Abatement
The process of reducing, eliminating, or preventing the spread of contaminants, pollutants, or hazardous materials like asbestos or lead from a property to ensure a safe and healthy environment.
Absorb
The ability of a material to take in moisture from the air or surfaces, which is crucial in the drying process during water damage restoration.
Absorption
The process by which one substance becomes incorporated uniformly into another, a key principle in the removal of moisture and drying out wet materials and surfaces in restoration work.
Acoustic Materials
Materials used to enhance sound quality by absorbing unwanted sound and noise in a room or building, often involved in restoration or construction projects to meet specific acoustic requirements.
Affected Area
The specific zone within a property that has been impacted by water, fire, mold, or any other form of damage, requiring targeted restoration efforts.
Air Mover
A type of equipment used in water damage restoration to promote rapid drying of surfaces by increasing air circulation and evaporation rates in the affected area.
Air Quality Control
The process of maintaining the cleanliness and healthfulness of the air within a building environment, often involving the removal of pollutants, allergens, and other harmful particles.
Air Sampling
The collection of air samples to analyze the presence of contaminants such as mold spores, VOCs (Volatile Organic Compounds), or other airborne particles, critical for assessing indoor air quality.
Airlock
A containment method used in restoration and remediation projects to control the spread of contaminants from the affected area to other parts of the building.
Allergen
Any substance that can cause an allergic reaction. In restoration, the focus is often on removing allergens such as mold, dust mites, and pet dander to improve indoor air quality.
Anti-fungal
Refers to substances or treatments that kill or inhibit the growth of fungi, including molds. Anti-fungal solutions are commonly used in mold remediation projects.
Asbestos
A group of minerals that were commonly used in building materials for their fire-resistant and insulating properties. Asbestos abatement involves safely removing or containing asbestos materials to prevent exposure to harmful fibers.
Asbestos Testing and Removal
The process of identifying materials containing asbestos through testing and safely removing those materials to eliminate health risks associated with asbestos fiber inhalation.
Advanced Restoration Technologies
Refers to the latest tools, equipment, and methods used in the restoration industry to efficiently restore properties damaged by water, fire, mold, or other disasters.
Asset and Property Recovery
Services aimed at salvaging, cleaning, and restoring personal property and structural components damaged by disasters to their pre-loss condition.
Accredited Restoration Services
Restoration services provided by companies that have received formal recognition or certification from authoritative bodies within the industry, ensuring they meet certain standards of quality and professionalism.
Atmospheric Sanitation
The process of treating the air in an environment to remove or neutralize contaminants, pollutants, and odors, often using air purifiers, deodorizers, and other air treatment solutions.
Basement Water Removal
A critical step in addressing basement flooding, involving the extraction of water using pumps and vacuums, followed by drying and dehumidification to prevent mold growth and structural damage.
Biohazard Cleanup
The process of cleaning, disinfecting, and restoring areas contaminated by biohazardous materials, such as blood, bodily fluids, or pathological waste, requiring specialized procedures to ensure safety and compliance with health regulations.
Basement Flooded
Refers to situations where basements become inundated with water due to various factors such as heavy rainfall, pipe bursts, or sump pump failures, necessitating prompt water removal and restoration efforts.
Bioremediation
The use of living organisms, typically microbes or plants, to detoxify or remove pollutants from a contaminated area, promoting natural restoration of the environment.
Biological Contaminants
Living organisms or derivatives (like bacteria, viruses, fungi, and pollen) that can cause adverse health effects when present in the environment.
Biohazard
Biological substances that pose a threat to human health, including pathogens and biological wastes, requiring specialized remediation techniques.
Background Measurements
Initial assessments conducted to understand the pre-existing environmental conditions before starting a restoration project.
Commercial Cleaning
Cleaning services provided to businesses and commercial properties, encompassing a wide range of tasks from general office cleaning to specialized cleaning of commercial equipment and spaces.
Cleaning Services for Houses
Similar to cleaning services for home, these services are tailored specifically to the cleaning needs of houses, including deep cleaning, routine maintenance, and targeted cleaning tasks.
