Comprehensive Glossary of Water Damage Terms

Ever wondered what all those water damage restoration terms mean? When dealing with property damage, you'll hear a lot of technical jargon that can feel overwhelming. That's totally normal - most people only deal with water damage restoration when something unexpected happens to their home or business.

Here at Flood Damage Pro, we get it. Keeping track of what's happening to your property shouldn't feel like learning a new language. That's why our experts put together a simple guide that breaks down all the important terms you need to know. Whether you're documenting past damage or just want to stay informed, we've got you covered with plain explanations.

A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z

A

• Absorbent Materials: items or surfaces that easily soak up and retain water, such as carpets, upholstery, drywall, and wood. These materials often require specialized drying techniques to prevent further damage or mold growth.
• Absorption: the process by which materials take in moisture or water. This can lead to swelling, warping, and, in cases of prolonged exposure, mold growth. For our water removal service, this is a critical aspect, as we help prevent material damage by promptly eliminating excess moisture and minimizing the risks associated with its impact.
• Access Flooring: a raised flooring system often used in commercial buildings to allow for easy access to electrical, plumbing, and HVAC systems. It can be susceptible to water damage if not properly sealed.
• Acoustic Materials: materials designed to absorb sound, such as ceiling tiles or wall panels, which can be damaged by water and require specialized drying techniques.
• Air Mover: a high-powered, industrial-grade fan used to accelerate the evaporation of moisture from surfaces and materials. Air movers are essential in restoring water-damaged areas by promoting airflow and reducing drying time.
• Air Sampling: also referred to as "indoor air quality (IAQ) testing" or "air testing," this process involves analyzing air samples to identify and measure airborne contaminants, such as mold spores, bacteria, or chemical particles, ensuring a safe and healthy environment after water damage.
• Air Scrubber: a device equipped with HEPA filters designed to purify the air by capturing and removing airborne contaminants, including smoke, soot, mold spores, and other particulates. Air scrubbers are often used during restoration to improve indoor air quality.
• Alkalinity: a measure of the alkaline content in water or materials. High or low alkalinity levels can impact the corrosion of building materials and the effectiveness of cleaning and restoration processes.
• Anti-Fungal: actions or treatments aimed at preventing the growth and spread of fungi, such as mold and mildew, which thrive in damp environments. Anti-fungal measures are critical in water damage restoration to protect health and property.
• Antimicrobial Treatment: the application of specialized chemicals to surfaces and materials to inhibit the growth of mold, bacteria, and other harmful microorganisms. This treatment is a key step in preventing contamination and ensuring a safe environment after water damage.

B

• Background and Post Clearance Sampling: air or surface samples taken before and after remediation to ensure contaminants, such as mold or bacteria, have been effectively removed.
• Background Concentration: the level of contaminants, such as mold spores, present in the air or on surfaces before remediation begins.
• Background Measurements: initial readings of moisture, humidity, or contaminant levels used as a baseline for comparison during and after restoration.
• Back Pressure: pressure that builds up in plumbing systems, often causing water or sewage to flow backward into a property, leading to contamination and damage.
• Bacterial Growth: the rapid multiplication of harmful bacteria in water-damaged environments. Standing water and damp materials create ideal conditions for bacterial growth, which can pose serious health risks if not addressed promptly.
• Barrier Coating: protective coatings applied to surfaces to prevent the migration of contaminants, moisture, or mold. These coatings are often used in restoration to seal and protect materials after water damage.
• Baseline Data: initial measurements of environmental conditions, such as moisture levels or air quality, used to assess the extent of damage and track restoration progress.
• Basement Waterproofing: techniques and systems used to prevent water intrusion in basements, such as applying waterproof coatings, installing sump pumps, or creating drainage systems. This is essential for protecting basements from flooding and moisture damage.
• Backwashing: a process used to clean filters by reversing the flow of water, often employed in water damage restoration to maintain equipment efficiency.
• Base Flood Elevation (BFE): the elevation at which floodwaters are expected to rise during a base flood, used to determine flood risk and mitigation strategies.
• Bioaerosols: tiny biological particles, such as mold spores, bacteria, or viruses, that become airborne and can spread after water damage. These particles can affect indoor air quality and pose health hazards.
• Bioremediation: the use of natural organisms, such as bacteria or fungi, to break down contaminants in water or soil, often employed in environmentally friendly restoration processes.
• Biohazard: biological substances, such as sewage, blood, or mold, that are dangerous to humans, animals, and the environment.
• Biohazard Cleanup: the process of safely removing, cleaning, and disposing of hazardous biological materials, such as sewage or mold, after water damage. This process ensures the area is safe and free from health risks.
• Black Mold: a type of mold (often Stachybotrys chartarum) known for its dark color. Certain strains of black mold can produce toxins that pose health risks, making its removal a priority in water damage restoration.
• Black Water: highly contaminated water containing sewage, chemicals, or other hazardous materials. Black water poses severe health risks and requires specialized cleanup and disinfection procedures.
• Borescope: a handheld inspection tool with a camera and light, used to visually examine hard-to-reach or concealed areas, such as inside walls or ducts, during water damage assessments. This tool helps identify hidden moisture or damage without invasive measures.

