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B.A.C.K. A safety acronym by health and safety professionals that describes B.A.C.K.%u002C as proper methods for worker%u0027s bending and lifting techniques. B- bow back in%u002C when reaching for a floor item%u003B A- align yourself vertically before lifting%u003B C- chin up%u002C when lifting%u003B and K- keep feet on a diagonal with each other and keep feet apart.   Back Pressure A forced air pressure%u002C which is present by design or error. In water damages when using air drying fans%u002C back pressure is a result of the improper use of air drying equipment. Back pressure in this instance is the restriction of air velocity while trapping humidity in a wall%u002C to a cabinet or corner. Back pressure can be present when drying fans are positioned improperly under wet carpets and to wall cavities.   Backcoat A screeded adhesive applied to the back %u0028rear%u0029 side of woven fabric goods%u002C such as found on carpets and some upholstery. The backcoat adhesive adds strength and durability while increasing the woven goods structural integrity.   Backfill Construction and non-construction grade soil%u002C which may or may not have been compacted%u002C and fills the soil void next to a building area previously excavated.   Background and Post Clearance Sampling A means by which through observation and scientific methods%u002C industrial hygienists are able to attaining historical and current base-line data information for the eventual post clearance testing. Education Note%u003A In catastrophic disasters%u002C such as from fires and floods%u002C much of the historical and base-line data has been destroyed since the building%u0027s microflora will have been changed%u002C and new baseline data must be established for the building and its occupants after restoration. See Baseline Data   Background Concentration The level and concentration of air%u002C organisms%u002C and chemicals that are part of the natural processes alone. Education Note%u003A a%u0029 Usually%u002C background concentrations are gathered outside and upstream of the area or building in question. b%u0029 Background concentrations are usually a starting point for determining a safe or acceptable levels of outside gases%u002C particles and microorganism from that of inside gases%u002C particles and microorganisms. See Background Measurements%u002C Baseline Data   Background Measurements a%u0029 The measurements usually required of non-effected atmospheres and materials%u002C which are used as comparative measurements%u002C measuring against questionable atmospheres and materials. b%u0029 Background measurements are measures of a control atmosphere or material. Education Note%u003A For example%u002C the temperature%u002C humidity and moisture contents readings of outside atmospheres and dry materials%u002C verses known or suspect wet atmospheres inside a building. See Baseline Data%u002C Comparative Measurements%u002C Moisture Content   Backing The rear face secondary material which is attached to a primary material. Backings are commonly found on carpets%u002C area rugs%u002C vinyl floors%u002C upholstery and drapes.   Backwashing The surface washing of soilborne contaminates and sewage back to its source or a lower level. Mitigation Note%u003A The process of removing sewage effluents from in and under contaminated buildings. By reflooding contaminated buildings and ground with fresh water and detergents%u002C causes flushing contaminates out of their settled sources. See Soil-Ground Flushing/Scrubbing   Bacteria Single cell microorganisms that are arround and on us for all our life. Cell size ranges from 0.4 to 10 microns. a%u0029 Most bacteria are found in soil and some are able to live comfortably in controlled amounts in house dust and dirt%u002C and they are commonly found as part the general microflora of a building. Health and Safety Note%u003A b%u0029 Some bacteria are harmful to humans and can result in infection and disease. c%u0029 Water damages in buildings can bring in unwanted bacteria as well as accellerate the growth of already existing microorganisms. Health Note%u003A Sewage Contamination Category-3 black water from sewage backflows into buildings%u002C bring in large amounts of sewage bacteria and coliforms. If the coliform bacteria are not removed by trained professionals%u002C the building can become a biological sink%u002C resulting in sickness and disease to the occupants. See Coliforms%u002C Sewage Contamination Category-3   Bacterial Plate Count Following incubation%u002C a nutrient media on a petri dish where bacterial organisms are grown and counted by trained laboratory technicians and microbiologists.   Bacteriostatic A chemical or substance that inhibits bacteria growth%u002C but it not necessary is lethal to humans. Mitigation Note%u003A If the bacteriostatic material is applied on a large field of organic matter%u002C such as a sewage contamination in a building%u002C the bacteriostatic chemical dissipates and becomes inactive in the presence of heavy bacteria growth. Bacteriostatic chemicals should only be applied on a relatively clean area for the bacteriostat to be effective.   