Cleaning Services for Home
Professional services that clean and maintain the cleanliness and hygiene of residential properties, focusing on various areas and items within the home.
Contamination
Refers to the presence of unwanted substances, pollutants, or hazardous materials in the environment, which can negatively impact human health, wildlife, and natural resources.
Cross-contamination
Occurs when harmful contaminants from one surface or material are unintentionally transferred to another, potentially spreading pollutants or pathogens
Carpet Cleaning
A specialized cleaning service aimed at removing dirt, stains, allergens, and contaminants from carpets, improving indoor air quality and extending the life of the carpet.
Damage Assessment
The process of evaluating the extent and type of damage to a property following a disaster, critical for planning restoration efforts.
Disaster Recovery
Services and actions taken to recover and restore areas affected by natural or human-made disasters.
Duct Cleaning
The removal of dust, debris, and contaminants from heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system ducts to improve indoor air quality.
Debris Removal
The process of clearing rubble, waste, and debris from areas affected by construction, renovation, or disaster events.
Drying
The process of removing moisture from materials or spaces, crucial in restoration efforts to prevent mold growth and further damage after water exposure.
Disinfectant
Chemical agents used to eliminate or reduce harmful pathogens and bacteria on surfaces, ensuring they are safe and reducing the risk of spreading infections.
Dehumidifier
A device used to remove excess moisture from the air, enhancing the room's comfort and improving air quality by helping to prevent the growth of mold and dust mites.
Dehumidification
The process aimed at reducing and maintaining the level of humidity in the air, typically for health or comfort reasons, or to eliminate musty odor and prevent the growth of mold by extracting water from the air.
Extraction
The removal of water or moisture from materials or spaces, typically using specialized equipment, crucial in the initial stages of water damage restoration.
Encapsulation
In mold remediation, a method of sealing off contaminated materials with a barrier to prevent the spread of mold spores.
Evaporation
The process by which water changes from a liquid to a gas or vapor, an essential part of drying and dehumidification in water damage restoration.
Environmental Cleaning
Cleaning practices focused on reducing environmental pollution, including the use of eco-friendly products and methods to minimize harm to the ecosystem.
Flood Restoration
The process of restoring a property back to its condition before flood damage, including water removal, drying, cleaning, and making necessary repairs.
Fungicide
A type of chemical substance used to kill fungal spores and prevent mold growth in affected areas.
Fabric Restoration
Specialized cleaning and restoration services aimed at restoring fabrics affected by water, fire, smoke, or mold.
Fire Damage Restoration
A service focused on repairing and restoring areas damaged by fire, including smoke and soot removal, cleaning, and repairing or replacing damaged materials.
Grout Cleaning
The process of deep cleaning the grout between tiles, which can become discolored and contaminated with mold, mildew, or dirt, restoring the appearance and hygiene of tiled surfaces.
Growth Inhibitor
A substance applied to surfaces to prevent the growth of mold, fungi, and other microorganisms, helping to maintain clean and healthy environments post-restoration.
Germicide
Chemical agents designed to kill germs and other microorganisms, often used in disinfection processes to ensure environments are safe and sanitary.
Gallons per Minute (GPM)
Measures the flow rate of water, important in assessing the efficiency of water removal equipment used in restoration.
Gas
Refers to various types of gases that may be hazardous or non-hazardous, consideration for safety in restoration, especially after fires or chemical spills.
Gutter
Part of a building's roofing system, designed to channel rainwater away from the structure, requiring maintenance to prevent water damage.
Groundwater
Water located beneath the earth's surface that can contribute to flooding and water damage in basements or lower levels.
Ground Fault Interrupter (GFI)
A safety device designed to protect against electrical shock by interrupting power when a fault is detected.
Grease Fire
A fire caused by cooking oil or grease, requiring specific extinguishing methods to prevent spread and damage.
Granite
A durable natural stone used in buildings and homes, requiring specific cleaning and restoration techniques to maintain its appearance after damage.
