IICRC Restoration WRT New Questions

The IICRC WRT body of knowledge explains thatmultiple extractionsof carpet and cushion are performed toreduce moisture content and decrease drying time. Initial extraction removes bulk water, but additional extractions—particularly after capillary movement redistributes moisture—can significantly reduce the remaining moisture load.

Repeated extraction lowers the amount of water that must be removed through evaporation, allowing dehumidification and airflow to work more efficiently. The WRT manual emphasizes that effective extraction is one of the most cost-effective and impactful steps in minimizing overall drying duration.

Multiple extractions do not eliminate microbial growth directly and do not replace proper drying or antimicrobial use when appropriate. Instead, they reduce moisture availability, which indirectly limits microbial amplification.

The WRT curriculum reinforces extraction as a critical early-stage drying strategy that supports faster, more controlled restoration.

The IICRC WRT body of knowledge teaches thathumidity ratiorepresents the actual mass of water vapor contained in air and is independent of relative humidity alone. To determine which condition has the lowest humidity ratio, both temperature and relative humidity must be considered together using psychrometric principles.

Cool air holds significantly less moisture than warm air, even at higher relative humidity percentages. At40°F and 80% RH, the air contains very little moisture compared to warmer air at lower RH values. In contrast, warmer air—even at 30–60% RH—typically contains more total moisture due to its greater vapor-holding capacity.

The WRT manual emphasizes that relying solely on relative humidity is misleading. Psychrometric evaluation is required when comparing air conditions for ventilation drying. Among the listed options, 40°F and 80% RH has the lowest humidity ratio and therefore the driest air in terms of moisture content.

This principle reinforces why cold outdoor air can sometimes be effective for ventilation drying, provided condensation risks are managed.

The IICRC WRT body of knowledge clearly states that before applying an antimicrobial (biocide), a technician must obtaindocumented authorization from the owner or occupant, or another legally authorized representative of the property. This requirement exists because antimicrobial application involves introducing regulated chemical agents into an occupied environment, which carries potential health, legal, and liability implications.

The WRT manual emphasizes informed consent as a professional and ethical obligation. Owners or occupants must be made aware of the purpose, limitations, and potential risks associated with antimicrobial use. Documented authorization protects all materially interested parties by confirming that the decision to apply a biocide was disclosed, understood, and approved.

Insurance adjusters do not have authority over health decisions within a structure, reconstruction contractors do not represent occupancy interests, and physicians are not responsible for property treatment approvals. The responsibility lies with the property owner or occupant.

This requirement aligns with EPA pesticide regulations and the ANSI/IICRC S500 Standard, reinforcing transparency, safety, and defensibility in restoration practices.

The IICRC WRT body of knowledge definesCategory 2 wateras water that contains significant contamination and has the potential to cause discomfort or illness if contacted or consumed. This classification recognizes that while Category 2 water is not grossly contaminated like Category 3, it is no longer considered clean or sanitary.

Examples commonly cited in the WRT manual include dishwasher or washing machine discharge, toilet overflows with urine but no feces, and seepage due to hydrostatic pressure. These sources may contain microorganisms, nutrients for microbial growth, or other contaminants that pose health concerns.

The WRT standard emphasizes that Category 2 water presents anelevated health riskand requires enhanced controls compared to Category 1. This may include increased PPE, more aggressive cleaning, and careful evaluation of materials for restorability. Porous materials affected by Category 2 water may need to be removed depending on exposure time and degree of absorption.

Importantly, the WRT body of knowledge highlights that water candegrade in categoryover time if left untreated. Category 2 water can become Category 3 due to microbial amplification, reinforcing the importance of timely mitigation and proper classification during the initial inspection.