ABC fire extinguisher
Fire extinguisher capable of extinguishing type A, B and C fires.

abatement
An intensified termination of asbestos or lead.

abiogenesis
The spontaneous generation of non-living materials into living things (theory).

abrasion
Wearing, grinding, rubbing, or blasting away by friction.

abrasive
A substance used to abrade or wear away a surface, such as in air, CO2 and soda blasting.

absorbent
Having the capacity, tendency, or power to absorb liquids or gas.

absorption
The process of absorbing, or being absorbed.

acceleration
Rate of change of the velocity with the respect to time.

access hole
An opening created to allow inspection or mobility of equipment and materials.

access panel
A door or panel, which allows easy access for inspection or mobility of equipment and materials.

acetate
The salt or ester of acetic acid.

acetic acid
Colorless pungent liquid acid, C2 H4 O2 that is the basic acid of vinegar.

acetoacetic acid
Unstable acid, C4 H6 O3, as found in abnormal urine.

acetone
A flammable liquid, C3 H6 O, as used as a solvent in paint removers and thinners.

acetylene
Colorless hydrocarbon gas, HC=CH created through the action of water on calcium, used in the welding, brazing and burning of metals.

acid
A water-soluble substance that contains hydrogen molecules and ions, that react with a base or substances electrons.

acidic
Acid forming, having a pH of 6 or less.

acidimeter
Apparatus used to measure the amount and strength of acid in a liquid.

acoustical ceiling tile
A mineral fiber material formed within 12" x 12", 2' x 2', 2' x 4', etc. panels, that offer sound control. Acoustical panels can be mounted with adhesives, staples, or be suspended.

acoustics
The transmission and effect of sound waves.

actual cash value
The resulting value after the deduction for depreciation.  Also known as ACV. The ACV is based on the replacement cost, less the components or contents expected value or life span.

acute exposure
Single exposure to a toxic substance, resulting in biological illness or death.

acute toxicity
Substance or matter that is poisonous and capable of causing biological illness or death.

acrylic
Clear, glossy thermoplastic resin, constructed from acrylic or methacrylic acid, produced as sheet, corrugated goods and in adhesives, caulking etc.

acrylic acid
Unsaturated liquid, C3 H4 O2 that is used in the plastics industry due to its ease of polymerizing.

activated (carbon) charcoal
Used as an adsorbent for purifying.

ADA
Americans with Disability Act. A set of Government design and construction standards for the accessibility and ease of movement within buildings.

addition
To add or increase a properties square footage through construction.

additional living expense
ALE, monetary amount provided to insured to cover additional expenses when their property is un-inhabitable.

additive
A substance added to another in small amounts to enhance or decrease a properties capabilities.

adhesion
The molecule attraction exerted between two surfaces, be it liquid, solid, or gas.

adjust
To determine the amount, settle, resolve an insurance claim.

adjuster
One who adjusts, can work directly for an insurance company, or an independent representing the insurance company.

adsorption
The adhesion of a thin layer of molecules, as a gas or liquid to a solid or liquid.

aerial
Antenna

aerosol
The suspension of liquid or solid particles in air.

affidavit
A sworn statement in writing.

affinity
The unity of two substances that enter into and remain in chemical combination.

A-Frame
Structure consisting of three structural members erected in the shape of an A.

agency
An operation where power of authority is exerted.

agent
One who acts for, or in place of another.

agents
Chemical or biological activity.

agitation
The process of irregular or rapid movement.

aggregate
An aggregated material used in cement, plaster and gypsum board, the structural unit of soil.

air
Gaseous mixture of 79.0% nitrogen, 20.9% oxygen and 0.1% of carbon dioxide, argon, ozone, helium, plus other gases from natural and man-made substances.

air balancing
To adjust the flow and distribution of air within a structure as produced from air conditioning and heat.

air compressor
A generator that produces compressed air within a chamber by extracting air from the atmosphere, rated in CFM.

air conditioner
A mechanical system designed to control the temperature and humidity within a structure.