C

• Capillary Action: water's ability to move through small spaces in materials, even against gravity, spreading damage.
• Category 1 Water Damage: clean water from sources like broken pipes, posing minimal health risks.
• Category 2 Water Damage: "gray water" with some contamination, posing moderate health risks.
• Category 3 Water Damage: "black water" with severe contamination (e.g., sewage or flooding), posing serious health risks.
• Cavity Wall: a double wall with an air gap that can allow water infiltration if not sealed.
• Containment Zone: a restricted area to prevent the spread of contaminants during cleanup.
• Content Restoration: cleaning and restoring personal belongings damaged by water.
• Corrosion: deterioration of metal due to prolonged water exposure.
• Cross-Contamination: spread of contaminants from one area to another, often through air or improper cleanup.
• Crawl Space: a narrow area under a building, prone to water damage and mold.

D

• Damage Assessment: a thorough evaluation of the type and extent of harm to a property caused by factors like water, fire, or mold.
• Decontamination: the process of cleaning, disinfecting, and sanitizing water-damaged areas to eliminate health hazards.
• Dehumidification: reducing humidity levels in a space to prevent mold growth and further structural damage.
• Dehumidifier: a device used to remove excess moisture from the air to help control the environment in a water-damaged area.
• Dehumidifier Capacity: the amount of moisture a dehumidifier can remove from the air within a specific time frame.
• Delamination: the separation or splitting of layers in composite materials, often caused by water damage.
• Desiccant: a substance that absorbs moisture from the air, used in some types of dehumidifiers.
• Disinfection: the process of eliminating pathogenic organisms on surfaces to prevent infection and further contamination.
• Drying: the process of removing moisture from materials and spaces to prevent long-term damage and decay.
• Drying Chamber: a controlled environment where materials are dried systematically to restore them.
• Drying Equipment: tools like dehumidifiers, air movers, and heaters used to remove moisture during restoration.
• Drying Log: a detailed record tracking moisture levels, temperature, and progress during the drying process.

E

• Efflorescence: a white, powdery residue left on surfaces (e.g., masonry) after water evaporates, indicating moisture exposure.
• Egress: a safe exit route from a building, critical for emergencies like fires or floods.
• Emergency Response: immediate actions taken to address water damage, such as water extraction and securing the property.
• Emergency Restoration: quick measures to mitigate water damage, reduce losses, and prevent further harm.
• Emergency Water Shut-off: the main valve location and procedure to stop water flow to a property during emergencies.
• Encapsulation: sealing or isolating water-damaged materials to prevent moisture spread and mold growth.
• Evaporation Rate: the rate at which water evaporates from surfaces, influencing drying time and restoration efforts.

F

• Filtration System: equipment used to remove contaminants from water or air during cleanup and restoration.
• Flood: an overflow of water onto dry land, often causing extensive damage to properties and infrastructure.
• Flood Barrier: a temporary or permanent structure used to prevent floodwaters from entering a property.
• Flood Cut: removing damaged drywall above the waterline to prevent mold growth and ensure proper drying.
• Flood Damage: harm caused by water overflow, typically from natural disasters, burst pipes, or plumbing failures.
• Flood Zone: an area of land prone to flooding, often near rivers, lakes, or coastal regions.
• Floodproofing: measures taken to protect a property from flood damage, such as sealing walls or elevating structures.
• Floodwater: water that accumulates during a flood, often contaminated and posing health risks.
• Footing Drain: a drainage system installed around a building's foundation to redirect water away and prevent flooding.
• Freeze Damage: damage caused by water freezing and expanding within pipes, walls, or other materials.
• Fungi: microorganisms, including mold and mildew, that thrive in damp environments and can cause health issues.
• Fungicide: chemicals applied to kill or prevent the growth of mold, mildew, and other fungi.
• Furnace: a heating system that may be affected by water damage, requiring inspection and restoration.

