100-year flood level - a flood that has a 1% chance of occurring in any given year. The term refers to the chances of this level of floodwater happening in 100 years.



Absorb - the temporary ability of porous materials such as wood to retain liquid.

Air remover - also called fan, dryer, or air mover. A specialized type of fan that has a special design which promotes evaporation of moisture and allows it to rapidly dry carpets, walls, sub floorings, as well as hard to reach areas such as under cabinets.

Back pressure - the result of improper use of drying equipment during water damage restoration procedures. Back pressure is caused by the restriction of air velocity while trapping humidity in surfaces such as cabinets or walls, and happens when air drying fans are positioned improperly under wet carpets and wall cavities.

Base Flood Elevation (BFE) - the elevation to which flood water is expected to rise during the base flood. The BFE is the regulatory requirement for the elevation or flood proofing of structures. How far your home elevation is in reference to the BFE will affect your insurance premium.

Black water - an extremely unsanitary water, often coming from sewages or other contaminated sources. This includes ground surface water, seawater, and water from streams and rivers.

Boroscope - a handheld device, consisting of a camera at the end of a flexible snakelike rod, that is used to inspect for potential mold problems inside ceilings, walls, crawlspaces and other tight spaces. This device allows inspection without needing to drill or cut the wall.

Clean water - water coming from a source that does not contain any contaminants

Dehumidifier - a device that reduces moisture in the air. When used with air movers, a dehumidifier can greatly reduce drying time of water damaged materials; it also reduces the risk of microbial growth.

Floodplain - refers to flat lowland bordering a river. Floodplains are usually dry but subject to flooding.

Floodwaters - refers to water flowing from streams and over adjoining lands

Floodwall - refers to walls constructed around the perimeter of a facility or structure. Floodwalls are made of water-resistant material and extend above the BFE to block the flow of water to the facility or structure.

Gray water - water that contains a significant amount of chemical, physical or biological contamination, and can cause discomfort or sickness if consumed by humans

Groundwater - water that accumulates in cracks in rocks and pore spaces beneath the earth's surface. It originates as precipitation then travels down to the underground layer of rocks and unconsolidated materials such as sand, silt, clay, or gravel.

Molds - organisms belonging to the kingdom of Fungi. Molds grow as a result of water damage, in places where there are high levels of humidity.

Mildew - visible growth of fungi on wet objects such as food, clothes, or natural fiber

Moisture meter - a device that measures the moisture level in building materials. Moisture meters can also be used to measure the progress of the drying of water damaged materials such as carpet, wood, brick, and other masonry. Measuring is done by inserting the probe of the moisture meter into the material or pressing against the surface.

Personal protective equipment (PPE) - protective equipment such as respirators, goggles, gloves, and impervious suits, that are used during water damage assessment and remedy processes.

Relative humidity - the ratio between the existing water vapor in the air and the maximum amount that the air can hold at saturation point, expressed in percent. For example, at 70% relative humidity the air can only hold an additional 30% more water vapor before reaching saturation point.

Submerged - means covered with water

Water damage insurance - insurance protection for damage caused by accidental leakage, discharge, or overflow of water from heating, air conditioning, plumbing, and refrigerating systems, as well as by rain or snow

These are just some of the most common terms associated with water damage. Knowing these will definitely connect you better with the insurance people and therefore, speed up filing of claims.