Hardwood Floor Restoration
The process of repairing and refinishing hardwood floors damaged by water, fire, or wear, restoring their original appearance and protecting them from future damage.
Hydroxyl Generator
Equipment used in restoration to neutralize odors, bacteria, and viruses, providing a safer environment without the use of harsh chemicals.
HEPA Filter
High-Efficiency Particulate Air filters used in air purifiers and vacuums to capture microscopic particles, including mold spores, dust, and allergens.
Humidity Control
Essential for preventing mold growth and maintaining indoor air quality by regulating the moisture level in the air.
Humidity
The amount of water vapor present in the air, significant in restoration for influencing drying times and mold growth conditions.
Homeowner’s Insurance Claim
A formal request by a policyholder to an insurance company for coverage or compensation for a covered loss or policy event.
Homeowner’s Insurance
A policy providing financial protection against losses and damages to an individual's house and assets within the home.
HVAC Duct Cleaning
Involves the removal of dust, debris, and contaminants from heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system ducts to improve indoor air quality.
Hazmat Cleanup
The process of cleaning up hazardous materials (hazmat), including chemical spills, biohazards, and other dangerous substances, following safety protocols to mitigate health risks and environmental impact.
Infrared Drying
A drying method using infrared technology to evaporate moisture.
Infiltration
The process by which water enters a building from the outside.
Infection
The invasion and multiplication of microorganisms not normally present within the body.
Indoor Air Quality Testing
The process of testing the air inside buildings for pollutants.
Indoor Air Quality (IAQ)
The condition of the air inside buildings as it affects occupants' health and comfort.
Indoor Air Pollution
Contaminants within indoor environments affecting air quality.
Independent Adjuster
Insurance claims adjuster not employed by an insurance company, often used to provide an impartial claim evaluation.
Incidental Damages
Secondary damages resulting from an initial event.
Incident
Refers to an event or occurrence, often indicating an emergency or situation needing restoration services.
Impervious Cover
Surfaces that don't absorb water, influencing runoff and water damage risk.
Indoor Air Quality (IAQ)
Refers to the air quality within and around buildings and structures, especially as it relates to the health and comfort of building occupants.
Infrared Thermography
A technology used in restoration to detect water damage, mold growth, and heat loss by capturing the thermal imaging of surfaces.
Infrared Thermal Imaging
Technology used to detect variations in temperatures, useful in identifying moisture and water damage.
Inhalable Particulates
Airborne particles small enough to be inhaled into the lungs.
Inorganic
Materials not containing carbon, often referring to pollutants or building materials.
Inspection
The process of examining a structure for damage or quality assurance.
Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC)
An organization that sets standards for the cleaning, inspection, and restoration industries.
Insulation
Material used to reduce heat loss or gain by providing a barrier.
Investigative Demolition
Demolition conducted to uncover hidden damage and assess the extent of repairs needed.
Ion
An atom or molecule with a net electric charge due to the loss or gain of one or more electrons.
Ionization
The process by which an atom or a molecule acquires a negative or positive charge.
Irritant
A substance that causes slight inflammation or other discomfort to the body.
Ionizer
A device used to purify the air, which works by charging the air molecules with a negative ion that attracts and neutralizes airborne pollutants.
Immersion Cleaning
A cleaning method where items are submerged in a cleaning solution, used particularly for content restoration following water or fire damage.
Janitorial Services
Commercial cleaning services that include regular maintenance and cleaning tasks for businesses.
Joint Sealing
In construction and restoration, sealing joints against water intrusion to prevent damage.
Joist
A horizontal structural member used in construction to support a floor or ceiling, which may need inspection or restoration after damage to ensure structural integrity.
Job Scope
The detailed description of the work to be performed, outlining the tasks, objectives, and deliverables for a particular job.
Job: In restoration and cleaning services, a job refers to a specific project or assignment to repair, clean, or restore a property or area.
Kneewall
A short wall, often used in attics or loft spaces, that might need inspection or modification during renovation or restoration projects.
