Water Damage Restoration Glossary for Erie Homeowners

High-velocity fans positioned to create airflow across wet surfaces, accelerating evaporation. Used alongside dehumidifiers during structural drying.

Clean water from a broken supply line or faucet. Least contaminated. If not addressed within 48 hours, Category 1 water degrades to Category 2.

Highly contaminated water (sewage, flooding). Requires specialized safety protocols and disposal. Common in Erie during sewer backups and spring flooding events.

Using plastic sheeting and negative air pressure to isolate the affected area during mold remediation. Prevents spore spread to unaffected parts of the home.

Industrial-grade units that remove 20-75 gallons of water per day from the air. Essential for structural drying. Erie's humidity can slow drying without adequate dehumidification.

High-Efficiency Particulate Air filters that capture 99.97% of particles, including mold spores. Used during mold remediation and fire restoration.

The Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration Certification. The industry standard for restoration professionals. IICRC-certified firms follow science-based best practices.

The process of identifying, containing, removing, and preventing mold growth. Required when mold is present or when water damage has persisted beyond 48 hours.

An instrument that measures moisture content in building materials. Used to determine if materials are salvageable and to verify drying is complete.

Removing, inventorying, and storing personal belongings from a damaged area for cleaning and restoration. Contents are returned after the structure is restored.

Using industrial dehumidifiers and air movers to remove moisture from building materials after water extraction. Typically takes 3-5 days depending on severity.

Using infrared cameras to detect hidden moisture behind walls and ceilings without destructive testing. Critical for finding all affected areas after water damage.

The process of removing standing water from a structure using pumps and truck-mounted extractors. The first critical step in water damage restoration.