Baffle A wall or barrier that disperses%u002C screens or dissipates particles%u002C vapours%u002C gases%u002C light or sound and regulates their passage.   Baghouse An air pollutant control devise that removes particulate matter and gases from air by forcing airborne contaminates through large filtering bags. Baghouses can vary in their purpose according to the filter materials %u0028media%u0029 and methods of collection. Mitigation Note%u003A a%u0029 Baghouse machines are used in large construction cleanup jobs where there is a considerable amount of airborne contamination. b%u0029 Baghouses are also filtering devices that are attached to vacuums extracting large amounts of dust%u002C dirt and construction debris. See Filtering   Bailee The person or company legally receiving the property %u0028contents%u0029 of others.   Bailee%u0027s Insurance A special policy of insurance coverage which protects contractors who take possession the property %u0028contents%u0029 of others.   Bailment The transfer of property %u0028contents%u0029 to other persons for the purpose of storage%u002C cleaning or restoration%u002C with the intent of returning the property back to the person whom they belong.   Bake-Out A process through heating by which volatile organic compounds are released from their bond to a material and is vapourised in air%u002C resulting in the release%u002C curing and oxidization of some chemical VOC%u0027s. Education Note%u003A When appropriate%u002C the bake-out process must be carefully used and monitored since the results can prove to cause more harm than another form of building cure. See Flush-Out   Balanced Drying The drying method most likely to produce an even drying process throughout a wet building and its parts. Restorative Drying Note%u003A Related to water damage remediation%u003A a%u0029 The temperature and humidity controls necessary to dry a wet building and its contents%u002C using air movement and dehumidification. b%u0029 The fastest and safest drying method%u002C without over or under drying the building and its contents back to their pre-loss condition. Balanced drying requires trained technicians who understand psychometry%u002C monitoring and state-of-the-art restorative drying methods. See Dehumidification%u002C Baseline Data   Balancing by Static Pressure Measurement and design of local exhaust system ducts%u002C by selecting the duct diameters that generate static pressure to distribute airflow without dampers.   barometric Gauge An instrument for measuring atmospheric pressure. See Atmospheric Pressure   BASE BASE is an acronym%u002C meaning the EPA recommended process in providing a Building Assessment Survey and Evaluation Study. See TIME   Base Flood Evaluation %u0028BFE%u0029 A description by FEMA describing the elevation of ground for which there is a one-percent chance in any given year that flood levels will equal or exceed it. The BFE is determined by technical analysis for a floodplain area and it is designated on that areas Flood Insurance Rate Map. It is known as the 100-year flood.   Base Molding Usually vinyl and wood molding located at the base perimeter of a wall. Mitigation Note%u003A 1%u0029 When walls are wet from flooding%u002C the base molding must be detached to allow seepage and weeping of saturated moisture. 2%u0029 It is the water remediation industry standard of practice%u002C when appropriate%u002C to immediately install mechanical air drying equipment into wet wall cavities%u002C starting the interior wet wall drying process%u002C while removing high humidity and condensation%u002C resulting in the reduction of mold growth.   Baseline Emissions As required for a particular pollutant%u002C the levels of the pollutant which monitoring of emissions are counted or calculated.   Basement A substructure purposely cut or dug out below grade%u002C it typically contains a concrete slab floor and concrete pour or concrete block foundation walls. The basement walls in many mid-west and back-east buildings are the concrete foundation bearing walls supporting the above grade building.   Basidiospores Fungi spores produced by a basidium%u002C which are small club shape-like structures%u002C producing spores%u002C typically 4%u002C at the tip of a stalk. Basidiospores are the largest class of fungi which include smuts%u002C rusts%u002C mushrooms%u002C puffballs and jelly fungi%u002C that typically grow on plants and soil. Education Note%u003A Basidiospore rusts grow on plant-like ferns%u002C including gymnosperms%u002C which are pine trees and cone producing trees%u002C and angiosperms%u002C which are seed bearing like grasses%u002C oak trees and strawberries%u002C producing an orange-like look. Basidiospore smuts are parasitic of angiosperms%u002C especially grass and sedges%u002C which produce a sooty look. See Ascospores%u002C Myxomycetes   Batch Sampling The method of sampling and collection of the same substance or material over and over again for acquiring a known qualitative or quantitative scientific result.   