IICRC - Applied Structural Drying Verified Questions And

Answers rated A+ Latest 2024

Commonly called an air scrubber or negative air machine if airborne particles need to
be reduced, you could use an appropriately installed _______ ________ ________
Air Filtration Device (ADF)

AFD
Air Filtration Device

Prior to determining the best drying system for affected materials, restorers should
identify and understand the assembly construction (ie wall assembly, floor assembly)
Assembly Construction

water originates from a sanitary source and does not pose substantial risk for dermal,
ingestion, inhalation, or exposure. Uncontaminated and routinely cleaned
Category 1

water contains significant contamination and has the potential to cause discomfort or
sickness if contacted or consumed by humans
Category 2

water is grossly contaminated and can contain pathogenic, toxigenic, or other harmful
agents
Category 3

Category 3
Sewage Back Up

Category 1
Clean water supply line

Least amount of water absorption and evaporation load - Wet porous materials - water
loss is less then 5% of the area
Class 1

Significant amount of water absorption and evaporation load - water intrusion where wet
represents 5% - 40% of the area.
Class 2

greatest amount of water absorption and evaporation load. Water intrusion where wet
represents over 40% of the area
Class 3
deeply held or bound water. Significant amount of water absorption into low evaporation
materials. Drying may require special drying methods, longer drying time, or substantial
water vapor pressure differentials.
Class 4

Uses mechanical dehumidification and is not open to outside air. Used if there are
security issues, the outside air is not conductive to drying or when access to outside air
is not possible.
Closed drying system

Removes water vapor from the air by lowering the temperature of the incoming air to
below dew point and causing the water to condense on the coils. Cold and hot surfaces
created with gases inside a closed coil system.
Conventual refrigerant dehumidifier

uses some outdoor air with dehumidifiers to accelerate the drying process. This can
include periodically venting (flushing) the structure, using negative pressure or using
small openings to the outside
Combination Drying System

Removes water vapor from the air through absorption. Usually requires more amperage
as compared to refrigerant dehumidifier. Desiccants create the lowest vapor pressure
which work best on low porosity materials. When a desiccant dehu is drawing outside
air and ducting processed air inside a building it can create positive pressure in the
building. To improve desiccant dehu performance, it may be beneficial to pre-cool the
desiccants air intake
Desiccant dehumidifier

High humidity outside air could affect the drying climate adversely due to
______________
Infiltration

Favors that affect the detailed dehumidifier calculation is:

1. Tightness of the building envelope
2. Prevailing weather
3. HVAC
4. Class of Water
5. Building Construction
5. Build out density

See Chart:
Cubic Feet : Divided by 70 = Base Pints per day
Multiply the 5 multipliers together: Build out density x building construction x class of
water x HVAC x Weather Impact = Multiplier
Multiply Base Pints per day x Multiplier = Adjusted Pints Per Day
Detailed Dehumidification Calculation

The unaffected material readings are called ______ ______. You know you can use this
as your drying goal. Your drying goal is this plus 10% of it.
Dry Standards

Dry standard + (Dry standard x 10%) = ____________________

Drying Goal Calculation

1. Removing Materials to eliminate safety hazards

2. Removing materials that have suffered primary damage and are not restorable
3. Removing porous materials that are holding odor
5. Removing vapor barriers to assist with drying efforts
6. Removing materials to reduce drying time
7. Removing materials to open cavities or areas to provide additional needed services

Useful for adjuster, or notes on xactimate line items

Why does demolition occur

Step 1: Install One air mover in each affected Room

Step 2: Add one air mover for every 50-70 square feet of affected wet floor in each room
Step 3. Add one air mover for every 100 - 150 square feet of affected wet ceiling and
wall areas above approximately 24"
Step 4: Add one air mover for each wall inset and offset greater than 18"
Step 5: Total x - y
This is the __________ ___________ Recommendation Calculation
Recommendation Calculation

Cubic Footage / Chart Factor (use IICRC chart) = Total PPD (pints per day)
Refrigerants Dehumidification Recommendation Calculation

