Water Damage Restoration Technician (WRT) Certification Practice Test

If surfaces are cooler than the dew point of surrounding air, what will likely occur?

1. Evaporation will happen

2. Water will condense

3. The surface will dry quickly

4. No effect will occur

The correct answer is: Water will condense

When surfaces are cooler than the dew point of the surrounding air, condensation is likely to occur. The dew point is the temperature at which air becomes saturated with moisture and cannot hold any more water vapor, leading to the formation of liquid water. As air comes into contact with a cooler surface, the temperature of the air right next to that surface drops. If this temperature falls below the dew point, the moisture in the air will transition from a gaseous state to a liquid state, resulting in water droplets forming on the surface. This phenomenon is commonly observed when warm, humid air meets a cold surface, such as during cooler evenings or when there is a temperature difference due to air conditioning. This understanding is essential in water damage restoration, as identifying condensation can help in assessing moisture levels and preventing further water damage in structures.