Currently, two types of deep extraction tools exist: vacuum sealed and weight compression.

Vacuum-sealed deep extractors make a tight seal with the carpet in order to remove water from sub-surface underlay and carpet. Weighted compression tools use a combination of weight and tight seal to remove water. Consistent speed and maneuverability are critical for mechanical deep extraction tools, especially when extracting water from large areas of carpet and underlay. Mechanical extraction tools can increase the effectiveness of the extraction process ensuring a more consistent and even extraction.

Physical water removal through extraction is the most efficient way to remove physical water trapped within carpet, pad and underlay especially when you understand the amount of energy required to change water’s molecular structure. In fact, it requires more energy to change water from one state to the next (solid, liquid or vapor) than is required with almost any other molecule.

(Adapted from the New Guide to Restorative Drying)

There are four questions that must be answered and documented throughout the restorative drying process. When left unanswered, these questions are the source of the most common errors in water damage restoration. The four key questions, or "knows," of drying are:

1. What is wet?
2. How wet is it?
3. Is it drying?
4. Is it dry?