WATER DAMAGE MITIGATION MANAGEMENT SYSTEM AND METHOD

A water damage mitigation management server includes a transceiver, an electronic data storage, and a processor. The transceiver is operable to transmit and receive communications over at least a portion of a network. The processor is configured to receive and cause to be displayed chamber dimension data, water damage data, and dehumidifier data. The processor is further configured to, using at least the chamber dimension data and the water damage data, calculate and caused to be displayed a required quantity of water to be removed from the chamber over a given period of time. The processor is further configured to determine and cause to be displayed whether the required quantity of water to be removed is greater than, less than, or approximately equal to an expected quantity of water to be removed by the chosen dehumidifier over the given period of time.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The technical field relates in general to a data processing system that aids in managing water damage mitigation at a water damage site. More specifically, the data processing system accepts inputs from a water damage mitigation contractor with access to the water damage site, and provides relevant information to the contractor related to progress in the water damage mitigation at the site.

BACKGROUND

Comprehensive claims management systems are known in which insurance adjusters, contractors, and insureds interact to satisfy an insurance claim. Typical functionality of these claims management systems includes establishing benchmarks or goals of a contractor in completing a particular job and monitoring progress in achieving the benchmarks or goals by the contractor, facilitating centralized posting of notes such that each party can view notes of other appropriate parties, facilitating centralized posting of relevant documents and photos, recording and tracking payments, and of course maintaining the full range of identifying information of all the parties.

Although claims management systems have improved claims processing, an equivalent improvement has not been seen in terms of efficiency with which the actual work that is the subject of many insurance claims is performed. Water damage mitigation comprises a substantial portion of contractor work performed in satisfying building owner insurance claims. However previous attempts at an effective water damage mitigation management system have suffered from significant drawbacks such as failing to enable remote processing, failing to ensure adherence to standardized quality measurements, and simply failing to provide management features that significantly impact the work of a water damage mitigation contractor. The presently disclosed water damage mitigation management system corrects these deficiencies, and others, and provides a platform for water damage mitigation contractors to more easily and efficiently complete their water damage mitigation jobs.

SUMMARY

Accordingly, a first embodiment provides a water damage mitigation management server. The water damage mitigation management server comprises a transceiver, operable to transmit and receive communications, over at least a portion of a network and an electronic data storage. The water damage mitigation management server further comprises a processor cooperatively operable with the transceiver and the electronic data storage.

The processor is configured to receive and cause to be displayed chamber dimension data, including dimensions of one or more rooms in a chamber in which water damage has occurred. The processor is further configured to receive and cause to be displayed water damage data, including a category of water and a class of water. The processor is also configured to receive and cause to be displayed dehumidifier data, including a model type and a rating of a chosen dehumidifier to be used in removing water from the chamber.

The processor is further configured to, using at least the chamber dimension data and the water damage data, calculate and caused to be displayed a required quantity of water to be removed from the chamber over a given period of time. Lastly, the processor is also configured to determine and cause to be displayed whether the required quantity of water to be removed is greater than, less than, or approximately equal to an expected quantity of water to be removed by the chosen dehumidifier over the given period of time.

A second embodiment provides a water damage mitigation management method, implemented in a water damage mitigation management server comprising a transceiver, an electronic data storage, and a processor. The method comprises receiving and causing to be displayed, by the processor, chamber dimension data, including dimensions of one or more rooms in a chamber in which water damage has occurred. The method further comprises receiving and causing to be displayed, by the processor, water damage data, including a category of water and a class of water. The method further comprises receiving and causing to be displayed, by the processor, dehumidifier data, including a model type and a rating of a chosen dehumidifier to be used in removing water from the chamber.

The method further comprises using at least the chamber dimension data and the water damage data, calculating and causing to be displayed, by the processor, a required quantity of water to be removed from the chamber over a given period of time. The method also comprises determining and causing to be displayed, by the processor, whether the required quantity of water to be removed is greater than, less than, or approximately equal to an expected quantity to be removed by the chosen dehumidifier over the given period of time.

A third embodiment provides a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium. The medium has instructions stored thereon. When executed by a sever computer, comprising a transceiver, an electronic data storage, and processor, the instructions cause the server computer to perform the water damage mitigation management method described above.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

It is further understood that the use of relational terms such as first and second, and the like, if any, are used solely to distinguish one from another entity, item, or action without necessarily requiring or implying any actual such relationship or order between such entities, items or actions. It is noted that some embodiments may include a plurality of processes or steps, which can be performed in any order, unless expressly and necessarily limited to a particular order; i.e., processes or steps that are not so limited may be performed in any order.

