Building the Dry

Hygroscopic materials

Hygroscopic materials easily absorb and release moisture. If humidity is too high, these materials can absorb excess moisture and become damaged even if they weren’t initially wet. As the air’s water vapour content increases, hygroscopic materials absorb moisture until reaching equilibrium with the environment.

How secondary damage happens

Secondary damage can occur if evaporation happens too quickly and dehumidification isn’t properly sized or used.

• Air movers used without dehumidifiers or ventilation cause rapid evaporation from wet materials.
• Without removal, the evaporated water vapour increases humidity in the space.
• That vapour can be reabsorbed by surrounding hygroscopic materials, leading to secondary damage.