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The Tech Behind the Towels: Unpacking Psychrometrics in Water Restoration Water cleanup is a science, and that means precision. Cleanup crews—like the expert water remediation team at Faulkner Restoration—aren’t just throwing towels at damp spots. They're orchestrating a complex song and dance, using the properties of air and humidity to direct the moisture exactly where we want. Among other names, this is the science known as psychrometrics, and it’s the number-one asset water remediators use when doing a dry-out. We’ll explore a few topics such as humidity, saturation, and dew points, then walk the restoration playbook, showing you how professionals use this data to their advantage. Stick around, and you’ll read about the tech that actually works. Psychrometrics 101: What Is It and Why Do I Care? It may be a mouthful, but I promise it’s more than jargon. Psychrometrics—from the Greek words for “cold” and “measurement”—is the system of measures we use to calculate how water molecules in the air will behave, both physically and in terms of their temperature. The air we know and breathe every second is actually a mixture of gases, like oxygen, nitrogen, and carbon dioxide, plus vapors like water vapor. This mixture behaves uniquely compared to pure gases. Psychrometrics is the roadmap we use to figure out how the air and moisture will behave—and with it, we can plan, predict, and account for the movement of water. Psychrometrics usually plots the air on an XY axis: the X axis is the air temperature, and the Y axis is the humidity ratio, known as absolute humidity—the ratio of pounds of water to pounds of air. There’s another way to measure humidity, called relative humidity (RH). RH tells us how saturated the air is with water molecules and is usually expressed as a percentage. When the air cannot hold any more water, it is saturated—and instead of staying as a vapor in the air, the moisture will return to liquid water. For example, an RH of 40% means that the air is 40% saturated. When RH reaches 100%, the air is saturated, and the moisture in the air begins to condense, forming dew. RH is useful because the amount of water the air can hold before it reaches saturation changes with temperature. This means that an 80-degree room and a 60-degree room—even if they had the same number of water molecules—would have different RH values. The Air's Push and Pull: Vapor Pressure, Differentials, and Dew Points Another thing that techs must take into account with water vapor is that it exerts pressure on other gases. In other words, on a molecular level, the water molecules push each other around. The more water molecules there are, the harder they push on each other. This pushing is called “vapor pressure,” and it means that wet materials will push moisture into the drier surrounding air, creating what we call a “differential.” The bigger the differential is, the faster the water vapor will evaporate. This is why restorers use dehumidifiers to fill the area with dry air, reducing the RH of the surrounding air. If this RH is too high, it could cause the air to saturate and re-wet. One way to avoid this is to keep an eye on the dew point. Remember how I said earlier that temperature affects the amount of water needed to saturate? This is the same reason why your grass has dewdrops in the morning after a cold night—the temperature drops, and the water molecules in the air form into droplets. The temperature at which the air will become saturated is called the “dew point,” and the dew point changes with the RH of the air. Picture air like a sponge. At 70°F, it holds 55 grains per lb. Soak it with vapor from nearby drywall? Dew point plummets. RH spikes—and the structure isn’t drying like it should. The Restoration Playbook: Tools and Steps in Action Restoration professionals plot all of this data on psychrometric charts to predict how the water vapor will behave: just add some heat here, crank the airflow there, and it should dry out—like weather forecasting for your walls. This exemplifies the two-part mechanical system of the dehumidifier and air mover. The dehumidifier replaces the moist, humid air with hot, dry air. The air movers increase the vapor pressure, causing the moisture trapped in the building materials to rush out into the drier, less saturated air coming from the dehumidifier. In essence, the dehumidifier removes the moisture from the air and heats it up before spitting all that hot dry air back out—where it can soak up more moisture like a sponge, thanks to the help of the air mover. This cycle then repeats until the room is stable and dry. I hope that the reason why we use the tools we do has become a little more clear now, knowing the science behind why it works. Dehumidifiers crush that humidity, bringing it down to acceptable levels, while air movers—like fans—and even specialty devices like air injectors (used to dry hard-to-reach cavities) help keep vapor pressure. This is the delicate ballet at play behind every water damage restoration. By tweaking the heat and humidity, you can zap that moisture out from the air like magic. Our moisture meters aren’t just beeping to let us know there’s moisture—they’re whispering dew point secrets, letting us know what to do and where to do it. Here’s how we put the playbook into motion, step by step: Step 1: Plot the Baseline – Grab initial RH, dew point, and moisture readings to spot differentials and classify the water (clean vs. contaminated). Step 2: Fire Up the Duo – Dehumidifiers pull grains from the air; air movers whip vapor out of materials, targeting <60% RH. Step 3: Dial & Dry – Daily checks with thermo-hygrometers tweak the cycle—add heat if needed—until materials hit <16% moisture content. Why Psychrometrics Isn’t Optional: Your Firewall Against Disaster Psychrometrics isn’t optional—it’s the firewall against $5K mold repairs. It may seem like scientific gobbledygook, but for the trained professional, it’s the navigational chart that tells us exactly where we are, where we need to get to, and how to get there. And now, hopefully, you too, reader, have a better understanding. So, the next time you’ve got water damage, don’t just call up Joe Schmoe with the Shop Vac—go with the pro with the RH chart, like the trained professionals of Faulkner Restoration. Give us a call today at 317-782-9999, and let psychrometrics work its quiet magic on your home.