air diffuser
Cover over the outlet of a ducted or non-ducted (return) system used to regulate and/or direct airflow.

air exchange per hour
Total volume of air moved in one hour within a room or structure.

air filter
A porous device used to capture dirt, dust and gaseous particles as air passes through it.

airmover
A fan designed to generate an exceptional amount of air volume, used as drying equipment to force wicking.

air sampling
The collecting of air gases and particles for testing.

air scrubber
A portable or stationary machine that captures airborne particles and  gases.

algaecide
A chemical used to prevent the growth of algae.

allergen
An allergic state or reaction, caused by pollen, dust, mold and fungus spores.

alkali
A water-soluble salt, consisting mainly of potassium, or sodium carbonate.

alkaline
Relating to or having the properties of alkali, having a pH of 8 or higher.

alligatering
The cracking of a painted or lacquered surface as applied to structural wall/ceiling and furnishings.

allowable load, allowable stress
The maximum load or stress allowed on a structural component.

allowance
Monitory figure for hidden conditions, or for correcting a condition.

alloy, alloy steel
A substance composed of two or more metals, to give a metal strength, chemical stamina, or to reduce its cost.

alluvium
Sediments as carried by river waters and are 0.02 millimeters or smaller.

alteration
The modification of a structure, or one of its components.

alternating current
An electrical current that will change directions based on its cycle.

aluminum
A bluish silver-white metal with good electrical conductivity which resists corrosion through the oxide film it produces.

ambient air
Outside air, or the air surrounding an object.

ACGIH
American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists, a non-profit organization established to govern the threshold value limits and set time weighted exposure limits of airborne substances, for the health and welfare of workers.

American Wire Gauge
US standard for sizing and manufacturing wire and sheet metal.

ammonia
A colorless, pungent gaseous alkaline compound of nitrogen and hydrogen NH3.

ampere
A measure of electrical current, electromotive force.

ampmeter
Instrument used to measure the flow rate of amperes through an electrical circuit.

amphoteric
Capable of acting as an acid and a base in strong acids

anaerobic
Organism that does not require free oxygen to survive.

analog meter
A mechanical device, using a needle to move along a scale.

analysis
The identification or separation of ingredients of a substance.

aneometer
Instrument used to measure the force, or speed of an air system.

angle iron
L shaped metal classified by its thickness and leg lengths, used as a structural member.

anion
Ion with a negative electrical charge.

anionic
The reaction of a negatively charged ion, an ion in an electrolyzed solution will migrate to the anode.

annealing
The slow cooling of a heated metal to reduce stress and gain strength.

annex
The secondary structure of a primary structure, generally located next to or close by.

anode
The electrode where oxidation occurs at the electrolytic cell, or the negative terminal of a battery.

antimicrobial
A compound used to destroy, or suppress the growth of microorganisms.

antique
A relic or object from a period of time, generally 100 years or older.

antistatic agent
A substance used to reduce static electricity on a carpet surface.

apartment
A combination of rooms within a single building that is used as a dwelling.

apparatus
An electrical or mechanical system of activities intended for an intended use.

appliance
An apparatus, piece of equipment used in the home; refrigerator, washer, etc.

appraisal
The estimated value of an object or structure, based on the cost to repair, or to develop market value or replacement costs.

approved equal
An approved material or construction method, having an equal value of the specified or scoped material or construction method.

architect
A licensed and registered professional engaged in the designing and specifications of building construction.

arbitration
A voluntary or predetermined resolution of disputes between parties, arising out of construction, insurance coverage, etc., as a substitute for litigation. Arbitration proceedings are not as expensive and require less time than a formal legal proceedings.

asbestos
A mined mineral used in construction prior to the 1980's because of its fire retarding capabilities. Asbestos is classified as a carcinogenic and banned in new construction.

Found as an insulating material on HVAC systems, structural steel, also used in floor and ceiling tiles, plaster, etc.

