Defining Terms in Water and Fire Restoration

At Tidal Wave Response, we’ve defined some of the terms that you are likely to hear during fire and water damage restoration in Atlanta.

Air Mover: This is a water damage restoration appliance that offers high-velocity airflow over a wide area to provide rapid evaporation of moisture.

Air Scrubbers: This is a device that is used to eliminate contaminants from the air.

Restorative Drying: This process involves using reliable moisture extraction equipment and drying equipment to dry out structures and contents that have suffered water damage.

Dehumidification: This is all about using a dehumidifier to remove excess moisture from the air.

Fire Damage Cleanup: This is the process of removing standing water, removing debris and soot residues from the structures of a property, and eradicating the smell of smoke in order to restore the affected property to its pre-loss condition.

Water Mitigation: This involves a number of actions intended to prevent further damage to a property when water damage occurs.

Water Damage Restoration: This is a highly regulated process aimed at preventing further damage to property and restoring the affected property to its pre-loss condition.

Category 1 Water: This refers to water damage that originates from a clean water source, so it doesn't pose a substantial risk.

Category 2 Water: This refers to water damage that originates from a source of water that contains significant contamination and has the potential to cause sickness.

Category 3 Water: This category of water damage involves extremely contaminated black water that contains pathogenic and toxigenic agents. Grossly contaminated black water poses serious health risks and can even cause death if consumed.

Class 1: This is the least severe water damage characterized by a slow evaporation rate and low water absorption.

Class 2: In this class, water damage affects a large area, and the water’s evaporation rate and absorption rate is fast.

Class 3: In this class, water damage affects nearly an entire property, including ceilings, subfloor, insulation, drywall, walls, carpet. This class of water damage is characterized by a large amount of water, a faster evaporation rate, and absorption.

Class 4: Class 4 water damage severely affects materials with very low porosity like hardwood, plaster, crawlspaces, brick, stone, masonry, and more. This class of water damage requires longer drying times and special equipment to restore the affected property into its pre-loss condition.

Balanced Drying: This is a drying situation whereby the rate of evaporation of moisture is nearly equal to the rate of dehumidification.

Need Help with Water Damage or Fire Damage Restoration? Call Tidal Wave Response

Choosing a reliable water damage company to restore your property to its pre-loss condition after water damage or fire damage is a big decision. It’s essential to hire a water damage company with years of experience and equipment needed to get the job done in an efficient manner.

You can count on Tidal Wave Response for fire and water restoration.