Disaster University
Educational resources to help you understand disaster restoration, terminology, and industry standards
Water Damage Categories
Understanding the three categories of water contamination is critical for proper restoration and safety
Clean Water
Water from sanitary sources like supply lines, faucets, or rainwater. Generally safe but can degrade to Category 2 if left untreated.
Common Examples:
- Broken water supply lines
- Sink or tub overflows (no contaminants)
- Appliance malfunctions
- Melting ice or snow
- Toilet tank (no contaminants)
Restoration Action:
Extract quickly to prevent degradation. Standard drying procedures apply.
Gray Water
Contaminated water containing chemical, biological, or physical matter. May cause discomfort or illness if consumed or exposed to.
Common Examples:
- Washing machine overflow
- Dishwasher leaks
- Toilet bowl overflow (urine, no feces)
- Aquarium leaks
- Waterbed leaks
Restoration Action:
Requires professional extraction and antimicrobial treatment. Structural materials may need removal.
Black Water
Highly contaminated water containing pathogenic, toxigenic, or harmful agents. Serious health risks from ingestion, inhalation, or skin contact.
Common Examples:
- Sewage backups
- Flooding from rivers or streams
- Toilet overflow (feces)
- Standing water with microbial growth
- Ground surface water
Restoration Action:
REQUIRES PROFESSIONAL HAZMAT CLEANUP. PPE mandatory. Affected materials often must be discarded.
Fire Damage Classes
Different fire types require specialized restoration approaches
Ordinary Combustibles
Wood, paper, cloth, plastics, and other common materials
Restoration Approach:
Structural cleaning, soot removal, odor treatment
Flammable Liquids
Gasoline, oil, grease, solvents, and other petroleum products
Restoration Approach:
Specialized cleaning, contamination removal, ventilation
Electrical Equipment
Fires involving energized electrical equipment and wiring
Restoration Approach:
Electrical inspection, equipment replacement, specialized cleaning
Combustible Metals
Magnesium, titanium, potassium, sodium
Restoration Approach:
Specialized handling, professional assessment required
Common Mold Types
Not all mold is created equal - understanding severity helps protect your health
Aspergillus
Moderate to High RiskMost common indoor mold. Can cause respiratory issues and allergic reactions. Some species produce dangerous mycotoxins.
Appearance:
Green, white, or gray with black spots
Stachybotrys (Black Mold)
High RiskProduces mycotoxins that can cause serious health problems. Requires professional remediation. Thrives on water-damaged cellulose materials.
Appearance:
Dark black or dark green, slimy texture
Penicillium
Moderate RiskCommon water-damage mold. Spreads quickly. Can cause allergic reactions and respiratory issues.
Appearance:
Blue or green with velvety texture
Cladosporium
Low to Moderate RiskCan grow in cool areas. Triggers asthma and hay fever-like symptoms.
Appearance:
Brown, green, or black; suede-like texture
Important Safety Warning
Never attempt to remove mold yourself! Disturbing mold releases millions of spores into the air, potentially spreading contamination throughout your property and causing serious health issues. Always hire IICRC-certified professionals with proper containment equipment and HEPA filtration.
Restoration Terminology
Essential terms you'll encounter during the restoration process
IICRC
Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification - Industry standard-setting organization for restoration professionals.
Why it matters: Ensures technicians follow proven, standardized restoration procedures
Psychrometer
Instrument measuring humidity levels in materials and air to determine moisture content and drying progress.
Why it matters: Critical for monitoring water damage restoration and preventing mold growth
Dehumidification
Process of removing moisture from air and materials using specialized equipment to achieve proper drying.
Why it matters: Essential for complete water damage restoration and mold prevention
Thermal Imaging
Technology detecting temperature differences to identify hidden moisture, leaks, and structural damage.
Why it matters: Reveals water damage invisible to the naked eye behind walls and ceilings
Containment
Isolation of affected areas using plastic sheeting and negative air pressure to prevent contaminant spread.
Why it matters: Critical for mold remediation and hazmat situations
HEPA Filtration
High-Efficiency Particulate Air filters removing 99.97% of particles 0.3 microns or larger.
Why it matters: Required for mold remediation to prevent spore dispersal
Antimicrobial
EPA-registered chemicals that kill or inhibit growth of microorganisms including bacteria, mold, and viruses.
Why it matters: Prevents microbial regrowth after water damage or contamination
Ozone Treatment
Use of ozone gas to eliminate smoke odors and kill mold spores at molecular level.
Why it matters: Effective for complete smoke odor removal after fire damage
Need Professional Restoration Services?
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