Definitions and Explanations of Mitigation/Restoration Terms

Bound Water

Moisture trapped in materials or locations such that normal air movers have difficulty removing it. Examples include water trapped behind cabinets or inside of walls, or materials such as hardwood flooring.

Crowning

A phenomenum in which wood floor planks warp so that the center of the plank is higher than the edges. Or, due to space constraints, a floating floor rises above the sub-floor as the planks expand in width from absorbed water.

Cupping

Phenomenum in which wood floor planks warp so that the edges of the plank are higher than the center.

Hot Water Extraction

A cleaning technique in which very hot water (200°F is common) is sprayed deep into a material and then immediately drawn out by a powerful vacuum device. The water may also carry a cleaning solution. Special care should be taken to not over-wet the carpet. This method is often referred to as "steam cleaning".

Hygroscoptic Material

Any material which expands as it absorbs a liquid (i.e. a sponge, leather, wood, etc.).

IICRC

The Institute of Inspection, Cleaning, and Restoration Certification is a non-profit accrediting and standards setting body for the cleaning and restoration industry. The IICRC does not own schools, but rather approves schools, instructors, and courses. Persons attending courses must pass an IICRC approved test to become certified in any specialty (certified carpet cleaning technician, certified fire and smoke restoration technician, etc.). The IICRC also wirites and publishes reference guides, such as IICRC S500 Standard and Reference Guide for Professional Water Damage, which is approved by American National Standards Institute (ANSI) and often used by government agencies and to settle legal disputes.

Mitigation

Stopping the problem before further damage takes place, such as removing water from the carpet before it begins to delaminate or smell from mold and bacterial growth.

Pre-loss Condition

The condition of an article before the fire or flood. A three year old chair can be completely cleaned and de-odorized after a flood, but still not look brand new. It will look like a clean 3  year old chair.

Replacement

To exchange one item for a new one, such as replacing carpet pad, carpet or a piece of furniture that was damaged beyond restoration during a fire or water loss.

Restoration

The act of bringing an item back to its pre-loss condition (not always to new condition). Examples of restoration is cleaning the carpets after the drying takes place and removing rust spots, or hardwood floors that have dried flat from their warped position when wet.

Steam Cleaning

A cleaning technique in which very hot water (200°F is common) is sprayed deep into a material and then immediately drawn out by a powerful vacuum device. The water may also carry a cleaning solution. Special care should be taken to not over-wet the carpet. This method is more accurately described as hot water extraction.

Water Damage Categories

A way of classifying water damage based on the cleanliness of the water (i.e. clean water, grey water, black water). "Clean" being defined as not having significant chemical or biological elements that would harm humans.

Water Damage Classes

A way of classifying water damage by the extent of how much area and what kind of materials were effected. The main purpose of these classes are to to estimate drying times and equipment needed.

Wicking

Wicking occurs when the oil in the bottom of a lamp "climbs" up the wick to fuel the fire above. Another name for wicking is capilary action. The same action occurs as water moves up a carpet strand from the pad beneath.