As indicated above, the present disclosure concerns a water damage mitigation management server that is designed to aid a contractor in more easily and efficiently completing a water damage mitigation job. In one embodiment, the water damage mitigation management server is configured in an enterprise network of any scale. That is to say, the water damage mitigation management server would be operated by an enterprise that is responsible for overseeing one or more contractors.

In such an environment, the water damage mitigation management server would be accessible either at the server itself, or through an enterprise network client device. It is envisioned that water damage mitigation management server is intended to be operated either self-sufficiently, through an operator who is employed by, or responsible to, the enterprise, or even by a contractor.

Referring then toFIG. 1, a block diagram illustrating a water damage mitigation management system100is discussed and described. The water damage mitigation management system100includes an enterprise network101and a remote network109. In an exemplary embodiment, the enterprise network101includes a water damage mitigation management server103and one or more network water damage mitigation management client devices105,107.

As mentioned above, the water damage mitigation management server103may be operated by an enterprise which oversees one or more contractors, and provides resources for operation of the enterprise network101. While much of the functionality of the water damage mitigation management server103is performed autonomously in response to input from remote water damage mitigation management client devices111,113, it should be understood that network administrators and other employees of the enterprise program and operate the water damage mitigation management server103. Thus the water damage mitigation management server103and the network water damage mitigation management client devices105,107may each be communicable with the other over a local area network (LAN), or if the enterprise is large enough, a wide area network (WAN).

Of course, the water damage mitigation management server103operates to aid water damage mitigation contractors in efficiently and easily completing their water damage mitigation jobs. Thus it should be expected that the water damage mitigation management server103will communicate with remote water damage mitigation management client devices111,113. Succinctly put, almost all of the relevant information that needs to be collected in order to manage and facilitate completion of a water damage mitigation job needs to be collected at a remote site of the water damage.

The water damage mitigation management server103is therefore designed to be able to communicate remotely with on-site devices, illustrated inFIG. 1as remote water damage mitigation management client devices111,113. Generally speaking, all reading and measurements can be uploaded from the job site with any smart device with Internet connectivity, as discussed further below. Complimentary wise, calculated and/or supplied data from the water damage mitigation management server103may be provided back to a remote device using the Internet, as discussed further below. Significantly more detail related to the water damage mitigation management system100and its components is now provided.

Each of the water damage mitigation management server103, the network water damage mitigation management client devices105,107, and the remote water damage mitigation management client devices111,113may be viewed as a computer system. As described above, the computer systems103,105,107in one embodiment may communicate over an enterprise network, however in other embodiments the computer systems103,105,107,111,113may communicate each with the other over any network such as the Internet, an intranet, or any other network. Each computer system103,105,107,111,113may be programmed to operate in automated fashion, and may also have an analog or a graphic user interface such as Outlook and Windows such that users can control computer systems103,105,107,111,113. Each computer system103,105,107,111,113may include at least a central processing unit (CPU) with data storage such as disk drives, the number and type of which are variable. In each computer system103,105,107,111,113, there might be one or more of the following: a floppy disk drive, a hard disk drive, a solid state drive, a CD ROM or digital video disk, or other form of digital recording device.

Each computer system103,105,107,111,113may include one or more displays upon which information may be displayed. Input peripherals, such as a keyboard and/or a pointing device, such as a mouse, may be provided in each computer system103,105,107,111,113as input devices to interface with each respective CPU. To increase input efficiency, the keyboard may be supplemented or replaced with a scanner, card reader, or other data input device. The pointing device may be a mouse, touch pad control device, track ball device, or any other type of pointing device.

Each computer system103,105,107,111,113may interconnects peripherals previously mentioned herein through a bus supported by a bus structure and protocol. The bus may serve as the main source of communication between components of each computer system103,105,107,111,113. The bus in each computer system103,105,107,111,113may be connected via an interface.

The CPU of each computer system103,105,107,111,113may perform the calculations and logic operations required to execute the functionality of each computer system as described in this disclosure and as illustrated inFIGS. 2-6. The functionality of each computer system103,105,107,111,113may be processed in an automated fashion such that relevant data is processed without user administrator assistance or intervention. Alternatively or additionally, the functionality of each computer system103,105,107,111,113may be processed in a semi-automatic fashion with intervention from a user administrator at one or more of the computer systems103,105,107,111,113. Implementing, processing, and executing the functionality of each computer system103,105,107,111,113as described in this disclosure with respect toFIGS. 2-6is within the purview and scope of one of ordinary skill in the art, and is not discussed in detail herein.

