Water Damage & Flooded Basement Restoration Services

Glossary of Common Restoration Terms - I

Incident
An incident is an event caused by humans, or due to natural occurrences, which requires emergency action or services. Such events, like a wildfire, require immediate attention to prevent injury or loss of life and to prevent damages to property and natural resources.

Incidental Damages
An incidental damage occurs coincidentally with another loss or disaster. An example is water damage caused by firefighters during the attempt to stop a raging fire.

Independent Adjuster
An independent adjuster is an independent contractor employed by a property and casualty insurance company to act as their representative to settle claims put forward by their insured clients. The adjuster's job is to evaluate the merits of these claims and recommends courses of actions to the insurance company. Independent adjusters are hired by insurance companies.

Indoor Air Quality (IAQ)
The IAQ within and around homes, buildings and structures refers to the quality of air in these areas in relation to the health and comfort of its occupants. Some of the indoor air pollutants that can cause problems for air quality include microbial contaminants coming from mold or bacteria, chemicals like carbon monoxide and radon, natural or synthetic allergens, and other diffused matter in the air that can cause adverse health effects. These air pollutants have been known to cause respiratory problems like asthma. According to recent findings, indoor air can be more polluted than outdoor air and poses a greater health hazard if not addressed appropriately. Ways to improve indoor air quality include proper ventilation, filtration, and source control. Restoration companies techniques for analyzing IAQ include the collection of air samples to be analyzed for mold, bacteria, chemicals and other health stressors. These analyses can lead to the determination of the sources of contaminations so proper remediation can be performed.

Infection
An infection is an invasion of microorganisms or bacteria in the body that causes a multiplication of germs and can pose a serious health risk. Infections can be caused by exposure to a bacteria source like molds, fungi, flood or sewage.

Infiltration
An infiltration is a term used in restoration to the leaking of outside air into a home or building through cracks, fissures and holes in windows and walls. The differential in pressure between conditions indoor against that outside is causing these seepages to occur.

Infrared Drying
Infrared drying is a process used in restoration to enhance the drying process of an area or an object using infrared lamps or heaters through electromagnetic radiation. An electrically-operated infrared heater or lamp uses a filament (usually tungsten or carbon) that is enclosed in a heat-resistant casing or tube of quartz glass. A filling on an inert gas, usually halogen, is placed inside the quartz tube to prevent filament degradation.

Inhalable Particulates
These particles are microscopic and airborne in nature and can be ingested into the respiratory system. Some inhalable particulates are components of smog or smoke as a result of recent fires, or spores injected into the air by molds and fungi infestation.

Inorganic
An inorganic compound is a material that is derived from a mineral and not from an animal or plant.

Impervious Cover
In restoration terms, an impervious cover is a surface that prevents water from going into the surrounding soil, particularly in urban areas like highways, streets and parking lots. During storms, runoffs from impervious cover cause the spread of pollution and waste and erode soils along the water. The results could put a community in danger of flash flooding.

In-Plant Restoration
The terminology is used to refer to the restoration of an item that is performed in the contractor's plant or facility.

Inspection
Inspection is the process of looking carefully at something. In restoration terminologies, inspection refers to the careful investigation of a structure for possible damages, which includes structural, water, fire, smoke and microbial damages. During home sales, a pre-sale home inspection is often required before escrow, to check for possible structural, chemical, water and mold damages in the home for sale.

Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC)
The IICRC is a non-profit organization devoted to the certification and standard setting for the flooring inspection, floor covering, specialized cleaning and disaster restoration industries. It aims to set standards within these industries and promote ethics, effective communication and technical proficiency. Aside from its role as a governing body, the IICRC also provides and disseminates information to maintain productive and fair recommendations throughout the industry. This is done to provide protection for the consumers, workers in the industry, and the environment.

Insulation
Insulation is a material used to prevent or inhibit the conduction of heat, sound or electricity. Electrical wires are coated with waterproof plastic or rubber coatings to protect against moisture or water, which can act as a good conductor. Building insulations are used to slow down the transfer of heat through walls and ceilings to provide comfort by maintaining a uniform temperature and to reduce energy costs. Heat transfers are reduced in homes and buildings through the construction of double walls or hollow tiles lined with thermal insulation materials. Soundproofing, on the other hand, provides acoustic insulation or the reduction or elimination of sound intensity.

Intensity
Intensity is the amount or degree of strength of light, heat, sound, electricity or force per unit area or volume.

Investigative Demolition
An investigative demolition is used in the restoration process to check or investigate possible damaging conditions in a home or building through the removal of certain building components. An example is to detach a panel of a drywall to check or test the conditions of the inner wall for water damage or mold infestation.

Iodophors
An iodophor is a mixture containing iodine, detergent and a solubilizing agent. Iodophors are good sanitizing agents that slowly releases iodine when it comes into contact with bacteria. Unlike other sanitizers, it leaves no residues as it can sublimate directly from liquid to gas. However, it can leave orange-brown stains on certain surfaces, like plastics, when it comes into contact.

Ion
An ion is an atom that consists of a negative or a positive charged particle as a result of losing or gaining an electron.

Ionization
Ionization is the process of separating atoms or molecules into ions by adding or removing charged particles like protons or electrons. This separation is done through the application of heat, electrical discharge, radiation or through a chemical reaction. Ionization has its basic importance in the electrical conduction through gas or liquid mediums.

Irritant
An irritant is a substance that causes inflammation or allergies in certain organs like the skin, eyes, lungs and other parts of the body. Irritants can be certain chemicals or minerals or can be organic substances.

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This glossary is another free service, provided by RestorationSOS^® as a part of our comprehensive service pledge. We believe that knowledge is a key element in a smooth and successful restoration project.

The terms in this glossary are commonly used during fire and water damage restoration projects. These terms are likely to be included in the estimate and contract, and are usually translated into the final cost. Please feel free to contact us with any question or concern.