Total PPD (pints per day) removal recommendation / dehumidifier AHAM rating = _____
of ______ Calculation
Number of Dehu Calculation

Cubic Footage x Chart Factor (ACH) / 60 minutes = Total ______ ______ _____
_______ calculation
Cubic Feet Per Minute Calculation

Total CFM / Desiccant CFM Rating = Total ________of _________ ____________

Calculation
Total Number of Desiccant Dehumidifier Calculation

Return structure, systems or contents to an acceptable condition and inhibit microbial

growth. Along with the above considerations where applicable, it is recommended the
drying goal be within 10% of the dry standards.
Drying goals may be at or above the dry standard should be documented as they relate
to specific materials. The restorer should establish drying goals that would be expected
to

___________ _____________ ______________ normally starts by measuring similar

materials in an unaffected area of the building. These unaffected material readings are
called a dry standard.
Establishing Drying Goals

If drying a crawlspace and the surface temperature of the wood framing is 80°F what is
the dew point temperature of the crawlspace air that would provide the greatest
potential for evaporations

A. 45°F
B. 65°F
C. 85°F
D. 105°F
A. 45°F - best answer is always the lowest option

A method to determine the effectiveness of the drying conditions is to measure the

difference between the surface temperature of the materials and the ____________
____________ of the air
Dew Point

To decrease drying time of wet materials, restorers can increase the __________ of
moisture in the materials. This accelerates the water molecules to make them move to
the air.
Temperature

The day with the greatest vapor pressure differential between air and material was
Monday - Surface Vapor Pressure: .90 Air Vapor Pressure: .73 = Monday Vapor
Pressure Differential: .17
Tuesday- Surface Vapor Pressure: 1.51 Air Vapor Pressure: .55 = Tuesday Vapor
Pressure Differential: .96
Wednesday- Surface Vapor Pressure: 1.04 Air Vapor Pressure: .31 = Wednesday
Vapor Pressure Differential: .73
Tuesday

In the driest environments, we'll find _______?

Coldest Dew Point

The IICRC S500 Water Damage Restoration Standard mentions the following concerns:
______________ ___________ may have weakending or destructive effects on the
structural integrity or physical makeup of building materials and contents. Restores
should be aware of any instructions or safety recommendations from manufactures of
heating devices to protect occupant safety and avoid fire hazards
High Temperatures

Use chemicals that readily absorb moisture.

These machines operate with temperatures ranging from -10°F - 140°F and can remove
moisture from air where the humidity ratio is as low as 5 gpp
This one dehumidifier can work below 32°F
Desiccant Dehumidifiers

The ____________ & _________ the intake air is the more efficiently a desiccant
operates
Colder and Dryer

When a desiccant dehumidifier is drawing outside air and ducting processed air inside a
building it can create ____________ ___________ in the building.
Positive Pressure

Heat flows from areas of warm temperatures to areas of cool temperature in the
absence of other factors. The greater the temperature difference between warmer and
cooler areas (temperature gradient) the faster the heat flows. Buildings lose or gain heat
in three ways
1 ________
2. _______
3 _______
Convection
Conduction
Radiation

Heat flows from areas of warm temperatures to areas of cool temperature in the
absence of other factors. The greater the temperature difference between warmer and
cooler areas (this is called _______________ __________________) the faster the
heat flows.
Temperature Gradient

When a surface's temperature is warmer than the dew point of the air space
____________ occurs, removing moisture from the surface.
Evaporation

______________ __________________is the actual amount of moisture in the air. This

amount is expressed in weight as the number of grains of moisture per point of dry air
(gpp). The more moisture present in the air, the heavier the moisture will weight.
Humidity Ratio
Humidity Ratio is the actual amount of moisture in the air. This amount is expressed in
weight as the number of grains of moisture per point of dry air (this is the _________).
The more moisture present in the air, the heavier the moisture will weight.
GPP

