A measure of the physical property damage of a content or material.

An on-site review of all building and human occupancy concerns and risks by a trained professional. The damage may result in a physical danger to the occupants from building conditions. Safety Note At all times during water damage and catastrophic flooding buildings require a damage risk assessment before starting mitigation. See Phase-I Assessment

A passive or mechanical device used to control the volume of air passing through an air outlet air inlet or duct.

A procedure using a moistened cotton mop over a relatively clean surface to remove loose dusts and dirt off of a floor surface. Education Note Damp mopping is used in between cleanings for the control of dusts and dirt since this procedure helps control surface tracking of migrant materials while reducing time and money spent on more intensive maintenance procedures. Damp mopping is a process that is often used right before a floor finish is applied. Damp mopping is also a procedure where small spills can be absorbed into a cotton mop having a neutral detergent allowing for the easy pickup of the spill and applying a non-residual cleaning agent.

Moisture impervious tar-like materials that are applied to concrete on the outside foundation side protecting the structure from absorbing unwanted moisture and moisture vapor. Control measures using chemical treatments on concrete or masonry to retard the absorption or transmission of water and water vapor. Liability Note Damp-proofing sealers seldom provide the desirable effect for which they are intended or the results which were contracted. Contact the manufacturer or distributor of the product for written warrantees and guarantees incase the product fails. As a contractor make sure the products that are used and installed are installed in strict accordance with product labelling.

Building and environmental information which are gathered to determine the accumulations of biological chemical toxins and other physical properties. The baseline data of acceptable indoor air quality including thermal physical and respirable measurements. c The baseline data of acceptable indoor air quality verses outside air quality. d The efficiency ratio of a ventilation system to operate and separate contaminates from indoor air. e The energy efficiency of a building over time. See Background Measurements

The date shown on the face of an agreement or the date that an agreement has been signed.

A measurement of the intensity of sound. A decibel is one tenth of a bel an increase of 1 bel is approximately doubles the loudness of a sound.

A legal term that states certain quantities of pollutants that are small enough to be exempt from environmental regulations.

Building materials from timber cut from trees that are considered to be dead trees.

In insurance terms debris removal are those materials as debris that are part of a covered claim that must be removed as part of a loss. Education Note Most insurance policies cover debris removal expense following a loss covered under the Property Section of the policy. In some instances if the amount of loss including debris removal expenses exceeds the limit of insurance the insurance carrier may agree to pay an additional 5%u0025 of the limit of the insurance of the damaged property.

In wood the disintegration caused by the action of fungi such as wood rot. See Wood Rot Fungi

Acceptable mechanical methods to remove a certain contaminate by. Health and safety requirements and mitigation measures necessary to remove a pollutant or contaminate. Sewage Mitigation Note The physical removal of fresh gray and sewage water and its microbiological entities. The ability to salvage clean and disinfect damaged building materials and contents. c In some instances decontamination means the careful physical removal of damaged and saturated building materials. Hazardous Materials Management Note With regulated waste decontamination is the removal of hazardous substances from employees and their equipment to the extent necessary to preclude the occurrence of foreseeable adverse health effects.

One or more indoor rooms or outside areas that are specifically made and used to decontaminate workers and/or equipment.

The removal of contaminates from surfaces of reusable clothing and equipment through cleaning and sanitizing. The cleaning and sanitizing of employees with good hygiene practices. Health and Safety Note No employee or equipment exposed at the job site should be released until cleaning and sanitizing has been completed.

A combination of materials finishes and furnishings that creates a particular style of interior decorating.

The dollar amount that a policy holder agrees to pay in the event of a covered loss. The insurance company pays for the remaining damage up to the limit of the policy.

In an insurance policy a deductible clause is the agreed amount to which a policy holder is responsible for during a covered loss. The insurance company will pay to repair a covered loss minus the deductible amount as shown in the declarations. The deductible shown in the declarations applies separately to each loss.

That portion of an insurance policy which the insured is personally responsible for to the restoration contractor or retailer. Legal Liability Note Caution should be taken by contractors when requesting the deductible from an insured. By accepting money the contractor is agreeing to provide services in trade. Until it can be established there is coverage for the claim the contractor may be at risk of returning the money or any future amount owed to the insured if the contractors contract states they agree to bill the insurer for the balance owed and not the insured.

The amount of money deducted from the contract sum by a written change order.

A condition or characteristic that detracts from a standard appearance strength or durability of an object or material.

A defect in the manufacturing of a product that is neither apparent or visible upon reasonable inspection prior to use of the product but which becomes apparent at a later time. Legal Liability Note In the case of a latent defect the cause of the complaint should be established and the parties should come to a mutually acceptable resolution of the problem.

