What is bound water?

Bound water refers to moisture that is physically or chemically held within the structure of a material, such as wood, fabrics, or drywall. Unlike free water, which is easily removed from surfaces and can be drained or evaporated, bound water is integrated into the material itself at a molecular level. This type of moisture is not readily accessible for removal through simple drying techniques and typically requires more advanced drying processes or the material to reach a certain equilibrium state to fully extract it. Understanding bound water is essential in the context of restoration and drying because it affects how materials respond to moisture and the methods needed to effectively address moisture problems in various environments.