What needs to be reversed to effectively dry materials according to moisture movement principles?

To effectively dry materials according to moisture movement principles, it is essential to reverse the mechanism by which moisture entered the material. Understanding moisture movement involves recognizing that moisture can enter materials through various means such as liquid water infiltration or high humidity in the surrounding air. By targeting the specific mechanism that introduced moisture, restoration professionals can effectively remove moisture from the materials.

For example, if water entered through a leak or flooding, addressing the source of that leak or water intrusion is crucial. Similarly, if high levels of humidity in the air contributed to the moisture content, reducing that humidity will help facilitate drying.

While altering conditions like air temperature, humidity ratios, or vapor pressures can support the drying process, these actions are secondary to addressing the root cause of moisture entry. Therefore, reversing the mechanism by which moisture entered is vital for successful and effective drying.