G

• Gray Water: water with mild contamination, such as from washing machines or sinks, posing moderate health risks (Category 2 Water Damage).
• Grossly Unsanitary Water: highly contaminated water, such as sewage or floodwater, requiring specialized cleanup and disinfection.
• Ground Saturation: the condition where soil is fully soaked with water, often leading to flooding or foundation issues.
• Groundwater: water located beneath the earth's surface, which can infiltrate basements or crawl spaces, causing damage.
• Gutters: roof channels designed to collect and divert rainwater away from a building's foundation to prevent water damage.
• Gypsum Board: also known as drywall, a common building material that can absorb water and swell or warp when damaged.

H

• Hazard Assessment: the process of identifying potential risks, such as structural instability or contamination, during water damage restoration.
• HEPA Filtration: high-efficiency particulate air filtration used to capture tiny particles, including mold spores, dust, and allergens, improving air quality.
• Humidity Control: managing moisture levels in the air to prevent mold growth and further damage to materials.
• HVAC System: heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems that can spread moisture, mold, or contaminants if not properly maintained or restored after water damage.
• Hydrophobic Materials: materials that repel water, often used in waterproofing or moisture-resistant construction.
• Hydrostatic Pressure: the pressure exerted by groundwater against foundation walls, which can lead to water infiltration in basements or crawl spaces.
• Hygrometer: a device used to measure humidity levels in the air, essential for monitoring drying progress during restoration.
• Hygroscopic Materials: materials like wood, drywall, or carpet that easily absorb moisture from the air, making them prone to water damage and mold growth.

I

• IICRC: the Institute of Inspection, Cleaning, and Restoration Certification, an organization that sets global standards for the restoration and cleaning industry.
• Indoor Air Quality (IAQ): the condition of the air inside a building, which can be affected by mold, moisture, or contaminants after water damage.
• Infiltration: the process of water or air entering a building through cracks, gaps, or other openings, often leading to moisture problems.
• Infrared Drying: a drying technique that uses infrared technology to heat and evaporate moisture from materials, speeding up the restoration process.
• Infrared Thermography: a technology using thermal imaging cameras to detect hidden moisture, temperature variations, and water damage in building materials.
• Infrared Thermal Imaging: a technology using thermal imaging cameras to detect hidden moisture, temperature variations, and water damage in building materials.
• Inspection: a thorough assessment of a property to identify the source, extent, and type of water damage, as well as necessary restoration steps.
• Insurance Adjuster: a professional who evaluates the extent of damage, estimates repair costs, and determines the amount covered by an insurance policy.
• Insurance Claim: a formal request submitted to an insurance company for financial compensation to cover restoration or repair costs after water damage.
• Ionization: a process used in air purification systems to remove contaminants, such as mold spores or bacteria, from the air.

M

• Microbial Contamination: the presence of harmful microorganisms, such as bacteria or mold, in water-damaged areas, posing health risks.
• Mildew: a type of surface fungus, often less harmful than mold, that appears as a thin, powdery growth on damp materials.
• Moisture Barrier: a material or coating used to prevent moisture from penetrating walls, floors, or other structures.
• Moisture Intrusion: the process of water or moisture entering a building through cracks, gaps, or porous materials, leading to damage.
• Moisture Mapping: the process of assessing and documenting the moisture levels in various materials and areas of a building to create a comprehensive moisture profile.
• Moisture Meter: a tool used to measure the moisture content in materials like wood, drywall, or concrete during restoration.
• Mold: a type of fungus that grows in damp environments, causing structural damage and potential health issues.
• Mold Inhibitor: a substance or treatment applied to surfaces to prevent mold growth.
• Mold Remediation: the process of removing, cleaning, and treating mold-infested areas to restore a safe environment.
• Mold Spores: microscopic particles released by mold that can spread through the air and cause new growth in damp areas.
• Mold Testing: the process of collecting and analyzing air or surface samples to detect the presence, type, and concentration of mold in a property.
• Muck-Out: the process of removing mud, debris, and contaminated materials after flooding or severe water damage.
• Mycotoxins: toxic substances produced by certain molds, which can cause health problems when inhaled or touched.