ASCR International
Association of Specialists in Cleaning and Restoration.  Association devoted to the management, marketing, technical and educational concerns of cleaning and restoration contractors and its divisions; CUCI, MSHI, NIDR, NIRC and WLI.

awning window
An operable window that is hinged at the top.

axial fan
A centrifugal forced fan designed to force air in a straight line.

bacteria
A one-celled micro organism that is generally parasitic and without chlorophyll. These cells need an organic substance for carbohydrates in order to feed and grow. Certain bacterium can cause diseases in humans and animals.

bactericide
A chemical substance used to destroy (kill) bacteria and spores.

back fill
To replace an excavated area with fill (dirt, soil, stones, etc.).

back flow
The reversal of the normal flow of a liquid or substance.

bag house
A permanent structure or movable machine designed to capture pollutants or media waste under low pressure through a bag, which acts as a filter.

balanced drying system
The proper ratio of evaporation and dehumidification equipment within a structure, its principals are used to prevent secondary damages.

bar joist
An open webbed steel joist used to carry the live and dead loads of a roof or floor system, and is supported at both ends by a pilaster or girder.

basicity
The power of an acid to combine with metal, the hydrogen replacement of a metal.

bastard
A non-standard item of non-normal size or quality.

batt insulation
A thermal or sound insulation material, generally of fiberglass, which comes in varying widths and (R-value) thickness to conform to standard framing of walls and joists.

bearing
A structural member, such as wall, pilaster, etc., used to support a building floor or roof system.

bearing pile
A column within the ground, used to support vertical loads.

benzene
C6 H6, an organic molecule structure of six carbon atoms and six hydrogen atoms.

betterment
To increase the value of a component or structure through repairs or replacement, to exceed the value of like kind and quality.

biodegradable
The decomposition through natural conditions.

Black Water
Category 3, Black Water, contains sewage and other contaminants that can include pesticides, heavy metals, and toxic organic and inorganic chemicals. More than 120 different viruses, parasitic agents, and bacterial organisms can be found in
Category 3 water. Black water originates
from domestic and industrial wastes and
non-point (groundwater, surface water,
sea, river, and atmospheric) sources.

bleeding
The blending of wet fabric colors due to a high pH formula.

blue board
Interior plasterboard, which accepts plaster, veneers.

board foot
Basic unit of measure for lumber, and is equal to a board one-foot square and one inch thick.

board-up
Terminology used to describe the closing in of an opening (hole), window, door, roof, etc. - within a structure, therefore, securing and protecting property from vandalism and weather elements.

BOCA
Building Officials & Code Administrators International, Inc., Country Club Hills, IL. Provides building construction standards for the safety, health and welfare of the public.

bottom plate
A horizontal piece of framing lumber used at the base of wall framing or partition, sole plate.

box sill
Common method of framing floor joists, where a header is nailed to the ends of the floor joists.

brace
A diagonal support, used to hold a wall, scaffold, etc. in place.

Brady card
Identification markers consisting of self adhesive letters and numbers, as used to identify cables, wires, conduits, tubing, etc. during the assembly or disassembly processes.

British Damage Management Association
BDMA, British based association that promotes and regulates professional standards in the industry.

British Thermal Unit (BTU)
The measurement of heat energy, the quantity of heat required to raise the temperature of one pound of water 1º F.

brown board
Exterior plasterboard which accepts plaster veneer or EFS.

browning
The color change of a fabrics dye due to a high alkaline chemical. Is generally reversible by using an opposite pH chemical solution.

building envelope
The exterior of a structure (building) that encompasses exterior walls, roof, etc. and separates the conditioned areas from non-conditioned areas.

building permit
Written authorization to proceed with the construction of a project, and is generally based on  approved drawings and specifications.

business impact analysis (BIA)
Used to determine the impact resulting from a disruption of normal business (i.e. power outage, storm, theft, etc.). The BIA should be part of the organizations contingency plan ---  identifying the time-critical functions the disruption would have on the business, and prioritizes the functions that would meet the time-objectives of the recovery process.

business interruption insurance
A special insurance policy (generally a rider) that protects business owner against losses due to temporary shutdown because of fire or other insured peril. Business interruption insurance can provide reimbursement for loss of income profits and ongoing expenses.