Knockdown Texture
A type of wall texture that might require repair or replication during restoration work.
Kilz
A brand of paint primer used in restoration to cover stains and odors.
Kinetic Energy
In the context of cleaning and restoration, it refers to the energy used by equipment, such as air movers or water extractors, which is crucial for the efficiency of drying and cleaning processes.
Kick Plates
Protective panels installed at the bottom of doors to prevent damage from foot traffic or equipment, often considered in restoration to maintain the door's integrity and appearance.
Linoleum
A durable, eco-friendly flooring material made from natural materials, requiring specific care and maintenance.
Lichen
A symbiotic organism that can grow on roofs or exterior surfaces, potentially causing damage or discoloration.
Ledges
Horizontal surfaces or projections, which may require cleaning or restoration to maintain aesthetic and functional integrity.
Lead
A toxic metal that can be found in older paints and pipes, requiring special handling and removal to prevent poisoning.
Latex
A type of paint or sealant derived from synthetic polymers, known for its flexibility and water resistance.
Latent Damages
Hidden damages not immediately noticeable, often revealed over time after an event like water intrusion.
Laminate
A multi-layer synthetic flooring product fused together with a lamination process, commonly used for its durability and ease of maintenance.
Laminate
Synthetic flooring known for durability, requiring specific cleaning methods.
Latent Damages
Hidden damages that emerge over time, crucial for thorough inspections.
Latex
Flexible, water-resistant material used in paints and sealants.
Lead
Hazardous material in older buildings, requires careful removal.
Ledges
Surfaces needing maintenance for aesthetic and functional integrity.
Lichen
Organism that can damage exterior surfaces, needs removal for property care.
Linoleum
Eco-friendly flooring requiring specialized care for longevity.
Microbial Growth
Refers to mold or bacteria proliferation needing control.
Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS)
Documents detailing chemical product safety.
Mitigation Services
Minimizing further damage post-disaster.
Moisture Assessment
Evaluating moisture levels to prevent damage.
Mold Remediation
Removing mold growth and restoring air quality.
Maintenance
Regular and routine actions taken to keep equipment or property in optimal condition to prevent failure and extend its life.
Mandatory Purchase
Requirement to buy something, often by law or regulation, such as flood insurance in high-risk areas.
Masking
The process of covering areas to protect them from paint, dust, or contaminants during restoration or construction.
Masonry: Building structures from individual units of materials like bricks, stones, or concrete blocks, bonded together by mortar.
Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS)
Documents that provide information on the properties of chemical products, including safety, handling, and risks.
Maximum Contamination Level (MCL)
The highest level of a contaminant that is allowed in drinking water by regulatory standards.
Mechanical Contractor
Specializes in the installation, repair, and maintenance of mechanical systems like heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC).
Membrane
A thin layer of material used to separate, filter, or waterproof in construction and restoration projects.
Micro
Referring to microscopic, indicating something that is extremely small or detailed.
Microbes
Microorganisms, especially those that cause disease or fermentation.
Microbial Volatile Organic Compound (MVOC)
Gases produced by microbes as they grow, often associated with moldy odors.
Microorganism
A microscopic organism, such as a bacterium, virus, or fungus.
Migration
Movement of substances from one part of a material or structure to another, often referring to moisture or contaminants.
Mildew
A type of fungus that causes a white or grayish film on surfaces, often found in damp areas.
Mineral Deposits
Accumulations of minerals formed by the evaporation of water or by mineralization processes, often causing staining or buildup on surfaces.
Mitigate
To make less severe, serious, or painful; often used in context of reducing damage or the effects of a disaster.
Mitigation
Actions taken to reduce or eliminate the risk of hazards to people and property.
Mobilization
The process of preparing and moving resources and personnel into position for action, especially in response to a disaster or emergency.
Moisture Content
The amount of water present in a material, important for assessing drying needs or the risk of mold growth.
Moisture Meter
A device used to measure the moisture content of materials, crucial for detecting potential water damage.
