High-velocity fan used to accelerate evaporation during structural drying. Typically placed at 16-foot intervals along wet surfaces and pointed at a low angle.
Antimicrobial
A chemical treatment applied to surfaces during or after water damage cleanup to inhibit growth of bacteria, mold, and other microorganisms. Common applications follow Category 2 and Category 3 water losses.
ATP Testing
Adenosine Triphosphate testing — a swab-based method to measure biological contamination on surfaces. Used to verify that sanitization has been effective after sewage or microbial losses.
Category 1 Water (Clean Water)
Water from a sanitary source — broken supply lines, sink overflows, melting ice. Poses no substantial risk if dried promptly. Per IICRC S500.
Category 2 Water (Gray Water)
Water with significant contamination that could cause illness if ingested — dishwasher overflow, washing machine discharge, toilet bowl water without solids. Requires additional sanitization beyond standard drying.
Category 3 Water (Black Water)
Grossly contaminated water — sewage backups, flooding from rivers, standing water that has been wet for over 48 hours. Requires PPE, containment, and removal of porous materials per IICRC protocols.
Containment
Polyethylene sheeting and negative-air pressure used to isolate contaminated work areas from clean spaces during mold remediation or Category 3 water cleanup. Standard practice under IICRC S520.
Dehumidifier (LGR)
Low Grain Refrigerant dehumidifier — commercial equipment that removes moisture from air more efficiently than standard refrigerant units, especially at lower humidity levels. Standard equipment on restoration jobs.
Demolition (Selective Demo)
Targeted removal of unsalvageable materials — wet drywall, saturated insulation, damaged flooring — to allow structural drying and prevent secondary damage. Documented carefully for insurance reimbursement.
EMC (Equilibrium Moisture Content)
The moisture level at which wood or other hygroscopic materials neither gain nor lose moisture relative to ambient conditions. Drying targets are typically set 1-2% above EMC to confirm restoration completion.
HEPA Filtration
High-Efficiency Particulate Air filtration — captures 99.97% of particles ≥0.3 microns. Standard in mold remediation air scrubbers and post-fire smoke cleanup.
IICRC
The Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification — the industry standards body. IICRC certifications include WRT (Water Restoration), ASD (Applied Structural Drying), AMRT (Applied Microbial Remediation), and FSRT (Fire & Smoke Restoration).
Mitigation
The initial emergency response — stopping further damage and beginning structural drying. Distinct from "restoration" or "reconstruction," which is the rebuilding phase after mitigation is complete.
Moisture Mapping
Documentation of moisture levels throughout an affected structure using calibrated meters, often visualized in a diagram. Required for many insurance claims to justify scope of drying.
Psychrometry
The science of moisture in air — temperature, humidity, dew point, vapor pressure. Restoration technicians use psychrometric readings to design effective drying chambers and prevent secondary damage.
S500 / S520
The ANSI/IICRC consensus standards. S500 governs water damage restoration; S520 governs mold remediation. These are the documents your insurance adjuster references when evaluating scope.
Secondary Damage
Damage that occurs after the initial loss event — typically from delayed or inadequate mitigation. Examples: warped flooring, mold growth, drywall failure. Often a coverage dispute area with insurance.
Xactimate
The estimating software used by virtually all insurance adjusters and most restoration contractors. Standardized line items, regional pricing, and photo integration. Estimates produced in Xactimate move through the claims process faster than alternatives.