What occurs when a surface's temperature is warmer than the dew point of the air space?

When a surface's temperature is warmer than the dew point of the air space, evaporation occurs. This means that moisture that is present in the air does not condense on the surface; rather, it can turn into vapor and move away from the surface. This situation is crucial in the context of drying as it facilitates the movement of moisture from wet materials into the air, which is essential for effective structural drying.

In contrast, condensation would happen if the surface were cooler than the dew point temperature, leading to moisture in the air forming droplets on the surface. Precipitation refers to moisture falling from the atmosphere, such as rain, which is not applicable in this scenario. Aggregation typically relates to the process of particles coming together in a larger mass and is also not relevant in the context of temperature and moisture interactions. Understanding these processes is important for professionals involved in water damage restoration and drying operations, as it directly impacts the effectiveness of drying strategies.