">Type of air mover (centrifugal, axial, low-profile, etc.)</li>
<li data-end="3491" data-start="3448">Placement (draw simple sketch or photo log)</li>
<li data-end="3527" data-start="3494">Speed settings (should be “High”)</li>
<li data-end="3603" data-start="3530">Justification for placement (e.g., wall cavity, carpet pad, cabinet base)</li>
<li data-end="3629" data-start="3606">Daily moisture readings</li>
</ul>
<img alt="AdobeStock_190479583.jpeg" src="https://d1d4x9xaxq9e85.cloudfront.net/image/draftjs/AdobeStock_190479583.jpeg" style="width: 500px; height: auto;"/>
✅ Use your drying log forms or digital tracking tools (like MICA, DASH, Encircle) to stay consistent.

Document Air Mover Use and Placement

<img alt="AdobeStock_505129293.jpeg" src="https://d1d4x9xaxq9e85.cloudfront.net/image/draftjs/AdobeStock_505129293.jpeg" style="width: 500px; height: auto;"/>
<ul>
<li data-end="3842" data-start="3783">Follow the S500—it’s your best friend and your defense.</li>
<li data-end="3906" data-start="3845">More airflow = more drying power. Don’t undercut the process.</li>
<li data-end="3980" data-start="3909">If in doubt, ask a senior tech or supervisor before making changes.</li>
<li data-end="4039" data-start="3983">Never unplug or reduce air movers without authorization.</li>
</ul>

Key Reminders

<ul>
<li data-end="4170" data-start="4067">Reets Drying Academy: <a data-end="4168" data-start="4089" href="https://reets.wistia.com/medias/1f976m0dns" target="_new">Quick Tip Video – Air Mover Count</a></li>
<li data-end="4241" data-start="4173">Reets Blog: “Drying Like a Cold Wind” (Okefenokee Swamp Analogy)</li>
<li data-end="4335" data-start="4244">Reets Training: <a data-end="4333" data-start="4260" href="https://reets.wistia.com/medias/prt56ddaip" target="_new">Evaporation Potential Video</a></li>
<li data-end="4437" data-start="4338">IICRC S500 Standard and Reference Guide for Professional Water Damage Restoration (Current Edition)</li>
</ul>