______________ __________________ is the pressure that all substances in a

gaseous state exert on surrounding surfaces. the amount of pressure is determined by
the concentration of gases, such as water vapor, in proportioned to the area in which it
is contained
Vapor Pressure

from areas of high-water vapor pressure to areas of low water vapor pressure seeking
equilibrium
Moisture moves

Moisture moves from areas of high-water vapor pressure to areas of low water vapor
pressure seeking equilibrium
Equilibrium

Increasing the material temperature and the water temperature within the material will
increase the energy within the water molecule, and this will increase the ____________
of _____________
rate of evaporation

Drying efforts need to reverse the mechanism by which the moisture entered. Free
water is drawn out through capillary action, followed by excess bound water via
diffusion.
Moisture Movement in Materials

___________ ______________ is the movement of a liquid through the pores of a

material.
capillary action

__________ ___________ is the movement of water vapor molecules through the

material. Driven by moisture gradients as well as vapor pressure differential from inside
the material to one or both outer surfaces of the material.
moisture diffusion

To increase evaporation from permeable material you should increase material water
vapor pressure and lower _____________ ______________ ________________
Air Vapor Pressure
When the temperature of material is increased the vapor pressure of the liquid in the
material __________
Increases

Restorers can increase the temperature of moisture in materials

To Decrease Drying time of wet materials

If using LGRs, the water category is 3 and the cubic feet of the area is 280. What is the
minimum initial dehumidifier AHAM rated performance pint capacity recommendation.
(using the IICRC Initial Dehumidification Recommendation Calculation Sheet)
7

Which wet carpet floor covering would be the easiest to extract (Cat 1 | Class 1)
1. Dining Room: 50oz loop-pile nylon with #8 bonded urethane cushion
2. Living Room: 32oz cut-pile polypropylene with #6 bonded urethane cushion
3. Hallway : 70oz nylon, direct glue installation
3. Hallway : 70oz nylon, direct glue installation

HEPA Filters are rated to remove ________% of particles down to ______ micron
99.97%
0.3

99.97% of particles down to 0.3 micron

HEPA Filters are rated to remove

Identifying suspected hazards is a critical step in the inspection process. It is also

required by safety and health ____________
Regulations

When using extension cords, you should ensure they contain a ____________
______________
Ground Conductor

If airborne particles need to be reduced, you could use an appropriately installed

___________ _____________ ____________
Air Filtration Devise

If asbestos is found or suspected in building materials, removal shall be removed by a

__________ _____________ ____________ ______________
Licensed Asbestos Abatement Contractor

Licensed Asbestos Abatement Contractor

LAAC

Is water is suspected to contain a hazardous material the termination shall be made by

a
qualified specialized expert

__________Surface temperatures of the materials you are drying

Maintain

_________ __________ Cannot hold water condensation.

Cooler Air

This is industry standards best practice.

Should

Indoor Environmental Professional

IEP

The IICRC (2003) states that "The role of an IEP is to perform an assessment of the
fungal ecology of property, systems and contents at the job site, create a sampling
strategy, sample the indoor environment, interpret laboratory data and determine
Condition 1, 2 and 3 status for the purpose of establishing a scope of work (pre-
remediation assessment) and/or when necessary to verify the return to normal fungal
ecology.
Indoor Environmental Professional

personal protective equipment

PPE

Water is trapped underneath and caused the flooring to do this

Cupping

The water is on the top of the flooring causing the flooring planks to do this
Crowning

British thermal unit. The quantity of heat required to raise the temperature of one pound
of water one degree Fahrenheit.
BTU

CFM of Dehu x Grain Depression / 71 = PPD

Converting Grain Depression to PPD

The Association of Home Appliance Manufacturers.