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3 Common Water Damage Myths Homeowners Should Stop Believing Water damage can quickly spiral from a minor issue to a major headache if you fall for common misconceptions. Homeowners often believe myths that lead to delayed repairs, mold growth, and expensive fixes. At Faulkner Restoration, we’ve seen firsthand how misinformation can turn a small leak into a costly disaster. From thinking minor drips will dry on their own to assuming bleach eliminates all mold, these myths put your home and health at risk. Let’s debunk three widespread water damage myths with expert insights to help you protect your property. Read on to learn the truth and discover how Faulkner Restoration can restore your home quickly and safely. Myth 1: Small Leaks Don’t Require Professional Help A dripping faucet or a small puddle under the sink might seem harmless, tempting many homeowners to grab a towel and move on. Unfortunately, even minor leaks can cause significant damage by seeping into walls, floors, or insulation. Within 24-48 hours, trapped moisture can foster mold growth, which not only weakens your home’s structure but also poses health risks like allergies or respiratory issues. Ignoring these small leaks often leads to costly repairs that could have been avoided with early intervention. At Faulkner Restoration, our certified technicians use advanced tools like moisture meters to detect hidden water and assess the full extent of the damage. By addressing leaks promptly, we prevent mold and structural issues, saving you time and money. Don’t underestimate a small leak’s potential to cause big problems. Contact us for a professional assessment to ensure your home stays safe and dry. Myth 2: Bleach Kills All Mold After Water Damage When mold appears after a water leak, many homeowners turn to bleach, believing it’s a quick fix to eliminate the problem. While bleach can kill some surface mold on non-porous materials, it’s ineffective against mold hidden in porous surfaces like drywall, wood, or carpeting. These deeper spores continue to thrive, spreading through your home and potentially causing health issues like asthma or allergic reactions. DIY attempts with bleach can also worsen the problem by spreading spores or exposing you to harmful toxins. Faulkner Restoration’s certified mold remediation experts use industry-standard techniques, such as containment barriers and HEPA filtration, to safely remove mold and prevent its return. Our process ensures that all affected areas are thoroughly treated, protecting your home and family. Don’t risk incomplete mold removal—trust our team to handle the job with precision and care, restoring your home to a safe, mold-free condition. Myth 3: Drying Wet Areas with Fans Is Enough After a flood or spill, many homeowners set up household fans, thinking they’ll dry out the damage and prevent further issues. However, fans alone can’t remove moisture trapped in carpets, subfloors, or walls, where it can linger and cause mold growth or structural damage. This hidden moisture often goes unnoticed, leading to warped floors, musty odors, and costly repairs down the line. Relying solely on fans can give a false sense of security while the real damage festers. At Faulkner Restoration, we use industrial-grade dehumidifiers and air movers to thoroughly dry affected areas, ensuring no moisture remains to cause problems. Our professional drying process is fast and effective, preventing mold and preserving your home’s integrity. Don’t let hidden moisture compromise your property—call Faulkner Restoration for expert drying solutions that restore your home to its pre-damage condition. Don’t Let Myths Flood Your Home Believing water damage myths can lead to expensive repairs, health hazards, and unnecessary stress. By understanding the truth about small leaks, mold removal, and proper drying, you can make informed decisions to protect your home. Faulkner Restoration is here to help with 24/7 water damage restoration services tailored to your needs. Whether you’re facing a minor leak or major flooding, our certified team is ready to respond. Contact Faulkner Restoration today for a free inspection and let us bring your home back to safety with professional, reliable solutions.