Batt Referring to insulation%u002C batt material are those insulating materials that are common in walls and attics%u002C and sometimes under a subfloor. See Insulation%u002C R-Value   Bay Window A large projecting type of window made of a group of windows set at angles to each other and joined to each other on some sides.   BDMA The British Damage Management Association. The BDMA promotes and regulates professional standards in the UK for fire/water related claims and disasters.   Bearing Wall A primary wall that carries the load from an upper part of the building. A wall that supports the weight of a vertical load and its own weight.   Beavioural Effect The effect of chemicals%u002C gases%u002C microorganisms and pollutants to act together in a common atmosphere from within the building. The behavior of certain elements from within the building may change when temperature and humidity change%u002C during remodelling or restoration%u002C or when other agents are introduced in a building. See Biodiversity%u002C Ecosystem   Benzine A major organic intermediate and solvent derived produced from coal or petroleum. The simplest member of the aromatic series of hydrocarbons.   BEST A software manufacturer that produces computer state-of-the-art building estimating repair programs%u002C which is updated annually. See Bluebook   Best Available Control Technology %u0028BACT%u0029 The Best Available Control Technology %u0028BACT%u0029 in water damage remediation includes%u003B training%u002C equipment and industry standards%u002C implemented for the purpose of mitigating flood waters in wet buildings. Education Note%u003A If the appropriate remediation and drying equipment are not available or are not capable of functioning properly%u002C based on limitations such as electrical supply%u002C the BACT requires the lowest achievable control rate and method which can manage and mitigate the damage. Often the lowest achievable control rate in water removal and building drying can result in secondary damage and an increase of mould growth in wet building materials. This lowest achievable rate must be carefully monitored%u002C in its success or failure%u002C and the results reported to the building owner and insurance adjuster.   Best Conventional Control Technology %u0028BCCT%u0029 In water damage remediation%u002C the BCCT incorporates the best use of a control technology%u002C following industry standards%u002C offering the maximum benefit in water damage mitigation and restorative drying.   Best Management Practices %u0028BMP%u0029 In water damaged buildings%u002C BMP are formulated from practical training and knowledge%u002C using prior experience and judgement %u0028BPJ%u0029. Education Note%u003A On-site management in an emergency requires BMP to use all available engineering controls%u002C berms and equipment%u002C to contain water and sewage%u002C controlling the release or spill from entering other areas of the building. BMP assesses the damage and removes other items from possible harm%u002C including building occupants and workers.   Best Professional Judgement %u0028BPJ%u0029 An educational and experiential judgement tool used by environmental engineers%u002C industrial hygienists and water damage remediation contractors. BPJ chooses the best technology and drying equipment necessary to properly dry a wet building properly%u002C based on their training and experience. With the use of historical information and hypothesis modeling%u002C best professional judgement results in fact-finding%u002C problem identification and problem solving. See Extrapolation%u002C Hypothesis Theory   Betterment An improvement in the value of an item or material resulting from repair or replacement%u002C after an insurance loss.   Binding Arbritration Binding arbitration is a legal action%u002C whereas all parties of a complaint agree to present their claims to a qualified arbitrator. An arbitrator acts as a judge%u002C and acts as the court%u002C and this person will hear all sides of the case%u002C including evidence and experts%u002C to reach a binding decision.   Bioaccumulation 1%u0029 The increase concentration of organisms and waste in buildings and materials. 2%u0029 Elements that reside in building environments contaminated with normally low concentrations of various organic compounds. Health Note%u003A 3%u0029 The increased accumulation of viruses%u002C bacteria%u002C fungi and yeasts%u002C from improper cleaning and sanitizing.   Bioactivation A bioactivity process that takes place in the building%u0027s natural biological ecosystem%u002C resulting in certain elements of growth%u002C such as fungi%u002C to become biologically active because of a flood and/or high humidity event.   