The aim of this paper is a comparison of the sensivities to drying process of the two widespread materials namely clay and wood. The method of acoustic emission makes this assessment possible. This method enables a direct control of the micro- and macrocracks appearing in materials during drying processes. In this Study the samples of clay and wood were dried at different temperatures of a drying medium, i.e. at various drying rates. It was stated that a higher drying rate involves higher acoustic emission.