Applying the precepts of structural drying to your home is a unique process, as every structure is shaped differently, and will dry at a different rate. There is no one single magic-bullet formula for drying, but by meeting guidelines and following protocol, both residential and commercial structures can be dried effectively and efficiently. In this blog post, we will go over some of the basic principles of applied structural drying, and how these pillars affect the drying process. Keep reading, and perhaps you'll learn something new and interesting!

Summer fades fast, ushering in cold air and hidden risks like frozen pipes or snow-damming on your roof. Winter brings more water damage claims than any other season, but by acting now, you can prepare accordingly and set yourself up for success. Routine maintenance-checking your HVAC, roofs, and chimneys- helps prevent costly repairs, and keeps you in your home. The critical maintenance you need: HVAC HVAC is a critical system for your home, and it’s important to maintain it regularly, even without the threat of water loss. By keeping your HVAC system in good working order, you prolong the lifetime of your equipment and protect your home from potential water intrusion at the same time. Swap out your dirty air filters to boost airflow, and to prevent mold from trapped moisture. Make sure your condensate drains are clear to avoid leaks. Vacuum your vents to reduce dust and schedule a professional inspection once a year before the winter freeze, to catch any issues before it becomes a problem. These basic steps can keep your HVAC running smoothly and prevent water or mold damage. Contact your local HVAC professional for expert assessments. Make sure you're covered! Roofs are the next point of focus. Your roof is your home’s first defense against the elements, and it’s critical that it be maintained correctly to prevent professional repairs. Do not attempt to get on to your own roof; it’s better to leave any hazardous tasks to trained professionals. Make sure any roof inspector is checking for loose or damaged shingles, and that the flashing is intact. In colder months, a phenomenon known as ice-damming can occur, where meltwater refreezes on the roof, causing pools of water to form and slowly seep into the roof. Water damage on the roof can cause water and mold damage throughout the entire house, especially if the water travels down through the insulation of the walls. Roof-related water damage often migrates to other rooms in the house, multiplying the cost of repairs. Let's keep it clean. Finally, make sure to inspect your chimney, if your home has one. Look out for cracks or damaged caps, and call a professional chimney sweep to remove flammable creosote. Creosote is a remarkably hazardous chemical that accumulates in chimneys, and is extremely flammable, so regular cleaning is vital. Check the flashing where the chimney meets the roof to stop water intrusion from the outside. Check the flue for proper ventilation to avoid moisture buildup. These steps can prevent a house fire or water damage and keep your home cozy and safe. Maintain today to avoid repair tomorrow. Proactive maintenance now is the best way to prevent a costly repair this winter. Schedule professional inspections where they are needed to protect your home. Remember that maintenance is always cheaper than repair. If you’re in need of a restoration professional, give Faulkner Restoration a call today at 317-782-9999.