A process of addressing a defect within the warrantee guidelines of a manufacturer or industry. Legal Liability Note The retailer contractor or installer should notify the retailer or manufacturer of any and all visible defects prior to installation whenever such notice is possible. If the visible defect is noted by the retailer/contractor/installer and reported to the manufacturer prior to installation the manufacturer should work with the retailor/contractor for a mutually acceptable method of correction or replacement. If such notice is not possible the retailer/contractor should take reasonable action to resolve the situation with due regard to minimixing the costs that may be incurred. A retailer/contractor who knowingly installs a visibly defective merchandise without following the notification procedures outlined above or attached to the product may have no resource against the manufacture.

An obvious defect that can be readily and easily discerned prior to or at the time of installation and/or prior to use.

The physical removal of standing flood waters from buildings during the emergency clean-up phase.

A chemical agent that is added to a liquid to reduce foaming problems. In carpet cleaning foaming becomes a problem when too much detergent or soap-base products are present.

A disorder characterized by the gradual loss of some human function. For example chronic exposure to mould and bacterial toxins are known to contribute and cause gradual immune suppression.

A deterioration of a material from light humidity temperature other elements or improper use.

A fuel/temperature measurement based upon temperature difference and time. Education Note A degree day is used in estimating fuel consumption and specifying nominal heating loads of a building in winter. For any one day when the mean temperature is less than 65%u00B0F there exist as many degree days as there are Fahrenheit degrees difference in temperature between the mean temperature for the day and 65%u00B0F which is the base temperature in the U.S..

The measurement of soil as related to its density its compaction based on a standard formula.

The ratio of the volume of water in a given material to the volume of the material in its normal dry acclimatised usable state. The degree of saturation is expressed as a percentage.

The process of removing humidity. The condensation of water vapour from air by cooling it below the dewpoint or the removal of water vapour from air by chemical or physical means. Restorative Drying Note Often dehumidification can be accomplished by opening doors and windows to a dryer atmosphere and dehumidification is accellerated through forced air movement and the use of engineering controls and devises such as dehumidifiers and air movers.

In water damaged buildings and restorative drying the measurement of moisture in ambient air while the building remains wet as compared to the moisture measurements in ambient air while the building is in the process of drying.

The relationship between the dehumidification equipment and its ability to function properly compared against the load of relative humidity in a wet building atmosphere and wet materials. Restorative Drying Note As far as the dehumidification equipment itself is concerned the dehumidification equipment drying performance must be considered by calculating the manufacturer performance figures charts of the dehumidification equipment to which the machine can operate efficiently at ideal ambient temperatures and humidity in the building the amperage ratings of the dehumidifier averaging 80%u00B0F. at 60%u0025 RH c the ability of the dehumidifiers compressor to increase BTUs in atmosphere at varying temperatures and humidity d the efficiency capacity of collection coils or desiccant beds to exchange moisture vapor for liquid water at varying temperatures and humidity.

A term used in restorative drying to describe the process and means of dramatically decreasing the ambient humidity in a wet building environment within a relatively short period of time. Education and Restorative Drying Note A dehumidification shock approach is warranted when the environment is severely wet and where time is on the side of mould growth or where secondary damage is about to occur if the trapped building water and humidity are not abated within a short period of time including a matter of hours. Large refrigerant and desiccant equipment are necessary to provide dehumidification shock. Calculating the grains of moisture in wet air making assumptions about the amount of trapped water and moisture in building materials along with temperature and humidity readings must carefully be calculated for a dehumidification shock equation before considering using this dehumidification process

An air cooler or washer used for lowering the moisture content of the air passing through it An absorption or adsorption machine designed specifically for removing unwanted moisture from air. Adjuster/Contractor Restorative Drying Note Dehumidifiers may be similar in function and design but they are not alike when it comes to restorative drying of wet buildings. Specially designed dehumidifiers are often required to dry wet buildings properly. Commercial size dehumidifiers are equipment capable of removing from 15 to 100 gallons of humidified moisture in air per day. Although a dehumidifier may function properly in a wet room the dehumidifier may not effect the dehumidification process of a wet wall ceiling or subfloor. The dehumidification of wet walls for example requires special techniques and equipment to dry the wall cavity properly and the equipment must do so within a reasonable time before mold growth occurs. See Desiccant Drying Psychometrics Refrigerant Drying Restorative Drying

The removal of water vapor from air through the use of absorbing or adsorbing materials The removal of water from stored goods. Restorative Drying Note The process of dehydration is important and must be considered as the preferred process when books documents film and other media have been effected by excessive high humidity or a flooding event.

The separating or detaching of a primary material from its composite matrix or its secondary materials. Education Note Delamination is usually is a result of wear and tear but delamination can be a result of increased exposures to environmental conditions including sun light and UV heat too little or too much humidity air movement causing drying and water damages causing release of glue and adhesive binders.