Mold
A fungus that grows in the form of multicellular filaments called hyphae, often causing damage to materials and health issues.
Mold Remediation
The process of removing mold growth and cleaning or replacing contaminated materials to restore indoor air quality.
Monitoring
Regularly checking and recording the status of a condition or process, important for tracking the progress of restoration projects.
Mycotoxins: Toxic compounds produced by certain types of mold, posing health risks to humans and animals.
Negative Air Pressure
Used in containment areas to prevent the spread of contaminants to other parts of a building during restoration.
N95 Mask
Protective respirator to filter airborne particles, used in environments with potential air contaminants.
Non-Toxic
Substances that do not pose a health risk, important for safe cleaning products.
Neutralize
Making chemicals or odors harmless through chemical reaction or cleaning processes.
Natural Disasters
Events like floods, earthquakes, and hurricanes requiring extensive cleanup and restoration efforts.
Natural Gas
A fossil fuel used for heating, cooking, and electricity generation, but can pose explosion risks if leaked.
Negative Air Machine (NAM)
Equipment that uses filtration to clean air of contaminants in a sealed area.
Negative Pressure Drying
A method that enhances drying efficiency by creating a vacuum to remove moisture.
Non-bearing Wall
A wall that doesn’t support any of the structure’s weight, typically used for partitioning rooms.
Non-porous
Materials that do not allow water or air to pass through, preventing absorption.
Non-Residential
Pertains to buildings or areas not used for living purposes, like offices or commercial spaces.
Nylon
A synthetic polymer used in various products, known for its strength and durability.
Outsourcing
Hiring external services for tasks such as cleaning or maintenance, often for specialized or large-scale jobs.
Organic Compounds
Naturally occurring or synthetic substances that contain carbon, relevant in discussions about air quality and cleaning products.
Occupational Safety
Practices and regulations to ensure safety and health in the workplace.
Ozone Treatment
A method using ozone gas to disinfect, deodorize, and kill bacteria and mold.
Odor Removal
The process of eliminating or neutralizing unpleasant smells from environments or materials.
Oxygen
A gas essential for combustion and life.
Oxidizing Agent
A chemical that facilitates oxidation in another substance.
Oxidizer
A substance that can cause or promote oxidation.
Oxidation
A chemical reaction involving the transfer of electrons, leading to changes in the substance.
Other Residential
Referring to housing types other than single-family homes, like apartments or condos.
Organic
Relating to compounds containing carbon, or natural matter.
Operation and Maintenance (O & M)
Ongoing activities for the management and upkeep of buildings or equipment.
Open Wiring
Exposed electrical wires, a potential safety hazard.
Open Drying Process
A method using natural ventilation for drying out spaces.
Onset
The beginning or start, often of damage or deterioration.
On-location
Services performed at the site of the client or project.
Ohm
A unit of electrical resistance.
Odor
A smell, often needing removal in restoration work.
Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA)
A federal agency ensuring safe and healthy working conditions by setting and enforcing standards.
Personal Protection Equipment (PPE): Safety gear to protect against hazards.
Permeate: To pass through a porous material or membrane.
Permeance Factor: Measures the rate of water vapor transmission through a material.
Permeability: The ability of a material to allow liquids or gases to pass through it.
Periodic Cleaning: Scheduled, routine cleaning to maintain environment quality.
Pathogens: Microorganisms that can cause disease.
Particles of Incomplete Combustion (PIC): Small, often toxic particles produced when materials don't burn completely.
Pad: A cushioning material used under carpets or flooring.
Pack-out: Moving items from a damaged area to another location for restoration or storage.
Puff Back: A malfunction in a furnace or boiler that releases soot.
Protein Fire: A fire resulting from burning protein-rich foods, causing hard-to-remove residues.
Property Defect: A flaw in a property's condition.
Professional Inspection: Expert evaluation of a property or item.
Prevention: Measures taken to prevent an undesirable event.
Pressurized Smoke: Smoke under pressure used in tests or simulations.
Pressure Power Washing: High-pressure water spray cleaning.
