Water Damage Restoration Cheat Sheet 2026

The 30 highest-yield Water Damage Restoration facts, distilled from real exam questions. Print it, save it as a PDF, or study it here — free, no sign-up.

1. What is 'wicking' in the context of water damage restoration? → The process of drawing water upward into porous materials through capillary action
2. Which of the following is a sign that a dehumidifier is undersized for a drying job? → Relative humidity in the affected space is not declining day over day
3. Which personal protective equipment (PPE) is required when working in a Category 3 water loss environment? → Full Tyvek suit, gloves, N95 or higher respirator, and eye protection
4. A wet crawl space has standing water and saturated insulation. What is the FIRST step a restorer should take? → Extract standing water before any other action
5. What does the abbreviation H.A.T.T stand for? → Humidity, Airflow, Temperature, Time
6. What is the typical timeframe for mold growth to begin after a water damage event if materials remain wet? → Within 24-48 hours
7. What is the target relative humidity level recommended by IICRC S500 for a drying environment? → Below 60%
8. An LGR dehumidifier is preferred over a conventional refrigerant dehumidifier primarily because it: → Removes moisture more efficiently at lower grain humidity levels
9. Which measurement tool is best suited for detecting moisture inside walls without damaging the surface? → Non-invasive (non-penetrating) moisture meter
10. Which of the following represents a source of pure water? → Hot water supply line to kitchen sink
11. Which three broad categories of water damage are there? → Clean, Black, Gray
12. What does GPP (grains per pound) measure in the context of water damage drying? → The amount of water vapor present in a pound of air
13. What is the purpose of taking psychrometric readings at multiple locations during a drying project? → To identify humidity variation and ensure even drying throughout the structure
14. What does a thermo-hygrometer measure? → Both temperature and relative humidity simultaneously
15. What does 'vapor pressure differential' drive in the drying process? → Movement of moisture from areas of higher concentration to lower concentration
16. What does Xactimate software primarily do in the restoration industry? → Generates standardized cost estimates for insurance restoration claims
17. Which building material typically requires removal rather than drying when mold contamination is discovered? → Drywall with visible mold growth
18. What does LGR stand for in the context of dehumidification equipment? → Low Grain Refrigerant
19. What does the term 'vapor barrier' refer to in water damage restoration? → A material that resists moisture vapor transmission
20. Which water damage category involves water from a broken toilet bowl (no contaminants) overflowing onto the floor? → Category 1
21. What does the term 'hygroscopic' mean in the context of water damage restoration? → Capable of absorbing moisture from the air
22. Why is it important to address moisture behind tile and on cement board during a bathroom water damage claim? → Tile acts as a vapor barrier and traps moisture in the substrate
23. Which type of moisture meter uses radio frequency waves to detect moisture without penetrating the surface? → Non-penetrating (non-invasive) meter
24. What is the primary advantage of a desiccant dehumidifier over a refrigerant dehumidifier in cold conditions? → Ability to operate efficiently at low temperatures
25. Which type of air mover produces the highest static pressure and is best for duct attachments? → Centrifugal air mover
26. When performing water extraction on a multilayer flooring system, why is it important to use a weighted extraction tool? → To force water from the padding and subfloor up through the carpet fibers for removal
27. During the initial inspection, a restorer uses a moisture meter and finds a reading of 19% in a wood subfloor. What does this suggest? → The wood has elevated moisture and likely requires drying
28. Which IICRC standard governs professional water damage restoration practices in the US? → S500
29. What is the OSHA-defined minimum atmospheric oxygen concentration before a worker may enter a space without supplied-air respiratory protection? → 19.5%
30. The evaporation rate for this kind of water damage will be the quickest. → Class 3