Bioaerosol a%u0029 Bioaerosols are airborne particles of biological origin including bacteria%u002C and viruses%u002C fungi and yeasts%u002C pollens and organic matter. Bioaerosols also include the cell structures and spore parts of non-viable components %u0028such as toxins%u0029. b%u0029 An aerosol containing living organisms or particles derived from living organisms such as pollen%u002C animal dander%u002C insect emanations%u002C microbial endotoxins%u002C and human skin scales. c%u0029 An airborne organic contaminant that is either generated by or is itself a living organism such as fungi%u002C bacteria%u002C viruses and protozoa. Education Note%u003A Moisture-vapour and airborne contaminates from a flooded building that are forced in air from a surface%u002C through dynamic air movement contain bioaerosols. See Aerosol%u002C Air Movement   Bioaerosols Biologically derived airborne particles that are living or originate from living organisms. They include microorganisms that are culturable%u002C nonculturable%u002C and dead microorganisms. Bioaerosols include microorganism cell fragments%u002C cell toxins%u002C and particulate waste products from all varieties of living things. Bioaerosols are unbiquitous in nature and may be modified by human activities. All persons are repeatedly exposed%u002C day after day%u002C to a wide variety of such materials.   Bioaerosols%u003A Assessment and Control The name of a book published in 1999 by the American Conference of Government Industrial Hygienists %u0028ACGIH%u0029 for practitioners assessing and developing mitigation strategies for contaminated indoor environments. Education Note%u003A Other practitioners in mitigation%u002C remediation and abatement%u002C will find this book applicable and valuable.   Bioaugmentation The natural ability of soil or ground to biologically-augment its biodiversity%u002C back to its normal background microflora over time.   Bio-Availability A measure of the fraction of the chemical or biological agents of concern in an environment that are present at any one time.   Biocide A chemical disinfectant that kills living organisms. See Disinfectants   Biodegradation The metabolic breakdown of materials and their components into simpler components by other living organisms. Sometimes referred to as biodeterioration. See Bioaugmentation   Biodiversity The amount and species of organisms found living in soil or in a building environment.   Biofuel Water%u002C moisture vapour and carbon base substances such as wood%u002C that become the energy of microorganisms allowing for the reproduction of spores. Biofuel is also the bacteria generated from sewage%u002C as a result of mainline sewer backflows into buildings.   Bio-Gas The ability of anaerobic organisms %u0028bacteria%u0029 to produce methane gas during their decay and decomposition.   Biohazard a%u0029 In risk assessment%u002C property loss management and handling%u002C a biohazard can be found in a water damage building. For example%u002C in a building where effluents and bacteria are present because of a sewage backflow or the sewage may have come from an upper floors%u002C as in the case with high-rise buildings. b%u0029 A biohazard can be described in insurance terms as mold contamination%u002C where fungi is allowed to grow and the condition eventually effects the health of the occupants. A biohazard associated with the sewage related bacteria%u002C and the fungi from wet building materials%u002C can result in higher occupational exposures to worker%u0027s who become involved with the cleanup of biohazardous materials. Education Note%u003A Improperly handled%u002C both sewage bacteria and wet building material fungi are known to cause serious debilitating health effects in workers. And if the contamination is improperly handled%u002C most likely the contamination is still present in the building%u002C causing a higher risk of exposure to the occupants%u002C and insured%u002C potentially resulting in a law suit. Adjuster Note%u003A Adjusters are becoming educated to this fact%u002C that contractors are leaving biohazardous substances behind%u002C while insurers are more and more asking contractors for their contractor%u0027s license and liability coverage%u002C and certifications%u002C that they have been properly trained in all aspects of their trade%u002C before referring an emergency clean-up contractor%u002C under a preferred vendor program.   Biohazard Control Any number of administrative methods%u002C engineering controls%u002C procedures%u002C equipment and manpower%u002C necessary to control or minimize the exposure of a biohazardous agent or material.   