Water Damage Restoration Technician (WRT) Certification Practice Test

In areas where non-permeable surfaces are used as vapor barriers, what may need to be removed to promote drying?

1. A. Carpets

2. B. Base molding

3. C. Drywall

4. D. Flooring

The correct answer is: B. Base molding

In water damage restoration, the presence of non-permeable surfaces as vapor barriers can impede the drying process for building materials and contents. When these barriers are in place, moisture can become trapped underneath, leading to potential secondary damage such as mold growth. Removing base molding can be crucial because it often creates a seal that restricts air movement. By removing it, any trapped moisture can escape, and airflow can be improved, allowing for more effective drying. This action also facilitates better access to the wall cavity, where moisture might be lingering. In contrast, while carpets, drywall, and flooring also play roles in moisture management, they may not serve specifically as vapor barriers the way base molding does. For example, carpets can absorb water but can be removed separately to aid drying without directly impacting the vapor barrier context. Drywall, similarly, might need to be assessed based on its moisture content and condition, but it is not as tightly integrated with vapor control as base molding. Thus, removing base molding is a targeted approach to ensure that moisture trapped by non-permeable surfaces can effectively escape and drying can proceed efficiently.