N

• Negative Air Machine (NAM): a device used to filter air and create negative pressure in a sealed area, preventing the spread of contaminants during restoration.
• Negative Pressure Drying: a drying method that uses negative air pressure to draw moisture out of materials and spaces, often used in conjunction with dehumidifiers.
• Neutralization: the process of balancing pH levels in water-damaged materials or surfaces to prevent further chemical damage or corrosion.
• Non-Porous Materials: materials that don't absorb water, such as glass or metal, making them easier to clean and restore after water damage.
• Non-Salvageable: items or materials that are too damaged to be restored and must be discarded during water damage cleanup.

P

• Pack-Out: removing belongings from a damaged area to facilitate restoration work and prevent further damage.
• Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): protective gear, such as gloves, masks, respirators, and suits, worn by professionals to ensure safety during mold remediation or water damage restoration.
• Permeability: the ability of a material to allow water or air to pass through it, affecting its susceptibility to water damage.
• Permeance Factor: a measure of how easily water vapor can pass through a material, important for assessing drying rates and moisture control.
• Porosity: a material's ability to absorb and retain water, which affects how quickly it can be damaged by moisture.
• Porous Materials: materials, such as drywall, wood, or carpet, that easily absorb water and are prone to damage and mold growth.
• Pre-Loss Condition: the state of a property before water damage occurred, which restoration aims to return to.
• Preventive Maintenance: regular inspections and maintenance to prevent water damage, such as checking pipes, roofs, and drainage systems.
• Psychrometer: a device used to measure humidity and temperature, helping to assess drying conditions during restoration.
• Pump-Out: the process of removing standing water from a property using pumps or extraction equipment.

R

• Refrigerant Dehumidifier: a type of dehumidifier that uses a cooling system to condense moisture from the air, commonly used in water damage restoration.
• Relative Humidity: the percentage of moisture in the air compared to the maximum amount it can hold at a specific temperature, a key factor in drying and mold prevention.
• Remediation: the process of addressing and resolving issues like mold growth or water damage to restore a safe and healthy environment.
• Residual Moisture: the remaining moisture in materials after initial water extraction, which must be removed to prevent mold or further damage.
• Restoration: the process of repairing and returning a property to its pre-damage condition after events like water damage, fire, or mold growth.
• Risk Assessment: the evaluation of potential hazards, such as structural instability or contamination, during water damage restoration.

S

• Salvageable: items or materials that can be cleaned, repaired, and reused after water damage.
• Sanitary Water: clean, potable water that poses no health risks, often referred to as Category 1 Water Damage.
• Sanitization: the process of cleaning and disinfecting surfaces to eliminate bacteria, viruses, and other harmful microorganisms after water removal.
• Saturation: the condition where materials or soil are fully soaked with water, often leading to structural damage or mold growth.
• Secondary Damage: damage that occurs as a result of prolonged exposure to moisture, such as mold growth or warping of materials.
• Seepage: the slow movement of water through cracks, gaps, or porous materials, often causing hidden water damage.
• Sewage Backup: an incident where sewage water has been pushed back into a home or building due to a blockage or flooding.
• Sewage Cleanup: the safe removal and disinfection of areas contaminated by sewage water, which poses serious health risks.
• Sewage Damage: harm caused by the backup or overflow of sewage water, which requires specialized cleanup and disinfection.
• Silt Deposition: the buildup of fine soil particles left behind after flooding, which can block drainage systems and cause further issues.
• Standing Water: water that remains stagnant on surfaces for an extended period, increasing the risk of mold, bacteria, and structural damage.
• Structural Assessment: a detailed evaluation of a building's structural integrity to identify damage caused by water, fire, or other factors.
• Structural Drying: a controlled drying process using specialized equipment to remove moisture from building materials and prevent further damage.
• Structural Integrity: the ability of a building's structure to remain stable and safe, even after exposure to water damage or other stressors.
• Subfloor Drying: the process of removing moisture from the layer beneath the flooring, often using specialized equipment like air movers and dehumidifiers.
• Submersible Pumps: pumps designed to operate underwater, commonly used to remove standing water from basements or flooded areas.
• Subrogation: a legal process by which an insurance company seeks to recover costs of a claim when another party is responsible for the damage.
• Sump Pump: a device installed in basements or crawl spaces to remove accumulated water and prevent flooding.
• Surface Sampling: the collection of samples from surfaces to test for contaminants, such as mold or bacteria, during restoration.