Biological Catalyst A substance or material that increases the rate of chemical and biological reaction without itself undergoing any permanent chemical or biological change. Education Note%u003A In flooded buildings%u002C bacteria%u002C yeasts and fungi can be described as having biochemical reactions %u0028biological markers%u0029 having homogeneous catalyst reactions%u002C if the building%u0027s effected environment is left alone after a biological occurrence. Detergents and disinfectants %u0028oxides%u0029 acting as neutralizing reactions%u002C can be stated as having heterogeneous catalyst reactions. With heterogeneous reactions%u002C the catalyst of detergents and some disinfectants provide the pathway by which the catalyst reaction can proceed%u002C where the biological activation of the pollutant energy becomes lower. Proper use of detergents and disinfectants increase the rate at which the biological reaction of harmful bacteria%u002C yeasts and fungi come to equilibrium%u002C although it does not alter the position of the equilibrium of the building%u0027s resident microflora%u002C except may be for a short period of time after cleaning and disinfection. In certain circumstances%u002C very small quantities of a detergent cleaning and disinfectant agent can speed up biochemical reactions to a pollutant. Most catalysts are also highly specific in the type of reaction they catalyze%u002C particularly chemical disinfectants such as aldehydes%u002C iodophors%u002C oxidizers%u002C phenols%u002C and enzymes in biochemical reactions. Generally%u002C the term is used for a substance that increases reaction of the biological marker rate producing %u0028 a positive catalyst%u0029. Some cleaning and disinfectant reactions can be slowed down by %u0028negative catalyst%u0029 acting as a sanitizer or inhibitor of growth.   Biological Contaminates Any one of a number of viruses%u002C bacteria%u002C fungi%u002C yeasts%u002C protozoa and helminths%u002C that are capable of producing allergic reactions%u002C illness and disease in persons who are exposed or susceptible. Also referred to as biological pollutants or biopollutants. See Biohazard   Biological Contaminates in Buildings The presence of a%u0029 biologically derived aerosols%u002C gases%u002C and vapours of a kind and concentration likely to cause disease or predispose persons to adverse health effects%u003B b%u0029 inappropriate concentrations of outdoor bioaerosols%u002C especially in buildings designed to prevent their entry%u003B c%u0029 indoor biological growth and remnants of growth that may become airborne and to which people may be exposed.   Biological Control The elimination or reduction of undesirable species and colonies of organisms to safe indoor acceptable levels. See Resident Organisms%u002C Non-Resident Organisms   Biological Convergence The tendency in organisms not closely related to each other to develop similar characteristics when living under the same condition. Mitigation Note%u003A Biological convergence may be apparent in sewage damaged buildings%u002C where porous building materials experience a heavy bacteria presence along with fungi growth.   Biological Disorder A change in the biological ecosystem or mass in a building due to a disturbance. Education Note%u003A Most biological disorders in buildings are a result of a flood or some other disaster produced by water or humidity. Biological disorder can be produced from events such as sewer line and toilet overflows%u002C where the high concentration of biological waste disturbs the random selection and quantity of resident microorganisms through the addition of non-resident microorganisms that are pathogenic.   Biological Monitoring The ability to use science in determining the microbiological organism presence and activity in building materials%u002C ambient air and in soil. See Air Monitoring   Biological Particles Microbial particles such as airborne dust%u002C spores%u002C plant and animal matter%u002C which can cause asthma and allergies in some persons. See Bioaerosols   Biological Pathway The exposure route from an identified source of a biological agent to building occupants.   Biological Toxins Harmful toxins that are produced from biological particles and wet building materials that support biological growth and decay %u0028fungi mycotoxins%u0029. Other biological toxins can occur from such incidences involving sewage backflows %u0028bacteria endotoxins%u0029 into buildings. See Endotoxins%u002C Mycotoxins   Biologically Derived Airborne Contaminates Bioaerosols%u002C gases%u002C and vapours that living organisms produce. Biologically derived materials are natural components of indoor and outdoor environments%u002C but under certain circumstances%u002C biologically derived agents may be considered contaminates when found indoors.   Bioremediation The careful and safe removal of harmful microbiological agents. Education and Mitigation Note%u003A a%u0029 In sewage damage backflows effecting buildings%u002C bioremediation is the careful and safe removal of all sewage and bacteria under controlled conditions which are associated with sewage effluents. This includes all coliform bacteria%u002C and porous building materials and contents saturated with sewage. If the building materials and contents cannot be cleaned and disinfected to an acceptable level of cleanliness%u002C then the building materials and contents require replacement with new materials. b%u0029 In fungi contamination%u002C bioremediation is the careful and safe removal of all contaminated building materials and contents under controlled conditions which are associated with the fungi contamination. c%u0029 In ventilation system cleaning and sanitizing%u002C bioremediation is the careful and safe removal of