There is growing evidence that although more moisture readings are being collected, they created confusion because not every restorer is trained to analyze the data and use it to properly re-allocate drying resources.
The goal is to optimize the delivery of energy. In researching heat energy and its importance in the role of drying it’s obvious that, together, temperature and air movement determine the rate of evaporation. How energy is used, however, reflects a restorer’s knowledge.
Some professionals take accurate moisture readings, but fail to use the data to dry optimally. In fact, mistakes are made all the time. Ideally, improved understanding of drying technology will be used to deliver superior performance when drying wet structures.
What should come to mind when you think of drying is, What are the available options? As a mechanic uses different tools for each maintenance procedure, a restorer should be able to evaluate the situation and determine what application is best suited to promptly and effectively dry structures and contents.
There is an energy “sweet spot” that provides better drying and, often times, reduces secondary damage and unnecessary demolition. New technology is providing superior performance for restorers who have adapted and decided to change ahead of their competitors. These are today’s pioneers.
There are many tools that should come to mind when you think of drying – air movers; refrigerant (how many still use the old conventional type rather than low grain?) and desiccant dehumidifiers; directed heat systems; heat; negative pressure mats, etc. Each should be considered based on unique circumstances of the job. Combining equipment may optimize drying, while directing heat can make an amazing difference.
In order to use heat properly, it is important to consider some factors. The IICRC S500 Standard and Reference Guide for Professional Water Damage Restoration discusses the effect heat has on drying. It states in part that “Proper temperature control in the drying environment is important to enhance both the evaporation rate and effectiveness of dehumidification.” It goes on to state that “Drying walls, solid wood flooring or the underside of subfloors, such as plywood, can be accelerated using heat.”
To begin drying with heat, you need to understand energy. Heat is energy. New technologies allow for directing heat closer to the water you need to evaporate. Essentially, you can apply heat anywhere you need it.
Better yet, today’s new units are quieter and more energy efficient, which makes drying a wet house where people are living more tolerable for the occupants and speeds up the whole process.
As every scientist who has stepped into the treacherous waters of research before me, I am keenly aware of the disconnect between evidence and industry awareness. Restoration contractors may not be aware that the basis for efficient drying has historically been linked to what “feels right” or what “seems to work.” Even then, information comes only from those individuals with confidence enough to tell others. Many drying techniques have been discovered serendipitously, with little effort to find out how or why a technique works.
Today, more than 16 years after IICRC produced its first water-damage standard, presumed drying effectiveness based on consensus of knowledgeable individuals remains the chief support for the theory of drying. Without rigorous research, our industry will continue to undergo small incremental changes without knowing whether or not there is a measurable benefit.
Our industry needs more comprehensive research to make the best use of drying technology. To a large extent, it can be said, that growth is related to the dynamics of change and innovation, which can only be fueled by knowledge. I will be sharing my research here in future articles and hope that, as an industry, we can learn together how best to incorporate the new tools and knowledge into our businesses.