Each computer system103,105,107,111,113may be implemented as a distributed computer system or a single computer. Similarly, each computer system103,105,107,111,113may be a general purpose computer, or a specially programmed special purpose computer. Moreover, processing in each computer system103,105,107,111,113may be controlled by a software program on one or more computer systems or processors, or could even be partially or wholly implemented in hardware. The computer systems103,105,107,111,113used in connection with the functionality described with reference toFIGS. 2-6may rely on the integration of various components including, as appropriate and/or if desired, hardware and software servers, database engines, and/or other content providers.

Although the computer systems103,105,107,111,113inFIG. 1are illustrated as being a single computer, each computer system according to one or more embodiments of the invention is optionally suitably equipped with a multitude or combination of processors or storage devices. For example, each computer illustrated in computer systems103,105,107,111,113may be replaced by, or combined with, any suitable processing system operative in accordance with the principles of embodiments of the present disclosure, including sophisticated calculators, hand-held smart phones, smartpads, laptop/notebook, mini, mainframe and super computers, as well as processing system network combinations of the same. Further, portions of each computer system103,105,107,111,113may be provided in any appropriate electronic format, including, for example, provided over a communication line as electronic signals, provided on floppy disk, provided on CD-ROM, provided on optical disk memory, etc.

Any presently available or future developed computer software language and/or hardware components can be employed in the computer systems103,105,107,111,113. For example, at least some of the functionality mentioned above could be implemented using Visual Basic, C, C++ or any assembly language appropriate in view of the processor being used. It could also be written in an interpretive environment such as Java and transported to multiple destinations to various users.

It is likely that one or more the computer system103,105,107,111,113may be implemented on a web based computer, e.g., via an interface to collect and/or analyze data from many sources. User interfaces may be developed in connection with an HTML display format, XML, or any other mark-up language known in the art. It is possible to utilize alternative technology for displaying information, obtaining user instructions and for providing user interfaces.

As indicated above, each computer system103,105,107,111,113may be connected over the Internet, an Intranet, or over a further network. Links to any network may be a dedicated link, a modem over a POTS line, and/or any other method of communicating between computers and/or users.

Each computer system103,105,107,111,113may store collected information in a database. An appropriate database may be on a standard server, for example, a small Sun™ Sparc™ or other remote location. The information may, for example, optionally be stored on a platform that may, for example, be UNIX-based. The various databases may be in, for example, a UNIX format, but other standard data formats may be used. The database optionally is distributed and/or networked. Succinctly put, the computer systems103,105,107,111,113of the water damage mitigation management system100may implement the functionality of the various embodiments described herein with respect toFIGS. 2-6using any imaginable computing environment.

Turning now toFIG. 2, a web page screen capture showing water damage mitigation management functionality, produced by a water damage mitigation management server, in overview, is discussed and described. Specifically,FIG. 2illustrates a web page200that is an introductory web page that demonstrates the various functionality of the water damage mitigation management server. The web page200shows an overview201of water damage mitigation management information. For example, the overview201includes an indication209of whether the source of the water damage has been stopped. This is of course an important determination as it effects how quickly a water damage mitigation contractor must be dispatched. The overview201of water damage mitigation management information further includes an indicator210of a technician assigned to the job, along with contact information of the technician. This provides for easy contact if necessary.

The overview201of water damage mitigation management information further includes an indication211of whether subrogation is possible. Subrogation of course is the right of an insurance company to “step into the shoes” of an insured (property owner) in order to seek collection from a negligent third party. In a water damage mitigation situation, the indication211addresses whether a property-owner insured can subrogate rights against a negligent third party in order that the third party would be forced to pay for the cost of the water damage mitigation.

The subrogation determination211may also include a preliminary determination212as to the reason for the water damage. The preliminary determination212is generally used to explain why subrogation is not possible. It should be noted that irrespective of any other reason, it is not uncommon for a property-owner insured to have waived his or her subrogation rights through a subrogation waiver clause. The indication211of subrogation rights may or may not take into account a subrogation waiver clause.

The overview201of water damage mitigation management information further includes a determination213of whether a part that may have played a role in the water damage has been saved. If the determination213is that the part which played a role in the water damage has been saved, the overview201includes an indication210of which person has possession of the part. This determination213that a part has been saved may be important if subrogation is going to be sought.

The overview201of water damage mitigation management information further includes an indicator215of whether mold is present in the water-damaged building. If it is indicated that there is mold present, the overview201of water damage mitigation management information may further provide a determination216of whether the mold extends in an area that is greater than 10 square feet. The overview201of water damage mitigation lastly includes a notes area217that is provided for a user to input information of particular importance, such as the source of the water damage.