all dusts and debris in the HVAC supply air ducts followed by sanitizing%u002C removal of all contaminated insulation%u002C cleaning and sanitizing of the previously insulated surfaces%u002C cleaning and sanitizing of coils%u002C condensers%u002C drain pans%u002C plenum%u002C mixing boxes and all return air ducts. d%u0029 In areas containing water or sewage saturated ground of a soil floor basement or crawl space substructure%u002C bioremediation is the containment and control of all standing water or sewage%u002C providing negative air out of the substructure where contaminated air does not effect the building%u0027s interior air space%u002C and appropriate remediation measures in removing potentially harmful pathogens from the air and controlling pathogens in soil. Bioremediation of contaminated ground under a substructure is a complicated issue where each problem must be based on the conditions presented in each case.   Biotic Factors The influence or impact which other living organisms %u0028resident and non-resident%u0029 have on persons and the building environment. See Non-Resident Organisms%u002C Resident Organisms   Biowashing The appropriate use of detergents and cleaners%u002C scrubbing and rinsing followed by sanitizers and disinfectants%u002C that are meant to reduce or eliminate surfaceborne contamination. To be truly effective%u002C biowashing%u002C especially to contaminated porous building materials must be completed twice to truly be effective.   Black Light Florescence Special wide-spectrum high intensity black lights that are used to pick up patterns of urea and bacteria which fluoresce in the presence of high intensity black lights. The application of black light florescence ideal conditions are without the presence of sun light and is best completed early morning or at night%u002C when outside light sources affecting indoors%u002C cannot be eliminated.   Blastomycosis An infection caused by inhaling in fungal spores. Blastomyces dermatitides is found in wet-damp wood and soil.   Bleach Household Chlorox-type chlorine bleach that has an active ingredient of approximately 5.25%u0025 hypochlorite. Safety Note%u003A a%u0029 For sanitizing already cleaned and rinsed salvageable hard-surface building materials%u002C use a 10%u003A1 solution of water to bleach. If the hard surface has been cleaned with detergents the surface application of 10%u003A1 water to bleach will give you approximately %u003C5%u002C000 ppm of remaining organisms in a given area. b%u0029For contents%u002C test all contents for color safe and damage to the contents from oxidizing bleach. c%u0029 For salvageable porous building material surfaces that are contaminate saturated%u002C they need to be warm water washed and scrubbed with detergents%u002C rinsed then bleach applied with a 5%u003A1 solution%u002C having a dwell time of 10 minutes%u002C before fresh water rinsing or pressure spraying. d%u0029 Bleach%u002C like any disinfectant should be removed once it has become effective. Mitigation Note%u003A Household bleach is the CDC%u002C EPA and health department disinfectant of choice in flooded buildings. See Disinfectants   Bleeding In water damage%u002C the permanent removal and displacement of colours%u002C dyes and pigments from a material substrate%u002C due to swelling%u002C moisture and pressure. Technician Note%u003A Often bleeding of colours%u002C dyes and pigments effect other materials%u002C such as carpet%u002C resulting in their damage. To correct bleeding of a fabric%u002C the fabric should be kept wet and in solution%u002C along with a detergent. The surfactant in the detergent along with the detergent itself%u002C may temporarily suspend the migrant pigment dyes%u002C until the bleeding can be removed. But once the material is dry%u002C the bleeding is set into the dry fabric%u002C which most likely has permanently damaged the fabric finish.   Bleeding of Paint A condition resulting in newly painted surface flotation of colour%u002C showing a bleed through of the subsurface. If the subsurface is wood%u002C the condition of bleeding usually is a result of tannin bleeding. Typically%u002C the subsurface was not prepped properly or primed with a base coat to eliminate a bleed through. See Tannin Bleeding   Blistering In water damage%u002C blistering are small bubbles or bulges of the finish coat caused from entrapped moisture%u002C and vapour pressure exerting up through the material to the finish. Blistering can be seen on painted drywall%u002C finished floors%u002C wallpaper%u002C vinyl wallpaper%u002C and on furniture.   Blisters on Hardwood Floors In finish coats on hardwood floors%u002C such as urethane finish%u002C blistering and blister popping is the break down%u002C popping and release of trapped air and moisture vapour from under the blister. Some blister popping is due to excess moisture vapour pressure%u002C while other blister popping is from dry blisters.   