Glossary Of Water Damage Repair Terms

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Abatement

Abatement is the action of minimizing the presence and danger of hazardous material such as lead, asbestos, and mold by reducing it in amount, degree, or intensity.

In regards to water damage or sewage backup, abatement is the ability of a water damage restoration technician to contain, control, and completely eliminate water related bacteria and/or sewage related pollutants.

Absorb

This term is used, in regards to water damages, to describe the temporary ability of porous materials to hold and retain liquid water and water vapors over a period of time.

Absorption

Absorption is used to describe the temporary holding of moisture in porous and semi-porous building materials (carpets, sub-floor padding, and sheetrock) that have been water damaged.

Access Flooring

This term is used to describe a raised area of a floor that has removable panels to allow access to the floor and space below the primary floor. For example: in office buildings, a computer floor is often an access floor. In the event of water damage, access floors must be carefully examined by the computer personnel first and only then by water damage technicians.

Acoustic Materials

Acoustic materials are materials, planned to absorb sound and noise, such as carpet and acoustic tiles. These materials are often highly absorbents, and tend to hold a lot of water, moisture, and humidity after a water-related damage.

Administrative Record

An administrative record is a collection of documents established in compliance with Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA) requirements. Administrative records must be available to the public and should be placed at the facility at issue.

Airlock

An airlock is a chamber allowing entrance to a contaminated space without affecting the environmental conditions of this space, or its surroundings.

Allergen

An Allergen is a normal substance such as a drug, pollen, or microorganism that causes an acute defensive reaction in a person's immune system. These reactions include sneezing, itching, skin rashes, and respiratory irritations.

APR

APR stands for: Air Purifying Respirator.