The web page200is the base page for all the water damage mitigation management functionality. While the overview201of the water damage mitigation management information is general information that relates to a presenting problem of water damage, the information provided by tabs for drying chamber information203, atmospheric information205, and a moisture map207lead to much more detailed functionality. Thus, when the tab for drying chamber information203is selected, the web page300inFIG. 3opens that provides much more detailed information about the various rooms (that is chambers) that are undergoing water damage mitigation.

Turning then toFIG. 3, a web page screen capture showing water damage mitigation management functionality related to drying chambers information is discussed and described. More particularly web page300breaks down drying chambers information303into identifying and damage information304, affected room information312, and remedial measures (dehumidifier) information324. The identifying and damage information304includes for each affected chamber, a chamber name305, the category307of water (type of water) in a damage area, the class309of water (defining a type of damage that occurred), and a type of dehumidifier311that will be used in removing water and water vapor.

The chamber name305is a common nomenclature that identifies a particular chamber in a building in which water damage has occurred. Examples of such nomenclature include basement, kitchen, bedroom, etc. These chamber identifiers can be input either manually or can be selected from a drop down menu.

For each chamber where there is water damage, the type and extent of the damage must be determined. Such a determination is made by a contractor according to industry developed standards. In the water damage mitigation field, these standards are established by the certification and standard-setting non-profit organization known as Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC). Specifically, the IICRC has promulgated the S-500 Standard and Reference Guide for Professional Water Damage Restoration (“S-500 standard”).

For example, in each affected chamber a water damage mitigation contractor must indicate a category307of water in the damaged area. However, a category307of water is not a general expression. As used in this disclosure, “category of water” is defined in the manner provided by IICRC's S-500 standard. The expression “category of water” and “water category” should be understood to be interchangeable.

The S-500 standard provides 3 different categories of water. Category 1 water is described as “clean water,” and originates from a source not posing substantial harm to humans.

Category 2 water is described as “gray water,” and has a significant level of contamination that can cause sickness or discomfort if consumed by or exposed to humans. Category 3 water is described as “black water,” and is grossly unsanitary and can contain pathogenic, toxigenic, or other harmful agents and can cause severe illness or death. Category 3 water includes sewage, toilet back up, flooding, ground water, or any water which may carry organic matter, pesticides, regulated materials, or other toxic substances.

It should be noted that clean water can become gray water or black water due to a variety of factors including contact with building materials, soils, contaminates or simply if left untreated for certain durations of time and at given temperatures. Further, gray water can become black water if left untreated for 48 hours or more. The water damage mitigation contractor must assess a water category307from among the three categories above, and indicated the results in web page300.

As mentioned above, the identifying and damage information304also includes a class309of water determination. However as with water category307, water class309is also not used generally. As used in this disclosure, “class of water” is also defined in the manner provided by IICRC's S-500 standard. The expressions “class of water” and “water class” should be understood to be interchangeable. The S-500 standard provides four water class designations.

Class 1 water is where damage is confined to a small area. For example, part of the carpet may be wet with very limited or no wicking up the walls. Only flooring is affected, and damage is to mostly non-porous materials. Class 1 water is characterized by requiring the least amount of absorption and evaporation for remediation.

Class 2 water is where water has affected an entire room of carpet and cushion and wicked up the walls 12 to 24 inches. Class 2 water is characterized by requiring a large amount of absorption and evaporation for remediation. Class 3 water is water that may have come from above. Ceiling, walls, insulation, carpet and pad, and subfloor are all saturated. Class 3 water requires the largest amount of absorption and evaporation for remediation.

Class 4 water is water that requires specialty drying. Specifically, class 4 water is found in hardwood, brick, plaster, stone, crawl spaces, and concrete. Class 4 water requires very low grain air to be used in removal, as is known in the art. Longer drying times and specialty drying equipment is often necessary in remediation of class 4 water. The water damage mitigation contractor must assess a water class309from among the four classes described above, and indicate the results in web page300

Based on the category and class of water, the water damage mitigation contractor will determine which type of dehumidifier should be used in a particular chamber. There are three types of dehumidifiers that can be selected for a water removal in a particular chamber. The first type of dehumidifier is a standard refrigerant dehumidifier which operates when ambient conditions are in a range of 70° to 90°. The standard refrigerant dehumidifier will lose efficiency below a specific humidity of 55 gpp. However, the standard refrigerant dehumidifier is OK for a higher humidity, with wet porous materials. An example of a standard refrigerant dehumidifier is the Ebac Konpact

The second type of dehumidifier is low grain refrigerant (LGR) dehumidifiers. The LGR dehumidifier works best when ambient conditions are between 70° to 90°, however, a high temperature LGR dehumidifier will work in temperatures up to 115°. The LGR dehumidifier removes waver vapor below 40 gpp. An example of an LGR dehumidifier is the Phoenix 200.