Blisters on Painted Surfaces Blisters on a paint film is a dome shape bubble of paint that has released its adhesion from the underside surface. The dome shape blister may be irregular or circular in shape. If the condition exists after a flood or there exists excessive moisture content behind the painted surfaces%u002C the blister may be filled with water or water vapour.   Blocking in Painting Blocking is a paint condition resulting in undesired adhesion between newly painted surfaces%u002C such as painted cabinets and doors%u002C that have been closed and opened before or after the paint film was allowed to thoroughly dry and cure. Education Note%u003A Blocking refers to the new paint sticking to itself%u002C and usually the condition leaves bare patches of the substrate. Blocking may be a result of painting too soon after a water damage occurrence%u002C or the presence of to high of a moisture content in building materials.   Blocking of Hardwood Floors In water damage mitigation%u002C blocking is an attempt to control the movement of a large hardwood floor during swelling. More than likely%u002C blocking will not succeed%u002C since hardwood strip floors swell%u002C mainly laterally%u002C and one or more wood section at the exterior walls require removal in large floor installations. Education Note%u003A When originally installed%u002C the edge of the hardwood floor perimeter to the wall%u002C must have no less than 3/8%u0022 clearance to allow expansion%u002C having less than that can become a concern during a water damage%u002C possibly resulting in one or more section of the hardwood floor perimeter to become removed%u002C in an attempt to salvage the remaining hardwood floor. In a total hardwood floor water damage%u002C blocking is most always futile%u002C since thousands of pounds of pressure are exerted on the floor through pressure which you cannot stop. See Hardwood Floor Cupping%u002C Parquet Floor   Blooming In painting terms%u002C blooming is a bluish fluorescent coat which forms on the surface of some paint films. The condition may also appear as a rust bloom. Both conditions are a result of insufficient film building during painting.   Blown Acoustic Ceilings The adhesive and acoustic material sprayed on to a ceiling%u002C giving the ceiling an even appearance and better sound absorption. Prior to 1980 and as late as 1994%u002C some of the blown acoustic ceilings contained asbestos.   Blue Glue A colour and type of permanently sticky glue made for thick commercial-grade rubber-back carpet tiles. Mitigation Note%u003A During a water damage%u002C and the disengagement removal of wet floor tiles%u002C the concrete slab will permanently remain sticky with standing water on top. During the water damage flood%u002C extract all water off of the floor tiles%u002C and try not to allow flood water to entrain under the tiles. The tiles usually have thick rubber backing%u002C and it is almost impossible to get spilt water trapped under them. If the slab is definitely wet from the flood%u002C you will need to remove the tiles off of the wet concrete. When disengaging the floor tiles%u002C you will need to take special care of the tiles so they continue to remain salvageable. Place the back of two tiles together%u002C keeping the sticky side towards each other. Just stacking the floor tiles%u002C will result in some adhesive transfer to the face fibres of the next fabric floor tile.   Bluebook A generic term used by many industries to describe industry pricing.   Bluebook The Bluebook in water damage%u002C cleaning and restoration industry%u002C which is Copyright and is called The Bluebook of Cleaning%u002C Reconstruction and Repair Costs. This particular Bluebook is updated annually. Their phone number is 714/731-3389 or they can be contacted at www.bluebook.net.   Blushing on Paint Blushing on paint is the dulling%u002C mottling%u002C or a cloudiness in film appearance%u002C as a bloom %u0028dull appearance%u0029 in a lacquer. Blushing on paint is usually caused by drying of the paint under improper drying conditions.   Blushing on Wood The cloud-like appearance under a glass that left a circle or ring%u002C from condensation of the glass. The transparent cloud is also apparent in water damages%u002C when buildings are flooded%u002C and high humidity exists. Condensation can form on some objects%u002C transferring their footprint under the finish of some furniture.   Board-Up The temporary emergency measure necessary to secure%u002C close and seal a building after an emergency. Board-up is required after disasters%u002C including hurricanes%u002C fire damage%u002C tornadoes and earthquakes. Board-up after regular building floods are unusual%u002C unless the flood is a catastrophic flood or a fire is involved.   Bodily Injury A bodily harm%u002C sickness or disease%u002C including care%u002C loss of services and death resulting from that injury.   Boroscope An instrument which can see inside wall cavities%u002C ventilation ducting and inaccessible areas%u002C to assess and inspect for surface contamination or the condition of the surrounding surfaces. Some boroscopes are battery light operated and they have a telescopic 45 degree angled mirror on top to inspect surfaces%u002C while more sophisticated boroscopes work with laser-like precision%u002C they can see for long distances and closer detail. These boroscopes can be connected to video recording units for later playback.   