Preparedness: The state of being ready for an event.
Preparation: Actions taken before starting a project or facing an event.
Potable: Water safe for drinking.
Post-Conditions: Conditions after a specific event or restoration work.
Porous: Materials that allow water or air to pass through.
Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC): A plastic material used in construction.
Pollution: Introduction of contaminants into the natural environment.
Pollutant: Substance that pollutes the environment.
Plenum: Space used for air circulation in HVAC systems.
Plaster: A building material used for coating walls and ceilings.
Quality Assurance (QA)
A system of maintaining standards in manufactured products or services provided, ensuring high-quality outcomes in restoration projects.
Quality Control
In restoration and cleaning services, quality control refers to the systematic process to ensure services meet specific requirements and standards. It involves inspection, testing, and feedback to prevent mistakes, ensuring the final outcome meets the client's expectations and industry guidelines.
Reconstruction
Rebuilding parts of a structure that were damaged or removed.
Respirator
Protective gear to prevent inhalation of harmful substances.
Risk Assessment
Evaluating potential risks in a project or environment.
Relative Humidity
The amount of moisture in the air compared to what the air can hold at a specific temperature.
Residue
Remaining substance after a cleaning or chemical process.
Remediation
Actions taken to fix environmental issues, such as mold or contamination
.
Restoration
The process of returning a property or item to its original condition after damage.
Radiation
Energy emitted in the form of waves or particles.
Radon
A radioactive gas found naturally in the environment, known for health risks.
Rafter
Structural components of a roof that provide support.
Registers
Vents through which air is distributed from heating and cooling systems.
Relative Humidity (RH)
The amount of moisture in the air compared to what the air can hold at a specific temperature.
Remedial Investigation
A study to determine the nature and extent of contamination.
Remediation
The process of cleaning up environmental pollutants.
Remediator
A specialist in removing contamination from environments.
Remove and Reset
A term referring to taking something out and reinstalling it, often used in renovation.
Repair
Fixing something that is broken or damaged.
Residential Sprinkler System
Fire protection system designed for homes.
Residue
Remnants left behind after a process, like cleaning.
Resources
Available assets or supplies.
Restoration
Returning something to its original state after damage.
Restorative Cleaning
Deep cleaning aimed at restoring the original condition.
Restorative Drying
Techniques used to dry out water-damaged areas thoroughly.
Retaining Wall
Structure designed to hold back soil.
Retardant
Substance used to slow down or stop a chemical reaction, like fire.
Return Flow
Water that returns to the source after being used in heating or cooling.
Roof Drainage Systems
Systems designed to divert water away from the roof.
Routine Cleaning
Regular cleaning to maintain hygiene and appearance.
Runoff
Water that flows over the surface of the ground.
Rust
Oxidation of iron or steel caused by moisture.
Sporicide
An agent that kills spores.
Spores
Reproductive particles of fungi and some plants, capable of developing into a new individual.
Sponge
A porous material used for absorbing liquids.
Soot
Black powder or dirt produced by incomplete combustion.
Solvent
A substance capable of dissolving other substances.
Solution
A liquid mixture where a solute is dissolved in a solvent.
Smoke Stain
Discoloration caused by smoke on surfaces.
Smoke Residue
Particles left behind after smoke has cleared.
Sludge
Thick, soft, wet mixture of liquid and solid components, often waste.
Sheet Vinyl
A type of resilient flooring in large, continuous, flexible sheets.
Sewage
Waste water and solids from residences and buildings.
Sequence
The order in which tasks or processes occur.
Septage
The semi-solid sludge that accumulates in septic tanks.
Seepage
Slow flow of a liquid through porous materials or small openings.
Secondary Damages
Additional damages occurring after the initial incident, often as a result of delayed intervention.
Secondary Container
A container used to hold hazardous materials outside their original packaging for ease of use or mobility.
Scope of Work
Detailed description of services and tasks to be performed.
Saturation
The state where a material has absorbed all the moisture it can.
Sanitizers
Chemicals that reduce bacteria on surfaces to safe levels.