The third type of dehumidifier is the desiccant dehumidifier. The desiccant dehumidifier is a specialty dehumidifier used to provide the lowest specific humidity (gpp) and vapor pressure. The desiccant dehumidifier creates dry desert like air and is commonly used for hardwood, books, electronics, and large loss situations. Examples of the desiccant dehumidifier include the Phoenix D385 and the DriEaz 150.

Thus the water damage mitigation contractor must also indicate in web page300the dehumidifier type311. The dehumidifier type311may be selected from a drop down menu provide water damage mitigation management server103or may be entered free-form by the water damage mitigation contractor. The identifying and damage information304, including the water category307, water class309, and dehumidifier type311, are selected for each chamber305that has experienced water damage in order to aid in determining how much water can be removed in a given day from the chamber.

The identifying and damage information304is not alone sufficient to reach determinations related to the time and number of dehumidifiers (or other remedial measures) required for water removal. Specifically, affected room information312must also be taken into consideration. The affected room information312includes length, width and height information319, as well as the number of wet walls321and the flooring type323.

Thus as seen in exemplary web page300, an affected basement313is 27 feet long, 14 feet wide, and 8 feet tall. The affected basement313has 2 wet walls, and has carpet on cement flooring. In web page300, an affected storage room315is 12 feet long, 9 feet wide, and 8 feet tall. The affected storage room315has 1 wet wall, and has concrete flooring.

It should also be quickly noted that the affected room information312further includes an ITEL indicator320which established whether a sample of the flooring (or any other damaged section of the chamber for that matter) has been collected to be sent to the Florida-based ITEL (Independent Testing and Evaluation Laboratory) Labs for analysis. ITEL will determine product matches, measured specifications and contact information to aide in the process purchasing replacement products for repair. It should be noted that a salvage indicator322additionally shows whether the flooring is salvageable, and if not, why not.

As mentioned above, the water damage mitigation contractor must determine the appropriate dehumidifier type311to use in a particular chamber given the water category307and the water class309. Once the dehumidifier type311is determined, the actual dehumidifiers used324are decided. Specifically, the particular model317of dehumidifier must be decided and its rating328from the Association of Home Appliance Manufacturers (“AHAM rating”) determined. The AHAM rating is the number of pints of water a dehumidifier is able to remove in a 24 hour period of time, in a controlled environment of 80° F. and 60% relative humidity.

In web page300, the water damage mitigation contractor has selected the particular model325“Phoenix 200” as the LGR dehumidifier. The “Phoenix 200” has a particular AHAM rating of 125. Once a particular model of dehumidifier and its respective AHAM rating are indicated for a given water damage mitigation job, an analysis may be performed by the water damage mitigation management server103related to whether the selected dehumidifier, for a particular chamber, provides too much water removal, too little water removal, or approximately the right amount of water removal. Stated another way, the water damage mitigation management server103calculates whether more or less dehumidifiers are needed, or whether the number in use is appropriate.

The water damage mitigation management server103uses the provided identifying and damage information304, along with the affected room information312, to calculate the minimum pints329needed at the start of water damage mitigation. The minimum pints329needed at start is compared with the total pints per day327provided by the particular model325of dehumidifier. A sufficiency determination331can then be easily seen as to whether a particular model317provides “too much” dehumidification or whether there is “more needed.” It should be noted that the minimum pints329needed at start also includes a correct size of dehumidifier that a water damage mitigation contractor may appropriately charge for, with respect to insurance constraints.

Thus for example, and with respect to the “basement,” the water damage mitigation management server103calculates that 77 pints are the minimum pints needed at start. This calculation is based on all the collected identifying and damage information304and affected room information312. The 125 total pints327provided by the Phoenix 200 is clearly greater than the 77 pints needed at start. Based on this information, the selected dehumidifier317could be replaced.

It should be noted that the water damage mitigation management server103also calculates, and displays on web page300, the number of air movers333needed at start. The calculation of the number of air movers333needed at start is also based on the collected identifying and damage information304and affected room information312. The water damage mitigation management server103further records, and displays on web page300, the actual number335of air movers used on each day of water removal as reported by the water damage mitigation contractor.

As discussed above, the minimum pints needed329at start to be removed by the dehumidifier and the number of air movers333needed at start are determined based on the several factors that comprise both the identifying and damage information304and the affected room information312. The dimensions of the room are of course a factor to consider. This can easily be seen by comparing calculations returned from analyses of rooms of the same type but having different dimensions.