AHAM

60% humidity and 80 degrees Fahrenheit to present a realistic picture of how equipment
will perform in an "average" environment.
AHAM ratings

The amount of electricity (current) flowing in a circuit

Amps

The force of electricity flow in a circuit

Volts

The amount of electricity an electrical device uses when operating

Watts

Volts x amps x 24 hours = watts ÷ 1000 = kW x cost per kW @ day

Power Consumption Formula

Levels of cleaning low to high

_______
_______
_______
Sanitize
Disinfect
Sterylize

Environmental Protection Agency

EPA

Psychrometric
An independent federal agency established to coordinate programs aimed at reducing
pollution and protecting the environment

Psychrometric chart
study of the relationship between air, humidity and temperature and their effect on
various materials and comfort levels

Balanced drying
chart consisting of lines and curves that shows the relationship between air volume,
temperature and relative humidity, and from which a variety of other information
(humidity ratio-gpp, dew point, vapor pressure, etc.) relating to drying may be
determined

Infiltration
ideal drying situation in which the rate of evaporation is equal to or slightly less than the
rate of dehumidification or ventilation.

Permeance
migration of air into and area from outside area due to high VP differential

work together and when managed, enable achieving target time for drying influences
movement toward equilibrium - wet seeks dry; hot seeks cold; high vapor pressure
seeks low vapor pressure
Humidity, airflow and temperature (HAT)

_____% rotting fungi growth IN wood

_____% - non-rotting fungi growth ON wood
20%
16%

Gallons per cubic foot of water depth

7.48

_____% - available power to use per NEC per amperage in circuit

80%

Residential v. commercial - generally, residential ______amp / commercial ______ amp

(consider never using over 80% of available amperage)
15
20

Senses moisture in materials over 17% MC; helps determine perimeter of water
damage; unable to determine which layer is wet or when dry
Moisture Sensor

determines temperature / RH in all required atmospheric areas of inspection; helps

determine open or closed drying system; further determines dehumidifier
recommendations after initial placement
Thermo-hygrometer

invasive and non-invasive; determines moisture content; establish, monitor and

determine when dry standards are met
Moisture meters

separation of primary from secondary backing; laminate strength loss up to 85% when
wet (causes - over-aggressive extraction; "flapping" vs. floating; improper cushion;
urine; folding; improper carpet stretch)
delamination

Dehumidification rate EXCEEDS evaporation rate

balanced drying

when the term ________ is used in this document, it means that the practice or
procedure is mandatory due to natural law or regulatory requirement, including
occupational, public health and other relevant laws, rules or regulations, and is therefore
a component of the accepted "standard of care" to be followed.
shall
when the term _______________ is used in this document, they mean that the practice
or procedure is a component of the accepted "standard of care" to be followed, while
not mandatory by regulatory requirements.
should

when the term ____________ is used in this document, it means that the practice or
procedure is advised or suggested, but is not a component of the accepted "standard of
care" to be followed.
recommend(ed)

Ideal temperature for a Refrigerant of LGR dehumidifier

70°F - 90°F

higher gpp inside compared to lower gpp outside

Open drying system

most effective and expedient drying time

Effective Extraction

Sill plates or other "hidden" areas usually are the _______areas to dry
Last Areas to Dry

When using extension cords or equipment, you should ensure they contain a ground
conductor. Equipment should be UL certified.
Electrical Safety

The movement of water vapor and or air from the insure of a structure to the outside of
a structure
Exfiltration

Difference in GPP of the air entering and air leaving a dehumidifier - an indicator of
dehumidifier performance.
Grain Depression

Using a negatively pressurized mat system is an effective way to speed the drying o f
hardwood floor assemblies with air between finished floor and subfloor
Hardwood Floor Drying

the movement of energy from a warmer object to a cooler object

Heat Transfer

Low grain refrigerant dehu - uses the same technology as a conventual refrigerant, but
the air is pre-cooled before the cold coils are pre warmed before the heat exchanger,
heat pipe or heat siphon, resulting in better efficiency as compared to a conventional
refrigerant dehu. LGR dehu continue to remove a significant amount of water vapor
below 40 GPP
LGR

Easily absorb and desorb (release) moisture. Usually, the first materials to become
damaged by abnormal water. Can be easily damaged from high humidity (secondary
damage)
Hygroscopic Materials

A measure of the amount of moisture present in the structure of a material.

