Science of Drying - Destroying the "3 Day Drying" Myth
Certified Restorer, Ken Larsen, presents new perspectives on restoration
By Bryan Harrison

How much humidity is too much? That question, a subject of great debate as long as water damaged buildings have been professionally restored, now has some significant scientific data available from which to draw for answers.

"It's important to know the history of a given environment," said Certified Restorer Ken Larsen, in speaking to the January 19, 2006 meeting of the Central Coast Claims Association. "Knowing the average humidity and 'normal' humidity in a region is of vital importance," he said. Specifically, determining the norm on the given date of a loss is an essential factor in utilzing the mathmatical formula put out by the U.S. Dep't of Forestry to determine a standard for moisture content.

Mr. Larsen, who has authored several articles for restoration trade journals, is on the cutting edge of the drying industry. He brought to the CCCA the latest, most scientific, approach to the issue. As an instructor for the IRCRC, he has taught many adjusters water loss restroation methods, including the value of documentation, in a classroom environment.

Three day drying of a dwelling, he stated, is "extremely rare". Too many variables exist for anyone to promise that guarantee, he said.

"We need to shift the focus from mechanics of tools to the physics of drying," he explained. Utilizing the willing assistance of three CCCA members, Bob Tucknott, CCCA Secretary Denise Garcia, and VP Ann Marie Yadegar, Mr. Larsen demonstrated how water molecules (H2O) move together. Putting air pressure on water - heating it up - will do more than just blowing the air around, he illustrated.

"We're all concerned about the cost and competence," he said. Your restoration drying technition should be able to quantify their approach, and "should provide the adjuster with paperwork," he continued.

More information on formulas, including a free software download, is available from the Internation Standard Drying Organization, www.drystandard.org. The organization provides detailed reports, with a new service that was to start February 1 allowing unlimited useage for a flat fee.

The ISDO is extending an exclusive offer for members of the CCCA:
For the month of February, all DryStandard Reports are free. When a CCCA member registers on our website, www.drystandard.org/SignUp.aspx , enter the promotional code: r_u_dry for free reports until the end of February. Contact information: ken@drystandard.org (360) 293-5550.

Thanks to All Our
January Door Prize Contributors
American Technologies, Inc.
CPR Services, Inc.
Custom Commercial Fabric Restoration
Dietz & Associates, Inc.
EFI Global
Har-Bro Construction
Marriott Execustay
Restoration Management Company
ServiceMaster
Tucknott Electric Company
Vanderbuilt Construction

Welcome to first-timer, Lawrence Johnson, with ServPro, who got drafted into selling raffle tickets.	Congrats to April Anderson, with Crawford & Co., on winning the January 50/50 Raffle.

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