For example, the web page300demonstrates that a chamber that includes a basement313and a storage room315with the dimensions discussed above has a minimum pints requirement at start of 77 pints. As well, anywhere form 3-5 air movers are needed at start.FIG. 4is a web page screen capture showing water damage mitigation management functionality related to alternate drying chambers information.

The web page400illustrates a chamber with a basement413that is of the same dimension as inFIG. 3. The only difference between the chamber presented in web page300inFIG. 3and the chamber presented in web page400inFIG. 4is that the dimensions of the storage room415are different. Specifically, storage room415is 200 feet long, 9 feet wide, and 8 feet tall. It should be noted that the length of the storage room415has been exaggerated for illustrative purposes.

Web page400demonstrates that with the much longer storage room, the minimum pints429needed at start is348. This is obviously much higher than the 77 pints needed with the smaller storage room presented in web page300. As total pints per day has not changed from the use of a Phoenix 200, a sufficiency determination431produced by the water damage mitigation management server103is that more dehumidification and dehumidifiers are necessary. Because of the functionality of the water damage mitigation management server, the water damage mitigation contractor can further add another, or possibly two more, dehumidifiers. The contractor could further remotely indicate which additional dehumidifiers are added, and the water damage mitigation management server will appropriately adjust total pints provided per day.

It should be noted that the water damage mitigation management server also indicates that the air movers433needed at start has increased from a range of 3-5 to a range of 8-14. The water damage mitigation contractor will of course use this information to adjust the actual number of air movers being used. Operation of the water damage mitigation management server103is dynamic to account for changes in remediation equipment. The water damage mitigation management server103aides the water damage mitigation contractor in optimizing dehumidifiers and air movers in order to remedy the water damage as quickly as possible in accord with industry standards.

The water damage mitigation management server also aids in recording and utilizing various atmospheric readings. ThusFIG. 5, which is web page screen capture showing water damage mitigation management functionality related to atmospheric readings and dehumidifier readings, is discussed and described. Specifically,FIG. 5demonstrates a web page500that opens when the atmospheric tab205inFIG. 2is selected. More precisely, the web page500inFIG. 5is an extension of web page300inFIG. 3, where both the drying chambers tab203inFIG. 2and the atmospheric tab205inFIG. 2are selected to be open.

As is known in the art, measurements of atmospheric reading are useful in determining progress in water damage mitigation. Generally speaking, the water damage mitigation contractor wants to note decreasing water content in ambient air as remedial measures are undertaken. However, measurements are also taken to ensure that water vapor is being contained from entering previously unaffected areas. Additionally, atmospheric measurements ensure that too much water is not being removed.

Web page500allows for atmospheric readings506to be taken and calculated. Readings are taken at particular cycles, for example, every day or every other day. It should be noted that atmospheric readings are taken at four locations: outside506of the building having water damage; in an affected area508of the building with water damage; in an unaffected area512of the building (that is, inside the building but in an area without damage); and inside an HVAC unit514. Web page500shows a first set of readings507that occur on Apr. 13, 2013 at 12:00 PM.

Thus at the first set of readings507for each of the outside area508and the affected area512, a reading of temperature (TEMP) is taken, as is a reading of relative humidity (RH). It should be noted that inFIG. 5, readings are not detailed at the unaffected area512and in the HVAC514. This may reflect that for some particular reasons, the water damage mitigation contractor on site did not obtain readings in these areas. Nonetheless, as a general principle readings are taken for an unaffected area512and in the HVAC514in addition to outside506and in an affected area508.

As is known in the art, relative humidity is the amount of moisture the air is holding at the current temperature compared to the maximum amount the air could hold at that temperature before reaching the saturation point. The measurements of temperature and relative humidity are taken by the water damage mitigation contractor with measuring devices known in the art.

Once the measurements of temperature and humidity are taken, the specific humidity the actual vapor pressure, and the dew point are calculated by the water damage mitigation management server. As is known in the art, the specific humidity is the weight of water vapor in a pound of air, and is measures as grains per pound of air, or “gpp.” Actual vapor pressure is the pressure exerted by water vapor in the atmosphere and is usually expressed in inches of mercury. Lastly, dew point is when relative humidity reaches 100% and is at saturation.

As mentioned above, the water damage mitigation management server will calculate specific humidity, actual vapor pressure, and dew point at each of the outside area508, affected area512, unaffected area515, and in the HVAC514based on the measured temperature and relative humidity readings. These values are important to the water damage mitigation contractor as they provide information as to whether remediation measures are working.

It should be noted that a second atmospheric reading509is also displayed in the web page500. The second atmospheric reading509indicates that there is more water in the outside air (that is, it may be closer to raining) than at the first reading507as all the indicators (relative humidity, specific humidity, actual vapor pressure, and dew point) are higher. However, in the affected area508, all indicators (relative humidity, specific humidity, actual vapor pressure, and dew point) are lower than in the first reading507. Thus is appears that the water damage mitigation contractor's efforts are working.