An event or condition that results in the stopping or the slowdown of a project.

The absorption of moisture from the air by certain salts in plaster or brick resulting in damp spots to appear like crystalline deposits or damp spots that appear to be darker than the surrounding material.

A dry-pipe sprinkler system designed for geographical areas that may experience temperatures at or below freezing. The dry-pipe sprinkler system is actuated by heat or smoke detection devices which then turn on valves to admit water into the dry-pipe.

A mechanical or electronically activated device which controls the kW demand levels in a building by shedding electrical loads when the kW demand exceeds a pre-determined set point.

The purposeful intentional destruction of part or all of a building or material.

Anaerobic sewage bacteria in soil under buildings that are capable of anaerobic respiration while using the nitrate ion as a substitute for molecular oxygen during their metabolism. See Soil-Gas

The thickness and compactness of a material. The ratio of the mass of an object to its volume.

Deodorants that are used in buildings after a flood are suppose to remove or destroy musty-like odours and other odours. Hygienists find that deodorants leave occupants with impression that odour problems have been abated which in most instances they have not. Deodorants are to be used sparingly and must not be used as a masking agent producing a false positive sense of clean air. See Masking Agents

A loss in value or worth from all causes.

An inflammation and/or irritation of the skin. Health and Safety Note Dermatitis inflammation can be a concern to water damage workers from excessive chemical exposures and allergic reactions associated with constant contact to flood waters and skin irritants. See Athletes Foot Contact Dermatitis

Machines which are designed to adsorb pints of water per hour over a bed of dessicating materials usually in the form of a wheel inside a machine. Education Note Only part of the dessicant wheel is exposed to the wet environment intake and the other part of %u005Bwet%u005D wheel is exhausted out of the dessicant machine through warm forced air and ducting. Dessicant Dehumidifiers are very effective in reducing unwanted moisture to relative humidity levels of less than 10%u0025. See Refrigerant Dehumidifiers and Dehumidification Dri-Eaz

To dry thoroughly or the process to make a material or environment dry by removing moisture content.

The removal of excess water and moisture that has adsorbed into building and content materials. See Dehumidifiers Desiccant Dehumidifiers Dehumidification

A structure that is intended for habitation and is surrounded by exterior walls with open space.

A garage which is free standing and whose exterior walls are surrounded by open space.

In sewage contamination detaching of vanities and counters means the physical detaching of the cabinet or counter from the wall to inspect for sewage effluents or water behind and under the cabinet or counter.

The smallest amount of a chemical that can be detected by a specific instrument or scientific method.

A water soluble compound capable of suspending dirt and other organics. Detergents can emulsify oils and act as a wetting agent. Caution detergents with phosphates have been banned in many parts of the nation because they are one source of pollution which cause environmental hazards to lakes and streams. Detergents residues should not be discharged into storm drains. Education Note Detergents act-like sanitizer since they suspend oils grease and organisms. Detergents need to be rinsed out and off of contaminated surfaces to work properly. Detergents work best if they are allowed to have a surface contact dwell time are agitated into a material and are used in warm water. Detergents work better than disinfectants while in the presence of dirt and oil and much bacteria such as sewage. See Eutrophication

In sewage contamination of salvageable but contaminated building materials detergent cleaning means warm water washing and agitation of the surface with scrub brushes or electric floor scrubber. See Rewashing Sewage Terms

A settling tank that allows debris to collect sediment without interrupting the flow of liquid.

The shearing of wood along the grain.

The moisture vapor condensed on objects at or near ground level. Dew is a result of temperature having fallen below the dew point temperature of the surrounding air.

The technical name for the mechanical removal of vast amounts of standing water from an area such as a pond a farm field a construction site or even a submersed sub-grade parking structure. Dewatering requires the use of commercial piston driven and/or diaphragm pumps having an outlet of 4%u0022 or greater. Mitigation Note The physical removal of standing sewage water and sludge off of ground. The resulting product is water saturated ground which can now be tilled remediated or aerated naturally once dewatered.

The surface temperature at which moisture will condense out of the air onto a surface The surface temperature varies with the relative humidity. With mixed ratio and barometric pressure constant the temperature to which air must be cooled in order to attain saturation by water vapour.

A forced process by which the specific relative temperature and humidity results in condensation on cooling coils or desiccant beds of a dehumidifier.

The difference between dry bulb and dew point temperatures oF DB- oF DP.

