Many think the science behind drying is simply drying the air; however, it is actually a complicated practice that involves advanced physics combined with applied mathematical principles. As many restorers strive to make a living, it is important to note that understanding the science behind drying wet structures is a difficult, disciplined, and often complicated process.

When flooding occurs, homeowners, building managers and insurance professionals deserve the best we have to offer. As we grow and mature as an industry, restorers have gained a substantial amount of knowledge in the field of drying. Today we are discovering new technology and better ways to utilize energy, and that’s just scratching the surface.

Restoration contractors are actually physicists in disguise, because drying wet materials involves the fundamentals of fluid dynamics and physics, due to multiple forces that entangle water within materials. That means understanding forces like gravity, friction, tortuosity, capillary action, pore size, and the laws of thermodynamics. Moisture is not excused from the laws of gravity any more than it is from the effects of heat or from cold. Water boils at 212F and freezes at 32F, at least at sea level.

Scientifically, when wet material is present during water damage and an attempt is made to salvage the material, restoration professionals employ fundamentals of mechanical physics to ensure that water moves from wet areas to drier areas. This amazing discipline must employ some form of energy. Drying is really straightforward – it consists of adding or removing heat. In other words it is all about energy.

The first law of thermodynamics states that energy cannot be created or destroyed. The second law of thermodynamics, which restorers should be familiar with states that flow of heat is from hot to cold, and never visa-versa. That is why we don’t have a “perpetual energy” machine.