Moisture readings are also taken at the dehumidifier and provided by the dehumidifier. That is to say, the dehumidifier has built-in functionality for providing readings without any external meter or device. The dehumidifier readings510are the same as those taken outside506, in an affected area508, in an unaffected area512, and in the HVAC514. That is to say, the first set of reading507taken at, and provided by the dehumidifier, includes measurements of temperature and relative humidity at the situs of the dehumidifier. As well, the second set of readings509taken at, and provided by the dehumidifier, includes measurements of temperature and relative humidity at the situs of the dehumidifier. It should be noted, however, that the first and second readings507,509taken at the dehumidifier include “in” and “out” readings that are taken in a single day. As would be expected, the “out” readings reflect that water has been removed from the ambient air as a dehumidifier takes effect.

Succinctly put, the recording and calculations of various measures of water in the ambient air aids a water damage mitigation contractor in determining effectiveness of remediation efforts. Additionally the contractor can make necessary adjustments in order to ensure that water removal is performed according to industry standards. Of course, while measurements of water content in the ambient air are necessary, so too are measurements of water in the affected part of a building, such as the walls, floors and ceiling, carpets, etc.

ThereforeFIG. 6, which is a web page screen capture showing water damage mitigation management functionality related to a moisture map and associated water content, is discussed and described. Specifically, web page600is a portion of a web page that would open upon selection of a moisture map tab207inFIG. 2. The web page600displays a moisture map601which illustrates the various walls and floors of a chamber. The map601shows four walls affected by water damage (A, B, C, and E) in a particular chamber. Additionally, floors D and F are also affected by water damage.

The water damage mitigation contractor will ultimately know when his remediation efforts are working by determining whether the moisture content in affected walls and floors has receded from an abnormal level to a normal level. The contractor must therefore initially note the dry standards for each type of wall and floor. In webpage600, the standard drywall moisture content603is indicated to be 9%. The standard paneling moisture content605is indicated to also be 9%. The standard carpet moisture content607is indicated to be 8%, and the standard cement floor moisture content609is indicated to be 11%. The standard moisture content percentages above may be provided by the water damage mitigation management server103(in response to indicated types of affected areas), or may simply be input by a water damage mitigation contractor in a data field in the web page600.

With the dry standards610in place, the moisture readings612can be uploaded by the contractor to the water damage mitigation management server. Thus first reading611of drywall A (on Apr. 13, 2013 at 12:00 PM) shows the moisture content (MC) at 49% when taken 6 inches above ground at 73° temperature. Thus second reading613of drywall A (on Apr. 15, 2013 at 10:30 AM) shows MC at 11% when taken 6 inches above ground at 69° temperature. It is clear that the remediation effort is extracting water from the drywall A as the MC transitions from 49%, thru 11%, toward the standard 9%.

The first reading619of wall paneling B (on Apr. 13, 2013 at 12:00 PM) shows the MC at 14% when taken 6 inches above ground at 73° temperature. The second reading621of wall paneling B (on Apr. 15, 2013 at 10:30 AM) shows MC at 12% when taken 6 inches above ground at 69° temperature. It is clear that the remediation effort is extracting water from the wall paneling B as the MC transitions from 14%, thru 12%, toward the standard 9%.

The first reading623of drywall C (on Apr. 13, 2013 at 12:00 PM) shows the MC at 13% when taken 6 inches above ground at 73° temperature. The second reading625of drywall C (on Apr. 15, 2013 at 10:30 AM) shows MC at 9% when taken 6 inches above ground at 69° temperature. It is clear that the remediation effort is extracting water from the drywall C as the MC has transitioned from 13% to the standard 9%.

The first reading615of floor carpeting D (on Apr. 13, 2013 at 12:00 PM) shows the MC at 13% at ground level at 73° temperature. The second reading617of floor carpeting D (on Apr. 15, 2013 at 10:30 AM) shows an MC at 9% at ground level at 69° temperature. It is clear that the remediation effort is extracting water from the floor carpeting D as the MC transitions from 13%, thru 9%, toward the standard 8%.

The first reading627of drywall E (on Apr. 13, 2013 at 12:00 PM) shows the MC at 99% when taken 12 inches above ground at 73° temperature. The second reading629of drywall E (on Apr. 15, 2013 at 10:30 AM) shows an MC at 10% when taken 12 inches above ground at 69° temperature. It is clear that the remediation effort is extracting water from the drywall E as the MC transitions from 99% (almost complete saturation), thru 10%, toward the standard 9%.

