Water Damage & Flooded Basement Restoration Services

Glossary of Common Restoration Terms - U

Underwriters Laboratories, Inc (UL)
UL performs the classification and evaluation of the various properties of a particular product that is used in construction and manufacturing.

Ultrasonic Cleaning
Ultrasonic cleaning is the process of cleaning an object using ultrasonic sound waves while submerged in water and detergents to remove soils and particles.

Ultra Low Volume (ULV) Fogger
A ULV fogger is an electromechanical device that is used to distribute and regulate the dispersal of disinfectants and fragrances.

Ultraviolet (UV) Light
UV light is part of the sun’s energy that reaches the surface of the earth. Ultraviolet light has short wavelengths in the non-visible electromagnetic spectrum. UV light in excess can be harmful to plants and animal life, and excess levels are blocked off by the ozone layer. In restoration work, UV lamps are used for drying and for detecting organic deposits in surfaces like urine deposits in carpets.

Unclog
To unclog means to remove an obstruction from a drain, sink or pipe through mechanical (plumber's snake or auger) or chemical means (acids, baking soda, etc).

Under-floor Crawl Space
Under-floor crawl spaces are the area between the ground and the underside of the floor that are part of a structure or foundation.

Underground Storage Tank
An underground storage tank is used to store water or other materials and is constructed under the foundation or under the grounds in the vicinity of a foundation.

Underlayment
An underlayment consists of wood panels that are used under a finished floor to provide a smooth finish.

Universal Precautions
Universal precautions refer to the use of safety garments - gloves, mask and goggles, and are used during initial contact with contaminants like fluids or hazardous materials.

Unpleasant Odors
Unpleasant odors emanate from sewage backup, gray or black waters and these are most commonly reported in restrooms or sinks.

Unsafe
In structural terms, unsafe is a condition used to describe an installed structural system or component that is considered to be a safety risk to inhabitants due to damage, deterioration, defects in the installation, or deviations from residential building standards.

Unsalvageable
Unsalvageable refers to an object or structure that has undergone damage that is already of zero value or non-reusable as restoration may not be possible.

Unsanitary Water
Unsanitary waters refer to non-potable water. This includes wastewater, sewage and gray water.

Urban Runoff
Urban runoff includes storm and floodwaters from city streets and gutters. These waters can carry great volumes of rubbish and can include organic and bacterial wastes that are carried into the sewer systems.

Uric Acid
Uric acid is a natural compound that is present in human urine and these are usually deposited on floors, toilet bowls and other surfaces in a restroom. When dried, uric acid salts and residues adhere to the floor and are difficult to remove. A floor neutralizer is needed to loosen and remove these uric acid deposits.

Urinal
A urinal is a fixture in a restroom that is used to catch, collect and flush urine. Usually made of ceramic or porcelain, a urinal has its own water source and drain.

Urinal Blocks
Urinal blocks are chemical blocks that are inserted into urinal basins for reducing unpleasant odors. Dissolved fragments from these blocks are usually the cause of clogs in the urinal's drainage.

Urinal Screens
Urinal screens are plastic mats used in urinals. These are perforated to let urine through and are injected with deodorizers to control unpleasant odors. Mats are better alternatives than urinal blocks as they do not dissolve and these can be removed anytime.

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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.