Water damage in the cellar? How to dry correctly after storms in Switzerland and avoid mould

Unfortunately, severe thunderstorms, heavy rainfall, and floods are becoming increasingly frequent in Switzerland due to climate change. When water gets into the basement or living areas, the shock is immense. But after the initial cleanup and pumping out, the most important task to save the building fabric awaits: professional drying. Important: larger damages should be handled by professionals.

Those who proceed carelessly or wait too long risk serious consequential damages such as mold formation, unpleasant odors, and permanent damage to concrete and masonry. In this blog post, you will learn how professional drying works and which devices are best suited for which application.

Why fast drying is so important

Water quickly penetrates every pore of screed, plaster, and masonry. Superficial wiping or simple ventilation is far from enough, as the moisture is deep within the building materials.

• Risk of mold: Mold spores can form after just 48 to 72 hours.
• Structural damage: Wood begins to rot, metal parts rust, and in winter, freezing residual water in the masonry can lead to cracks.
• Health risk: Mold in your own home can cause respiratory diseases and allergies.

The process of water damage restoration

• Safety first: Before entering the basement, the power in the affected area must be completely switched off (risk of electric shock!).
• Remove water: The standing water must be completely pumped out with dirty water pumps or wet vacuums. In case of larger events, call the fire department immediately and notify your insurance.
• Salvage & dispose of inventory: Everything that got wet must go. What cannot be salvaged should be disposed of directly to minimize sources of mold.
• Start technical drying: Now, construction dryers and dehumidifiers come into play. They remove moisture from the room air, allowing the walls to dry out gradually.

Comparing suitable devices: Which dryer for which purpose?

For effective drying, you need professional equipment. Aktobis brand devices are very common and valued in Switzerland. We have compared three popular models for you, which offer the optimal solution depending on the extent of the damage.

1. For precise billing: Aktobis WDH-50B

The Aktobis WDH-50B is an extremely robust and reliable construction dryer. Its special feature is the integrated kWh consumption meter. If the water damage is settled through an insurance company (e.g., building insurance), this meter is invaluable as it allows you to accurately prove the electricity consumption of the drying process. With a dehumidification capacity of up to 50 liters per day, it is ideal for normal basement areas and construction sites.

2. For continuous operation without emptying: Aktobis WDH-R180B

If you don't want to (or can't, because you don't live on site) empty the water tank several times a day, the Aktobis WDH-R180B is the perfect choice. This model has an integrated condensate pump. The collected water can be led directly into a higher drain or out through a basement window via a hose. The device thus runs completely autonomously in continuous operation.

3. The powerhouse for large damages: Aktobis WDH-1200HT

When large areas are affected or the water is very deep, standard equipment reaches its limits. The Aktobis WDH-1200HT is an absolute powerhouse. It achieves extreme air circulation volumes and extracts massive amounts of moisture from the air. It is designed for tough, professional continuous use and saves even large halls or heavily affected residential complexes in record time.

Direct comparison of the models

Important tips for the drying phase

• Windows closed: While the construction dryers are running, all windows and doors leading outside must remain closed. Otherwise, you will draw in humid outside air and the drying effect will be lost.
• Use fans: To speed up the process, additional fans help. They ensure air movement, which allows moisture to be released more quickly from the walls into the room air.
• Be patient: Thorough screed drying or wall drying often takes several weeks. Do not switch off the devices too early, but ideally measure the residual moisture.