IICRC WRT Online Access

The IICRC WRT body of knowledge definespermeanceas the rate at which water vapor passes through a material. It is a measure of a material’s vapor transmission characteristics and plays a significant role in drying dynamics and moisture management.

Materials with high permeance allow water vapor to pass through easily, supporting evaporation and drying. Low-permeance materials act as vapor retarders or barriers, restricting vapor movement and potentially trapping moisture within assemblies.

The WRT manual emphasizes evaluating material permeance when selecting drying methods. For example, vinyl wall coverings or certain flooring systems impede vapor movement, often requiring disruptive drying techniques.

Capillarity and wicking describe liquid moisture movement, while condensation is a phase change process. Only permeance directly describes vapor transmission through materials, making it the correct term under WRT science.

Vapor pressureis defined in the IICRC WRT body of knowledge as the force exerted by water vapor molecules in the air against surrounding surfaces. It represents the energy level of moisture in the air and is a key driver of moisture movement.

The WRT manual explains that water vapor moves from areas of higher vapor pressure to areas of lower vapor pressure, whether between materials and air or between different air masses. This principle governs evaporation, condensation, and moisture redistribution within a drying chamber.

Relative humidity describes a percentage relationship, humidity ratio measures moisture mass, and dew point identifies saturation temperature—but vapor pressure quantifies the actualdriving force. Because vapor pressure is directly influenced by both temperature and humidity ratio, it is considered one of the most precise indicators of drying potential.

Effective drying systems focus on lowering air vapor pressure relative to wet materials, ensuring continuous moisture migration out of structural components.

Condensation occurs when a surface temperature reaches or drops below thedew point temperatureof the surrounding air. The IICRC WRT body of knowledge emphasizes that dew point—not relative humidity alone—determines when condensation will form.

At90°F and 60% RH, the corresponding dew point is approximately74°F. Any surface at or below this temperature will experience condensation as water vapor changes phase from gas to liquid.

This principle is critical in restoration drying because unintended condensation can re-wet materials and cause secondary damage. The WRT curriculum trains restorers to monitor both air dew point and material surface temperatures to prevent this condition.

Lower temperature options listed would represent colder surfaces but condensation would already occur once the surface reaches the dew point. Therefore, 74°F is the correct threshold.

The IICRC WRT body of knowledge distinguishes antimicrobial products based on their intended level of microbial reduction. Asanitizerprovides theleast reduction in microorganisms, lowering microbial populations to levels considered acceptable by public health standards but not eliminating most organisms.

Disinfectants provide a higher level of reduction by killing or inactivating many microorganisms, fungicides specifically target fungi, and sterilizers destroy all forms of microbial life, including spores. Sanitizers are therefore the lowest tier in terms of antimicrobial effectiveness.

The WRT manual emphasizes that sanitizers are not appropriate for significant contamination scenarios such as Category 2 or Category 3 water losses. Using insufficient antimicrobial controls can result in persistent contamination and liability exposure.

Understanding these distinctions ensures restorers select appropriate products based on contamination level and regulatory guidance, reinforcing professional and compliant practice.