What is ITEL and Why It Matters Imagine your home’s roof is damaged in a storm, or a burst pipe ruins your living room carpet. You want your home fixed quickly, with materials that look just like the originals, and at a fair price. That’s where ITEL comes in. ITEL Laboratories, Inc. is a trusted company that specializes in helping homeowners like you by identifying the exact materials needed to repair your home—whether it’s roofing, siding, or flooring—and ensuring the costs are fair and accurate. As an independent testing lab, ITEL works like a neutral expert, analyzing damaged materials without bias to find perfect matches and provide local pricing that reflects what’s available in your area. They’re not tied to any specific insurance company or contractor, which means their focus is on getting your home back to normal with honesty and precision. At Faulkner Restoration, we use ITEL’s services to make sure your repairs blend seamlessly with your home’s existing look while keeping the process straightforward and stress-free. Why We Use ITEL At Faulkner Restoration, our goal is to restore your home efficiently while maintaining the highest standards of quality and fairness. ITEL aligns perfectly with this mission. As an independent third-party lab, ITEL provides unbiased analysis, ensuring that the materials we use for repairs match the original in both quality and appearance. Their services are trusted by major insurance carriers, contractors, and restoration professionals across the U.S., thanks to their industry-leading database and rapid turnaround times. ITEL’s ability to integrate with platforms like Verisk and CoreLogic, combined with their mobile app, ITEL NOW, allows us to access real-time pricing and matching data, reducing delays and ensuring accuracy. Additionally, ITEL’s adherence to industry standards, such as those set by the IICRC for restoration practices, gives us confidence that our work meets professional benchmarks, providing peace of mind for both us and our clients. How ITEL Benefits Homeowners ITEL’s services directly benefit homeowners by simplifying the restoration process and ensuring fairness: Getting Material Matches Whether it’s matching a discontinued roofing shingle or finding a like-kind-and-quality flooring replacement, ITEL’s extensive database ensures your home’s repairs blend seamlessly with existing materials. This is critical in states with matching laws, where insurance companies must ensure repairs match the original appearance. ITEL’s reports specify the manufacturer, product name, and closest available match, preventing unnecessary full replacements and preserving your home’s aesthetic. Ensuring Fair Pricing ITEL’s localized pricing ensures you’re not overpaying or undercompensated for repairs. By providing accurate, data-driven replacement costs, ITEL helps insurance adjusters create fair estimates, giving you a realistic budget to select new materials. This transparency reduces disputes and speeds up the claims process, so you can return to normalcy faster. How ITEL’s Technology Works ITEL’s process is a blend of advanced technology, expert analysis, and a robust database, designed to make material matching and pricing as precise as possible. Here’s how it works: Taking Samples The process begins with collecting a sample of the damaged material—be it a piece of carpet, a roofing shingle, or a siding panel. For quick results, contractors or adjusters can use the ITEL NOW mobile app to submit photos and details, receiving results in as little as 30 minutes. For more complex cases, physical samples are sent to ITEL’s Jacksonville, Florida laboratory using pre-addressed UPS shipping labels. ITEL provides clear guidelines on preferred sample sizes to ensure accurate analysis. Performing Analysis Once received, ITEL’s team of expert analysts uses a combination of scientific testing and proprietary technology to evaluate the sample. This involves physical and chemical analysis, comparing the sample’s specifications—such as material type, dimensions, color, and texture—against ITEL’s comprehensive database of current and discontinued products. For roofing, they assess granule configuration, sealant, and warranty details; for flooring, they analyze construction and style. If an exact match isn’t available, ITEL identifies the closest commercially available alternative, often consulting manufacturers for precision. Price Matching Details ITEL’s pricing solutions provide localized, up-to-date costs for replacement materials, accounting for regional variations across more than 800 U.S. regions. For example, their Asphalt Shingle Pricing (ASP) solution delivers instant pricing when integrated with estimating platforms, while their flooring pricing solution compares thousands of products to determine a fair replacement value. ITEL updates pricing data at the zip code level during major weather events to reflect supply and demand changes, ensuring accuracy. Their guaranteed fulfillment program even allows them to source and deliver materials at the quoted price within three days if needed. Conclusion At Faulkner Restoration, we’re committed to making property restoration as stress-free as possible, and ITEL is a key partner in that mission. By providing precise material matching, localized pricing, and rapid results, ITEL helps us deliver high-quality repairs that meet both your expectations and industry standards like those set by the IICRC. Whether you’re dealing with water-damaged floors or storm-torn siding, Faulkner’s use of ITEL’s technology ensures your home is restored accurately, fairly, and efficiently. Contact us today to learn more about how we can help you recover from property damage with confidence.

Flooring is the most-affected material in a water intrusion event. Water will always flow from the highest position to the lowest, and that means that often, it ends up on your floors. Depending on the type of flooring you have, your floors will respond differently. Let’s look at some of the most common types of flooring and explore how they are affected by a water intrusion event.

Trust Faulkner Restoration in Greenwood, IN, for expert fire damage restoration of hardwood floors, ensuring your home returns to its former beauty.