Water Damage & Flooded Basement Restoration Services

Glossary of Common Restoration Terms - R

Radiant Heating System
A radiant heating system is an electrical heating system that distributes heat through electrical cables installed within baseboard panels.

Radiation
Radiation is the transfer of heat energy through space through the motion of waves. Heat will only be generated until the energy strikes and is absorbed by the surface or object in consideration.

Radon
Radon is a colorless and odorless gas that is emitted from soils, rocks and water due to radioactive decay in certain areas of the United States. Radon is considered a health risk as it is known to cause cancer. Radon testing should be part of a home inspection.

Rafter
A rafter is a parallel beam that is used to support roof and ceiling framing.

Rayon
Rayon is a natural textile fiber that is used as a fabric.

Readily Openable Access Panel
A readily openable access panel is built to provide homeowner inspection for cleaning and maintenance work. This is readily accessible and within normal reach. Access panels can be removed easily by one person and is not sealed or set in place.

Recreational Rivers
Recreation rivers are sections or even a whole river that can be accessed by road or railroad. There may be some development along the perimeter, which can cause some impediment or diversion to the river flow in the past.

Recycled Water
Recycled water refers to urban wastewater that has been treated for reuse through a water treatment facility.

Reforestation
Reforestation refers to the natural or artificial restocking of an area with forest trees.

Registers
Registers are structural components that are used to help regulate the flow of air within the structure.

Relative Humidity (RH)
Relative humidity, or more commonly referred to as RH, is the ratio of the amount of water vapor in the air to the maximum amount possible at the same temperature.

Remedial Investigation
A remedial investigation is performed to collect the data required to make an adequate characterization of an area or site for the purpose of identifying, evaluating, and developing effective remedial and restoration strategies. The remedial investigation process includes the following: determining the nature and extent of the contamination; risk assessment to health and environment; and conducting treatability tests to evaluate effectiveness and performance of treatments considered.

Remediation
In restoration work, remediation refers to the clean-up action used to reduce, isolate or remove contamination from a home or a business establishment, thus preventing exposure of people and animals to these contaminants. Examples are flood removal from basements or kitchens or mold remediation from drywall.

Remove and Reset
Remove and reset is the process of removing a structural component or item to facilitate restoration work, and then reinstalling or resetting the same item back in place.

Repair
Repair is the process of correcting or modifying an unwanted action or a malfunction in an object or appliance.

Residential Sprinkler System
A residential sprinkler system is arranged for fire suppression in a residential setting or dwelling.

Residue
Residue in restoration terms refers to the remains from fire, smoke, soot, gases, floodwater, sewage, etc.

Restorative Cleaning
Restorative cleaning is part of the restoration process and refers to the cleaning or removal of smoke, soot, gases, floodwater, and sewage residues from a structural component or the contents therein.

Restorative Drying
Restorative drying is part of the restoration process and involves the process of extracting moisture, rolling, and dehumidification to dry out a structure.

Retaining Wall
A retaining wall is a vertical structure that is used to restrict or prevent the flow and movement of soil or water.

Retardant
A retardant is a material that is used to delay the flow of moisture, water, heat, flame and others.

Resources
Resources refer to personnel, equipment, tools, materials, services and supplies that are available or potentially available for a particular restoration work.

Restoration
The term restoration means to perform activities and remediation work to return a site to approximately the same condition as it was before any incident or alteration has taken place. Restoration usually follows remediation, like in the case of flood, sewage or fire damages.

Restrooms
Restrooms are organized places in a home or building where humans can wash hands and use toilets and urinals to dispose of human feces and urine. Restrooms are one of the most heavily used areas in any building and are more susceptible to contamination, thus requiring the need for proper cleanliness and sanitation.

Return Flow
Return flow refers to the portion of water drawn out from sources and into community use that is not consumed by evapotranspiration or system losses. The excess water returns to the source or is transferred to another body of water.

Riparian
A riparian refers to the bank or land mass adjacent to the edge of a stream or a body of flowing water. This is usually influenced by flooding or affected when flooding occurs.

Riparian Area
A riparian area is the land adjacent to a stream, including woodlands, vegetation and floodplains that can directly affect the stream.

Rock
A rock is naturally formed solid mass of minerals. Rocks can be classified by their mineral and chemical compositions. They can also be classified by the texture and the processes from which they were formed: igneous, sedimentary and metamorphic.

Roof Drainage Systems
Roof drainage systems are structural components that are used to divert or carry away water off a roof and away from the home or building.

Routine Cleaning
Routine cleaning refers to the type of cleaning in a home or a business and commercial establishment that is scheduled and completed on a regular basis. Usually, routine cleaning involves daily tasks and is part of preventive maintenance procedures.

Runoff
A runoff is water that flows across the ground and eventually reaches a body of water like streams. Runoffs are a result of rainfall or snow melting. Excessive runoffs can cause floods.

Rust
Rust is a powdery and scaly red, orange or brown-colored formation on the surface of irons due to oxidation after exposure to moisture.

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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.