T

• Technician: certified water damage restoration specialist trained in advanced moisture removal techniques and equipment operation.
• Testing Equipment: professional tools and devices used to measure moisture content, humidity levels, and water damage extent.
• Thermal Drying: specialized drying method using controlled heat application to accelerate water evaporation from affected materials.
• Thermal Imaging Camera: advanced diagnostic device that detects hidden moisture in walls and floors by identifying temperature variations, enabling precise water damage assessment.
• Trap: essential plumbing component designed to prevent sewer gas backflow while maintaining proper drainage.

U

• Ultrasonic Cleaning: a cleaning process that uses high frequency sound waves to clean items, particularly useful for delicate items.
• Unsalvageable: refers to items so severely damaged by water that they cannot be restored or safely used again.

V

• Vapor Barrier: material used to prevent moisture from penetrating building materials.
• Vapor Diffusion: process by which water vapor moves through building materials, potentially leading to condensation.
• Vapor Pressure: force exerted by water vapor in a confined space.
• Ventilation: system that controls airflow to reduce moisture and prevent mold growth.
• Visual Inspection: initial assessment method to identify visible water damage and potential problem areas.
• Void: empty space within structures where water can accumulate.

W

• Water Damage: negative impact of water on structures or materials, causing structural damage and mold growth.
• Water Damage Restoration: Comprehensive process of returning property to pre-loss condition after water damage, including water extraction, structural drying, decontamination, deodorization, mold prevention.
• Water Damage Restoration Plan: comprehensive strategy outlining restoration steps and timeline.
• Water Extraction: removal of standing water using specialized pumps and vacuums.
• Water Mitigation: immediate actions taken to prevent further water damage.
• Water Migration: the movement of water through materials or spaces, often causing damage to areas beyond the initial source of water intrusion.
• Waterborne Pathogens: disease-causing microorganisms in contaminated water.
• Waterlogged: materials or objects saturated with water.
• Waterproofing: methods and materials used to make surfaces water-resistant.
• Wet Bulb Temperature: temperature reading accounting for moisture effects, used in drying assessment.
• Wet/Dry Vacuum Cleaners: versatile cleaning tools used to extract water and debris from surfaces during water damage restoration.
• Wicking: process by which moisture travels upward through porous materials.
• Winterize: the process of preparing a property for cold weather to prevent freeze damage, such as insulating pipes and sealing gaps.

Z

• Zone A (Unnumbered): special Flood Hazard Area (SFHA) at risk of 100-year floods (1% annual chance). No detailed hydraulic analysis conducted, so base flood elevations (BFEs) are not determined. Flood insurance is mandatory for properties in this zone.
• Zone AE: SFHA with detailed 100-year flood risk analysis. Base flood elevations (BFEs) are clearly mapped and identified. Flood insurance is required for properties in this zone.
• Zone AH: SFHA prone to shallow flooding (1-3 feet deep) during 100-year floods, often due to ponding. Base flood elevations (BFEs) are established. Flood insurance is mandatory.
• Zone B, C, and X: areas with moderate to minimal flood risk. While not high-risk, flooding can occur due to heavy rainfall or poor drainage. Flood insurance is not required but is available and recommended.
• Zone D: areas with undetermined flood hazards. No flood studies have been conducted, so risks are unknown. Flood insurance is not required but can be purchased voluntarily.

Since 2005, Flood Damage Pro has established itself as a trusted leader in water damage restoration across Miami, Maryland, New York, New Jersey, Virginia and Washington, DC. Our reputation is built on technical excellence, unwavering ethical standards, and exceptional customer service. As a fully licensed and insured company, we deliver professional restoration solutions to commercial and residential clients while maintaining competitive market rates.