How long do you let a house dry out after a run of major rain.

VinylHanger · Apr 22, 2012

We just went through pretty much 6 months of solid rain and clouds this Winter and into Spring. Last month we had over 10 inches. I had a house I was trying to finish up before the rains came last Fall/Winter, and had to leave the back porch, some small rakes and some reglazing until it finally got dry.

Yesterday was the first day of what looks like a 4-5 day dry spell so I am going to get it finished in the next couple of days. My question is what to tell people when we get one sunny day and then more rain, and what to tell them when it looks like we will have this nice run of nice weather?

First sunny day and folks are calling me asking me when I will be finishing up, even if there is one sunny day and another week of storms rolling though. How much time do I really need to let things dry out. I usually like to give it 2 or 3 days if it is on the shady side, or under the trees and gets no sun. We had a few sunny days, but still around 45 this winter and I was able to prime and get one coat of paint on the areas I'm trying to get finished before it turned nasty again.

I feel like a slacker if I don't try and rush out as soon as I see the sun. What do you guys do.

Spaint90 · Apr 22, 2012

2 or 3 days its usually dry enough..day after it rains definitley not

hdavis · Apr 22, 2012

I always check bare wood with a moisture meter. Two good drying days usually works out. Having already primed and one coat of paint, you're probably good to go with latex and acrylic as soon as the surface moisture is gone. I tell people I'm measuring the moisture content, so I really don't get any arguments about it.

I went to the moisture meter because I didn't want to waste time not painting wood that was dry enough and didn't want to paint wood that was too wet.

VinylHanger · Apr 23, 2012

I have a moisture meter, but wanted something to tell folks when they called. I always figured 2 or 3 days as well. Problem is we haven't had that until this week. Finally today got back on it. Man, I thought I had more done.

TNTRenovate · Apr 23, 2012

12% or less on the meter. Days don't matter.

Ext. Sol. LLC · Apr 23, 2012

Once the house is dried in you can hire a water remdiation company to dry it down to acceptable levels if your in a time crunch.
We have used those companies on all the EMHE projects I have been involved with. In fact we kept them on site until drywall and paint is done.
12 % is a good number

CaptRandy · Apr 23, 2012

Moisture meter to 12% only true method.

CarlW · Apr 23, 2012

I think if you want an answer of what to tell people, tell them it depends....

Obviously, if it's 55 degrees and cloudy for 3 days that would be a whole lot different than 3 sunny days in the 80's.

Schmidt & Co · Apr 23, 2012

Exactly. And thats why I always use the moisture meter. But, as a general rule I'll also tell my customers three days also.

Yankee Framer · Apr 23, 2012

Tell them to move away from the NW?

VinylHanger · Apr 24, 2012

No doubt. That may be my solution as well.

Jeepers. Don't paint if it will rain, don't glaze if it will rain, don't caulk if it will rain, don't roof if it will rain, don't frame if it will rain, don't pour concrete if it will rain. What's a guy to do.

MN Painting · Apr 24, 2012

Its all about your warranty, which has to be whatever your homeowners will make you do. If they want to rush you after a rain, wait till afternoon and start. Just make sure to give them a low down that your warranty is void unless it has not rained in the last 72 hours.

How long do you let a house dry out after a run of major rain.

Our Vendors

Top Contributors this Month

Recommended Communities