“As many restorers are aware, heat is an element used to warm up cooler objects. The more important question is: What is heat and how can it be utilized in drying? There are three ways that heat can be transferred: Conduction, infrared radiation and convection,” Kyle Herndon writes.
In each edition of ANSI/IICRC’s S500 Standard and Reference Guide for Professional Water Damage Restoration, dating back to 1994, the mitigation contractor’s stated first priority on a loss site has remained clear: “Eliminate safety hazards”. I am certain that SARS-CoV-2 (the virus) or COVID-19 (the disease) are not what the authors of the standard had in mind.
We are now digging into equipment sizing and understanding the ANSI/IICRC S500, Edition 4, 2015 (S500) to improve drying performance and are starting with air mover calculations and getting the job properly sized.
When you think about hoarding, there is an array of risks and dangers that come to mind – from cleanliness to injuries to air quality. Unfortunately, there’s another less obvious danger and hidden risk that causes both property damage and a lot of heartache for those involved. Fire.
For years, I have heard restorers and carriers say some pieces of equipment are “specialty equipment”, and I must admit for a bunch of years early in my career, I listened to the crowd.
While studying to become a Certified Restorer, I had the pleasure of taking a building science course offered by the Restoration Industry Association. This course should be required early in any restorer’s career. It is knowledge that will make you think differently about your drying projects.
