Below is a list of common terms used in the restoration trade.

Air movers-helps to increase the airflow above the carpet, allowing drier air from the environment to circulate around the carpet, creating a greater evaporation rate.  Air movers are used in conjunction with dehumidifiers.

Allergens- substances that are foreign to the body and can cause an allergic reaction in certain people. Examples of allergens are pollen, foods and mold.

Anti-microbial spray- prevents the growth and migration of bacteria, yeast, mold and fungus.

Aqueous solution: a solution where water is mixed with something to make a solvent.  

Contents Inventory: making a list of all the items that have been damaged due to your loss to ensure all restorable items are returned to you, and you are reimbursed for the non-restorable items.

Dehumidifier: reduces the level of humidity in the air, replacing it with warm, dry air.  Used in conjunction with air movers.

Deodorize: to mask or neutralize an odor by elimination or suppression of an offensive aspect.

Disseminated: referring to mold, to scatter or spread widely, as in mold spores spreading throughout your home or business

Encapsulate: to enclose as if in a capsule.

Extraction: the removal of water by use of suction, heat and/or dehumidifiers.

HEPA-AIRE Portable air scrubbers: removes visible airborne particles such as sawdust, drywall dust, and concrete dust, and a true final-stage HEPA filter captures microscopic particles and microbes such as bacteria and fungal spores.

HEPA Filter: high efficiency particulate air filter.  Catches microscopic particles, invisible to the naked eye, such as mold spores, bacteria, dust, etc.

Isolated containment barriers: block the paths that airborne mold spores might follow by placing two layers of polyethylene over any air pathways through which spores might travel (air vents, wall, plates, recessed lighting, doors and other openings). Used in conjunction with negative air machines.

Mitigation: lessen something: to make something less harsh, severe, or violent.

Mobile extractor: portable equipment that can be brought to a site in order to extract water from saturated materials.

Negative air machines: by creating negative pressure, negative air machines capture the contaminated air and produces clean non-contaminated air. A negative pressure environment will help to contain the mold, dust, particles and odors within the workspace containment barrier.

Odorox: a new, green technology and is the most advanced solution for eliminating odors, decontaminating surfaces and purifying the air.  Hydroxyls can be used to kill bacteria, viruses and mold, and to break down volatile organic compounds (VOCs), chemical fumes, gases, vapors and unpleasant odors.

Ozone generators: machines that convert oxygen, O2,  into ozone, O3, by use of high voltage electricity.  The ozone 3 kills bacteria, fungus & germs by attaching itself to the contaminant, breaking down the cell wall thru oxidation, and reverting back to oxygen.

Protocol: a set of guidelines or rules.

Remediation: The act or process of correcting a fault or deficiency.  Mold remediation is defined as the removal, cleaning, sanitizing, demolition, or other treatment, including preventive activities.

Spray-seal: specially formulated, low viscosity sealer designed to provide water resistance to building materials and a coating that is resistant to mold growth.

Truck-mounted extractor: equipment mounted to our water trucks capable of extracting larger quantities of water than portable extractors.

Temporary roof covers: usually needed after storm, wind or fire damage, a temporary roof cover helps to keep your house, and any belongings inside, safe from the elements until you are able to resume maintenance or repairs.

Thermal fogger: uses high temperatures to produce large quantities of fog without degrading the active ingredient. Thermal foggers produce a very large quantity of very small droplets, very quickly.  Used for surface and object disinfection.

Winterize plumbing: techniques to keep your home’s water pipes from freezing and breaking due to cold weather.  They can include insulation, heat tape, antifreeze, etc.