The acclimation of new building materials in a new environment before installation. Education Note Problems related with dew point and a new atmosphere having moisture and vapor condensation problems - Concrete slabs and new flooring Concrete slabs are measured for moisture levels using the calcium chloride test method and pH tests have been conducted. Installation Note The floor covering installer has taken great pains in ensuring the project will go as error-free as possible. Several days later the flooring is installed and in less than a month blisters begin to appear and/or adhesive begins oozing from the floor covering seams. Inspectors Note The floor is opened up and inspected and it has been determined the adhesive did not cure%u0021 Next a series of events begin to take place establishing the guilt or failure of the flooring installer and/or manufacturer. Liability/Litigation Note The manufacturer is brought in to establish whether their products are defective and the litigation cycle i.e. expense time damage to customer goodwill and reputation etc. begins yet again. This all-too-familiar scenario will continue to play itself out with the current %u0022facts%u0022 creating more questions and confusion than answers. The likelihood is that this problem will continue to increase in frequency with the confusion increasing - unless the influences of dewpoint in the building are considered. Installers Note Dew point does a nearly indistinguishable imitation of classic moisture %u0022problems%u0022 that can result in real floor covering installation concerns. Yet dewpoint is in reality a transitory effect which once detected can be controlled at the time prior to installation if the installer is made aware of its existence and how to control the potential detrimental effects.

A temperature at which a given water vapor content and constant pressure are capable of producing condensation of water from an atmosphere. The temperature at which any gas begins to condense. c A point in temperature which moist air becomes saturated 100%u0025 relative humidity with water vapour when cooled at a constant pressure. See Enthalpy

The temperature to which indoor air must be cooled at a given pressure and water-vapour content for it to reach saturation.

A starch-based compound used for wall sizing and wallpaper adhesive. As a paste the starch is mould-loving when wet or the walls are damp for periods of time.

Specified wood for indoor use only.

In the HVAC the differential difference is between the points where a mechanical or electronic sensor controller automatically turns %u0022on%u0022 and %u0022off.%u0022 If a thermostat turns a furnace on a 69%u00B0 and the differential is 3%u00B0 the burner will be turned off at 72%u00B0.

A method for determining the difference in elevation between two points using a level and a rod.

The difference in static pressure between two locations.

An uneven downward movement of the foundation of a structure usually caused by varying soil conditions compaction or building load resulting in cracks and distortions in the foundation and slab.

A circular square or rectangular air distribution outlet generally located in the ceiling and comprised of deflecting vanes or louvers discharging supply air in various directions and planes and arranged to promote mixing of primary air with secondary room air.

A measure of the tendency of one gas or vapour to disperse into or mix with another gas or vapour. This rate depends on the density of the vapour or gas as compared with that of air which is given a value of 1.

The process of changing or diluting a solvent from one strength to another or a mixture of substances into another. Increasing the proportion of solvent or a diluent liquid to solute or particulate matter solid. c The process of mixing and exchanging contaminated or humidified air with less contaminated or humidified air. d The change in temperature humidity and air mass in a building with new or treated temperature humidity and air mass.

The ratio of a solvent cleaning agent or a disinfectant concentrate to be diluted down to its recommended use.

The ability of wood and other building materials to maintain their natural man-made or engineered configuration without undue stress. A building material capable of enduring indefinite structural effluences under normal conditions. Construction Note Building materials which under normal conditions maintain their dimensional stability but under abnormal conditions their dimensional stability can be effected by temperature stress load humidity moisture and decay.

A proportionally smaller value to a property due to a damage. Diminished property value is a lessening or decreasing of property value as a result of some type of damage. In river flooding for example a dwelling may not have the same property value it had prior to a catastrophic loss. While the dwelling itself was repaired the overall value of the dwelling may have been affected by the environmental conditions surrounding the property. When an antique piece of furniture has been damaged it may have been professionally restored but because of the damage it may have sustained a diminished value. In a fire damaged property where antique contents are present the removal of years of patina during the cleaning and restoration process will result in a diminished property value.

A filamentous fungus having the ability to exhibit alternate growth forms. A fungus exhibiting yeast-like cells at 98.6%u00B0F 37%u00B0C and exhibiting filamentous mould growth at room temperature.

The labour material equipment subcontractor and other costs directly incorporated into the repair or construction.

All costs that are directly incurred by or chargeable to a project or claim.

An exposure pathway where the point of exposure is at the source. The control of the direct exposure pathways requires containing the release from any other areas or parts of the building including ventilation duct air return to the building.

Moisture detection instruments which give an immediate reading and indication of the percentage of moisture content in or on a material. Humidity and temperature recording instruments give an immediate readout of the temperature and humidity in ambient air. Some humidity and moisture instruments will automatically calculate dew point. Other humidity and moisture sensors readout on strip charts while more scientific equipment can datalog. c Single and multi-gas instruments will provide an immediate indication of the concentration of oxygen flammable and explosive gases and vapors. Other direct reading instruments measure certain aspects of indoor air quality and comfort levels.