The first reading631of cement flooring F (on Apr. 13, 2013 at 12:00 PM) shows the MC at 99% (almost complete saturation) at ground level at 73° temperature. The second reading633of cement flooring F (on Apr. 15, 2013 at 10:30 AM) shows an MC at 10% at ground level at 69° temperature. It is clear that the remediation effort has worked too well as the MC has transitioned from 99% to 10%, which is below the standard MC value for cement.

It should be noted from the above description of the moisture content readings612that the moisture content around dry walls A and E, and floor F, is much higher than other areas represented on the moisture map. It should also be clear that once the MC of a particular surface or wall has reach the standard MC, remediation efforts can be stopped for that particular floor or wall, if possible to do so without effecting remediation efforts at other floors and walls that are not at standard MCs. The water damage mitigation contractor can use the moisture map601, the dry standards610, and the moisture readings612to effectively assess and adjust remediation efforts.

A few additional characteristics of the moisture map601and the moisture readings612need to be briefly stated. Initially the moisture map601and moisture readings612can be uploaded from the job site by any remote water mitigation management client device111,113. The moisture map601provides each moisture point a separate letter such that each moisture point can be individually tracked in the moisture readings612. As indicated above, the moisture readings612indicate the inches above the floor at which each MC reading is taken and indicates the temperature at that location. The list of moisture readings612for each moisture point only present readings actually taken, and each list expands as more readings are entered to reduce the size of the review area to only what is needed. Lastly, if the temperature at a moisture point at which a moisture reading is taken is within 5 degrees of the dew point for the respective chamber, a warning is provide, typically in the form of the temperature reading turning red in color.

Tuning now toFIG. 7, a block diagram illustrating a water damage mitigation management server701configured to implement water damage mitigation management functionality, is discussed and described. The water damage mitigation management server701may include a transceiver707, a processor705, a memory719, a display mechanism715, and a keypad and/or touch screen717. The transceiver707may be equipped with a network interface that allows the water damage mitigation management server701to communicate with other devices in an enterprise or other network709or over the Internet711. Alternatively, the network interface may be provided in separate component coupled with the transceiver707.

The processor705may comprise one or more microprocessors and/or one or more digital signal processors. The memory719may be coupled to the processor705and may comprise a read-only memory (ROM), a random-access memory (RAM), a programmable ROM (PROM), and/or an electrically erasable read-only memory (EEPROM). The memory719may include multiple memory locations for storing, among other things, an operating system, data and variables721for computer programs executed by the processor705.

The computer programs cause the processor705to operate in connection with various functions as now described. A displaying chamber dimension data function723causes the processor705to receive and cause to be displayed chamber dimension data, including dimensions of one or more rooms in a chamber in which water damage has occurred. A displaying water damage data function725causes the processor705to receive and cause to be displayed water damage data, including a category of water and a class of water. A displaying dehumidifier data function727causes the processor705to receive and cause to be displayed dehumidifier data, including a model type and a rating of a chosen dehumidifier to be used in removing water from the chamber. A calculating a required quantity of water to be removed function729causes the processor705to, using at least the chamber dimension data and the water damage data, calculate and caused to be displayed a required quantity of water to be removed from the chamber over a given period of time. Lastly, a determining a comparative relation between the required quantify of water to be removed and expected quantity of water to be removed function731causes the processor705to determine and cause to be displayed whether the required quantity of water to be removed is greater than, less than, or approximately equal to an expected quantity of water to be removed by the chosen dehumidifier over the given period of time.

The above describe functions stored as computer programs may be stored, for example, in ROM or PROM and may direct the processor705in controlling the operation of the water damage mitigation management server701. The memory719can additionally store a miscellaneous database and temporary storage733for storing other data and instructions, not specifically mentioned herein.

Referring now toFIG. 8, a flow chart illustrating a water damage mitigation management method is discussed and described. The water damage mitigation management method is advantageously implemented in a water damage mitigation management server that comprises a transceiver, an electronic data storage, and a processor. When water damage occurs, the method begins801.

The method comprises receiving and causing to be displayed803, by the processor, chamber dimension data, including dimensions of one or more rooms in a chamber in which water damage has occurred. The method further comprises receiving and causing to be displayed805, by the processor, water damage data, including a category of water and a class of water. The method also comprises receiving and causing to be displayed807, by the processor, dehumidifier data, including a model type and a rating of a chosen dehumidifier to be used in removing water from the chamber. The method lastly comprises determining and causing to be displayed809, by the processor, whether the required quantity of water to be removed is greater than, less than, or approximately equal to an expected quantity of water to be removed by the chosen dehumidifier over the given period of time.