Moisture Content

The measurement of the amount of moisture contained in a material on the relative

scale.
Moisture Level

The primary mechanisms through which moisture moves through hygroscopic materials
are capillary action and diffusion
Moisture Movement

If presumed asbestos containing materials or lead in materials are discovered, you

should stop activities that can potentially disturb the hazardous materials. If asbestos is
found or suspected, removal shall be performed by a Licensed Asbestos abatement
contractor
Regulated Materials

the amount of water vapor present in air expressed as a percentage of the amount
needed for saturation at the same temperature.
Relative Humidity (RH)

the science of how energy changes.

Examples: Wet goes to dry, hot goes to cold, high pressure goes to low pressure
Thermodynamics

You are working on a class 2 water loss that has two affected areas. Area 1 is 3750CF
and Area 2 is 2700CF
You plan to dry both areas together using an LGR Dehu rated at 80 ppd at AHAM. How
many of these dehus do you need to install on this project.
2 LGR dehumidifiers

When you are calculating equipment do you

A. Use the exact number
B. Always Round down
C. Always round up - doesn't matter the decimal amount
C. Always round up - doesn't matter the decimal amount

You are working on a class 3 water loss that has an affected area of 15120 CF. You
plan to dry the area with a desiccant dehu AHAM rated at 385 CFM. How many of these
dehumidifiers do you need to install on this project
2 desiccants

You are working on a class 3 water loss that has an affected area of 15120 CF. You
plan to dry the area with a desiccant dehu. What is the CFH?
45360 CFH

You are working on a class 3 water loss that has an affected area of 15120 CF. You
plan to dry the area with a desiccant dehu. What is the CFM?
756 CFM

A room is 186 sqft (8' ceilings) with one offset larger than 18" (included in the sq ft
calculation).
The entire floor area is wet and walls show only minor wicking except for Wall A and B -
totaling 90 sqft
The ceiling is not affected.
What is the range of air movers you would need for this using the IICRC calculation
guide
6-7 air movers

Structure dimensions are 45' x 50' x 10'. Calculate using 4ACH. The AFDs you have are
rated at 500 CFM.
How many AFDs would you need for this project?

Calculation: Cubic Feet (CF) x ACH / 60 = CFM

CFM/Rated CFM= # of AFD
3 AFDs

Structure dimensions are 30' x40' x8'

According to the IICRC the desired air change rate per hour (ACR) is 4. The AFDs you
have are rated at 700 CFM.
How many AFDs will you need.
Calculation: Cubic Feet (CF) x ACH / 60 = CFM
CFM/Rated CFM= # of AFD
1 AFD

Room is 22' x14' x12' with a 6'6" x 2'6" off set

The total floor square footage is 324.25 sq ft
The entire floor area is wet and walls show only minor wicking except 1 wall - sq ft area
of affected wall minus 2 ft at bottom is 165sqft. The ceiling is not affected
9 - 11 air movers

Sally experienced a water damage in her home that has affected the crawlspace. The
cause of loss is a broken sanitary sewer line.
What loss category is this?
Loss Category 3

The cold-water supply line to the kitchen sink broke at the valve, saturating many areas
of the house. What category loss is this?
Loss Category 1

A room that is 235 sq ft. 8' high ceilings with little to no wicking. Floor is the only area
wet. What is the range of air movers you would place?
5-6 air movers

The dining room is 115sq ft. 8' high ceilings with little to no wicking. Floor is the only
area wet. What is the range of air movers you would place?
3-4 air movers

A water supply line broke in a home affecting the kitchen, dining room and family room.
This is a class 3 Loss
Total sq ft is 1170 with 8' ceilings.
Using the information above and the simplified calculation (per IICRC), how many 125
ppd LGR dehumidifiers would recommended as an initial deployment to start drying the
affected structure.
2 LGR dehumidifiers