Water Damage & Flooded Basement Restoration Services

Glossary of Common Restoration Terms - L

Labels
Labels are forms of documents that are attached to containers of chemicals, detergents or cleaners. Labels provide detailed information on the product, safety considerations and proper application. Restoration and cleaning personnel should read clearly, understand and follow the instructions provided in product labels to ensure their safety.

Lake
A lake is a feature in a terrain consisting of a body of standing water that is larger and deeper than a pond. This is usually localized at the bottom of a land basin or is an expanded part of a river. A body of water is considered a lake if it is located inland and is not part of an ocean. The water in lakes moves slowly or not at all and are sometimes subjected to environmental restoration efforts due to accumulated human wastes or increased salinity, which makes flora and fauna habitation difficult or impossible. The reservoir behind a dam is also referred to as a lake.

Laminate
A laminate is a material that is formed by bonding two or more layers of material together in a process called lamination. A laminate is often used in interior finishing and acts as scratch or wear surfaces in countertops or cabinets.

Laminated Beam
A laminated beam is a wooden structural item used in construction and finishing and is made by laminating several pieces of wood together under heavy pressure.

Lamination
Lamination is the process of placing layers of materials between layers of plastic and sealing them with heat and intense pressure. This is usually done with a thin layer of adhesive.

Landscape
The visible portion and features of a heterogeneous area of land that can be comprehended in a single view is called a landscape. This includes all objects and physical elements contained in the land such as landforms, flora, fauna, lighting and weather conditions. It also contains human elements such as human activities or built environments. A designed landscape is a space inside a territory, either indoor or outdoor, that has interacting ecosystems all throughout.

Landslide
A landslide is a geological phenomenon that involves a wide range of earth mass movement down a steep slope. It includes rock falls, slope failures and shallow debris flows, which can occur in coastal or onshore environments. Gravity is usually the main cause or driving force for the movement, however, there are external factors that allows the movement to occur due to slope instability. Pre-conditional factors such as excessive logging or deforestation can make the area or the slope prone to failure. The actual landslide is triggered by an external force such as floods, earthquakes or excavation.

Latent Damages
A certain event can cause damages that are not presently visible or can occur after some time. These types of damages are called latent damages. An example is the occurrence of floods. If drying occurs naturally without proper restoration procedures, latent damages can occur after a few days such as mold infestations, deterioration of wood and structural damages.

Latex
Latexes may be natural or synthetic. Common forms are the milky sap that comes from certain plants that coagulates when exposed to air. Latex is used in gloves or used as backing for carpets.

Lead
Lead is a material used in paint and pipes of many older homes, and is considered hazardous to health. Proper handling and removal of lead-based materials should be consulted with the local environmental protection agency and coordinated with qualified restoration companies.

Ledges
Rooms, enclosures and other areas sometimes have narrow, shelf-like projections along the tops of partitions and along walls or doorways. These projections are call ledges.

Levee
An embankment that works as a dike is called a levee and is constructed to prevent a river from overflowing. Also called a stopbank or a floodbank, the levee can be a natural or manmade slope or wall that is usually earthen and is constructed parallel to the course of a river or the coast.

Lichen
Lichens are composite organisms that are results of the symbiotic association of a fungus with a photosynthetic partner, usually a green algae. Lichens survive in harsh environments and can break down rocks and structures through chemical weathering.

Lifting Techniques
During cleaning or restoration activities, it is important to perform proper lifting techniques to prevent injury or damage. This is done by bending your knees while keeping the back straight and maintaining a proper grip when lifting heavy equipment or fixtures.

Light Fixtures
Light bulbs or lamps are held and contained in mechanisms called light fixtures. Light fixtures sometimes have horizontal and vertical ledges, which is prone to collect dust.

Light Switch
Light switches control the on-off functions that provide power to light fixtures. They are found in a variety of locations, particularly near doorways and restroom entrances. In restrooms, these are common contact point where germs can be transmitted. During toilet overflow or sewage restoration, light switches should be typical areas that need disinfection.

Limestone
Limestone is a form of sedimentary rock composed of calcium carbonate that is formed by deposits of marine animal skeletons, corals and seashells. Limestone is added to cement and construction materials.

Linoleum
A resilient flooring material that is made from coating burlap or canvas with powdered cork, rosin and solidified linseed oil is called linoleum. Pigments are added to the materials to provide color. Inlaid linoleum is the finest linoleum flooring and is made by inlaying solid pieces of linoleum. Other linoleum varieties like the patterned types are cheaper, but are not very durable to wear and tear.

Lintel
A lintel is a horizontal support used over a door or a window and usually made of angled iron bars.

Load Bearing
The load bearing of a building is a wall, partition or pilaster that supports the load of the structure.

Lowest Floor
The lowest floor in a building or structure refers to the lowest enclosed area which includes the basement. An unfinished or flood-resistant enclosure that is separate from a basement area and is used particularly for parking of vehicles, access to buildings or storage is not considered the lowest floor.

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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.