25 Restoration Terms Defined

Whenever dealing with an unfamiliar topic, you are sure to come across some terminology that is new as well. We’ve created this “restoration dictionary” to help guide you through articles on our website and educate yourself as much as possible.

Air Mover: Industrial strength fans that are used to dry properties in event of water damage

Agent: The person at an insurance company that interprets a policy and works with contractors involved in restoration is known as?

Adjuster: Insurance claims adjuster who advocates for the policyholder in appraising and negotiating a claimant’s insurance claim

Anti-Microbial Solutions: Cleaning products used to remove microorganisms from materials and prevent them from returning.

Bacteria: A very large group of microorganisms comprising one of the three domains of living organisms.

Bloodborne Pathogens: Harmful microorganisms present in blood or other potentially infectious materials, that could cause disease or death in humans.

Claim: What you file when looking to collect money to make repairs from your insurance company.

Containment Area: Temporary plastic barriers that are used during mold removal projects to contain mold spores and work to a smaller area.

Dehumidifier: Used to pull water vapor out of the air and bring moisture levels back to normal/acceptable conditions.

Demolition: Point of work prior to drying where all saturated drywall, carpet, insulation are removed and discarded.

Dermal: Contact of the skin is a way that your body can absorb essential nutrients and harmful substances

Drying: Period of time where dehumidifiers and air movers are placed within the property, typically 48-72 hours to remove all remaining moisture from the air and structural materials.

Extraction: The initial step of a water damage restoration where excess water is removed from a property via pumping equipment.

Hepatotoxin: A poison that damages parenchymal cells of the liver.

Humidity: Measurement of the amount of water vapor in the air.

Ingestion: Consuming essential nutrients and harmful substances through eating is another form of absorption

Inhalation: Breathing is one way body absorbs essential nutrients and harmful substances

Inspector: Designated party to interpret the severity of situation and offer recommendations on what does and does not need to be done; preferably a separate entity from those fixing the issues.

Malaise: Malaise is a generalized feeling of discomfort, illness, or lack of well-being.

Moisture Meter: Tool used to detect amount of moisture within walls or materials and help locate sources of water intrusion.

Mold Testing: Air and surface samples taken to identify the species and quantity of mold present within a property.

Hygroscopic: Any material that absorbs and retains moisture retains moisture or water vapor from air is know to be.

Mycotoxin: Is a toxic secondary metabolite produced by organisms of the fungi kingdom, commonly known as molds.

Psychrometry: he measurement of the humidity content of the air by use of a psychrometer.

Thermal Imaging Camera: Tool used to detect temperature change and locate points of water intusion.