This is a definitely a hot topic. The subject can be emotional for proponents and opponents, as the use and application of scientific principles is very seriously debated, even between heat advocates. Added to this is the ominous potential of lawsuits and legal fees. Some restorers are afraid to even utter the word “heat.” This article is aimed to help restoration professionals have a better understanding of heat, its consequences and its applications in restoration drying. In part one of this two-part series, we’ll give you enough background to understand how heat works and get past some common heat-related mistakes and misconceptions. This article will concentrate on the science and properties of heat, water and evaporation. Part two will focus more on heat drying applications, along with some tips to use heat efficiently and profitably.
First and foremost, it is important to understand that everyone dries with heat. Everyone dries with heat because water requires a substantial amount of heat (energy) to change from a liquid to a vapor. It is equally important to understand that a “substantial amount of heat” is not the same as “high temperature.” The amount of heat in something is not the same thing as its temperature.