Sometimes our industry uses a language unique unto itself. Often this can cause confusion with new clients. It’s like going to your doctor and hearing you have the “Norwalk Virus”. Whatever happened to the old fashion stomach flu?
One question our Servpro team gets ask frequently is “What’s the difference between remediation, mitigation, and abatement?” In short:
Remediation- Correcting the error or problem
Abatement- Reducing (or eliminating) the degree or intensity of
Mitigation- Measures taken to reduce potential adverse impacts
Listed below are some other commonly used terms and their meanings.
Air Scrubber - A device or system for removing contaminants and odors from the air; a high-volume air mover connected to a HEPA or carbon filter so as to remove particulate materials and odors.
Antimicrobial- A substance or condition that inhibits the growth or existence of microorganisms, such as mold
Carpet Pile- The tufts of yarn that stand erect from the base of the carpet, forming the visible surface and wear layer, providing the color, texture and styling of the carpet.
Clean for Clean- Describes finished cleaning of walls and ceilings without the necessity of painting, in contrast to clean for paint.
Containment- The isolation of an area of contamination within a building in order to prevent the spread of contaminated materials, by erecting a barrier of plastic sheeting or similar material.
Content Manipulation- Handling and positioning of furniture and other personal property required during the course of repairs.
HEPA Filter- Abbr. for High Efficiency Particulate Arresting filter, one capable of entrapping at least 99.8% of airborne particles 0.3 microns in diameter or larger.
Latent Damage- Damage not yet apparent but which may occur at a subsequent time.
Negative Air Machine- A fan or blower which creates a condition of negative pressure by exhausting air to the outside while drawing air from other parts of the building; often coupled with HEPA or carbon filters to capture particulates or odors.
Subrogation- A standard policy provision giving an insurer who paid a claim the right to act in the name of their insured in recovering the funds from another party.
Wicking- The upward movement of water within a material by absorption and capillary action.