Squeegee
A tool with a flat, smooth rubber blade used to remove or control the flow of liquid on a surface.
Stachybotrys
A genus of molds, often called "black mold," associated with poor indoor air quality.
Sterilizer
A device or chemical that destroys all forms of microbial life.
Stress Crack
A crack in a material caused by stress rather than impact.
Structure
The arrangement or framework of a physical object or system.
Subcontractor
A business or person that carries out work for a company as part of a larger project.
Subfloor
The structural layer providing support for the finished flooring.
Submersible Pumps
Pumps designed to operate while submerged in liquid.
Subsurface Drying
Techniques used to remove moisture from below the surface of materials.
Subsurface Flood Extractor
Equipment used to remove water from deep within surfaces or materials.
Sump Pump
A pump used to remove accumulated water from a sump pit, typically found in basements.
Toxic Mold
Mold that produces harmful substances known as mycotoxins, which can pose health risks to humans and animals.
Total Loss
A term used when the cost of repairing damage exceeds the value of the item or property before the damage occurred.
Thermostat
A device used to regulate the temperature of a system or room by automatically adjusting heating or cooling.
Tactics
Strategies or actions aimed at achieving a specific goal, often within a broader plan.
Trim
Decorative or finishing elements in building construction, such as moldings around windows or doors.
Toxic Substances
Materials or chemicals that can cause harm to living organisms through ingestion, inhalation, or skin absorption.
Unclog
To remove blockages from something, such as a pipe or drain.
Ultraviolet (UV) Light
Light with shorter wavelengths than visible light, used for disinfection and sterilization by destroying microorganisms.
Ultrasonic Cleaning
Cleaning method using ultrasound waves to agitate a fluid, effectively removing dirt from objects submerged in the cleaning solution.
Ultra-Low Volume (ULV) Mister
A device that disperses liquid in extremely fine droplets, often used in disinfection and pest control.
Unsafe
Conditions or practices that pose a risk of injury or harm
Universal Precautions
Guidelines in healthcare to treat all human blood and certain body fluids as if they were known to be infectious.
Under-floor Crawl Space
A shallow space below the floor of a building, allowing access to wiring and plumbing.
Vinyl
A synthetic plastic material used in a wide range of products, including flooring and windows.
Ventilation
The process of supplying fresh air and removing stale air from an indoor space.
Veneer
A thin layer of material placed over a core to improve appearance or durability.
Vapor Pressure
The pressure of a vapor in thermodynamic equilibrium with its condensed phases at a given temperature.
Vapor Barrier
Material used to prevent moisture from penetrating walls or floors.
Vapor
Gas phase of a substance that is normally liquid or solid at room temperature.
Vacuum Pressure
Pressure lower than the atmospheric pressure, used in various industrial and cleaning processes.
Vacuum Freeze-Drying
A preservation method using low temperatures and vacuum to remove water from perishable materials.
Viruses
Microscopic infectious agents that can replicate only inside the living cells of organisms.
Visual Inspection
The process of examining something closely, often for quality control or defect identification.
Volt / Voltage
The unit of electric potential or electromotive force.
Water Migration
Movement of water from one area to another, often causing further damage.
Water Damage Restoration
The process of restoring a property back to its pre-loss condition after sustaining water damage.
Wastewater
Used water that contains impurities from various sources like homes and industries.
Wash
To clean something with water and, often, a cleaning substance.
Warping
Distortion or bending of materials due to moisture, heat, or other factors.
Wall Covering
Materials such as wallpaper, fabric, or vinyl used to cover and decorate walls.
Yellowing
Discoloration or turning yellow of materials over time due to exposure to light, chemicals, or aging.
Winterize
: To prepare something, such as a building or a vehicle, for use during cold weather.
Wet/Dry Vacuum Cleaners
Vacuum cleaners designed to collect both liquid spills and dry dirt.
Waterproofing
Making an object or structure resistant to water penetration.
Watermark
A mark left on materials after being wet, indicating water exposure.