Bottom Plate The base plate usually made of wood or metal%u002C that represents the base of a wall or building frame%u002C where building studs are placed onto. Bottom plate may be described regionally as being a sole plate%u002C sill plate or mud sill plate.   Bounce Back In restorative drying%u002C the term bounce back refers to ambient humidity that appears to be under control when using a dehumidification process%u002C but when that process is removed or turned-off%u002C bounce back occurs%u002C resulting in the return of increased ambient humidity. Restorative Drying and Education Note%u003A For example%u002C a wall drying system that is turned off because the face of the drywall appears to be dry%u002C including moisture measurement of the face of the drywall. Bounce back occurs when trapped humidity or condensation results in the wall cavity%u002C due to the drying or dehumidification process being turned off too soon or before the total wall cavity and surrounding building materials %u0028and insulation%u0029 are allowed to completely dry. Bounce back has been studied and recurred%u002C and it is not unusual for a wall cavity to indicate a reduced moisture content of 30%u0025%u002C but 12 hours later%u002C the wall cavity reads 60%u0025 Rh. See Dehumidification Shock   Bound Water Water molecules that are held together in wood building material cells once they are saturated. Education Note%u003A Bound water in saturated wood cells is partially responsible for wood cupping%u002C warping%u002C crooking and twisting. This water cannot easily become vaporized and removed by normal drying processes without the aid of mechanical dehumidification equipment. See Adsorption%u002C Free Water   Boundary Layer Associated with water damaged buildings%u002C the boundary layer is the very thin layer of water immediately next to a solid body that flows more slowly than the rest of the fluid. Restorative Drying Note%u003A The boundary layer is that layer of a wet porous floor where water continues to have surface tension. The boundary layer will inhibit evaporation from the surface of the porous material unless it is completely adsorbed by the hard surface%u002C removed through suctioning%u002C wicked-off through aeration or when complete evaporation takes place.   Branching In ventilation systems%u002C it is the smaller fresh air side supply duct that branch off from the larger main supply duct. In sewer systems%u002C branching is a lateral which comes off from the sewer main to a building.   Brick Veneer Usually%u002C the outside wall affixed to the stucco or unfinished wall%u002C having wood paneling and a vapor barrier%u002C that is an appearance item having no structural value. Some brick veneer are attached to concrete walls as a decorative finish.   Broad-Spectrum Disinfectant Disinfectants that are capable of killing a wide variety of microorganisms. See Antiseptic   Bronchitis Inflammation of the bronchi%u002C the airway that connects the windpipe to the lungs. The health condition is brought about from persistent inhalation of airborne dusts and pollutants. See Occupational Related Respiratory Diseases   Brownian Movement The random movement of particles suspended in motion with air or water. The Brownian movement phenomenon was observed in 1827 by Robert Brown%u002C with the suspension of particles in liquid as observed under a microscope. While Brown theorized his observations had to do with living organisms%u002C it wasn%u0027t until the turn of the 20th century kinetic theory was developed helping us to understand%u002C thermal agitation of smaller suspended particles in motion as their mass%u002C compared to true particles of larger surrounding bodies%u002C are effected by kinetic energy. In 1905%u002C Einstein considered the problem which led to an equation connecting the observed motions with the Boltzmann constant. The development being based on the law of equal partition of energy. Education Note%u003A A smoke soot particle for example%u002C is battered about in air on all sides by the high speed movement of air molecules. The soot particle is absorbing kinetic energy from every direction. In this example%u002C the soot particle floating close to cooler surfaces such as a wall%u002C glass window%u002C stud nails to metal%u002C tend to magnetically migrate towards and eventually cling to cooler surfaces. If the whole wall was cooler than the heated indoor air%u002C such as from a fire%u002C the whole wall would be uniformly covered by smoke particles. Quite often on a wall%u002C stud nails or screws are even cooler than the wall surface and smoke particles deposit in a noticeable pattern. In the 1970%u0027s%u002C U.S. Steel Corporation conducted a series of experiments to investigate how %u0027ghost marks%u0027 can occur in a building due to dust build up. U. S. Steel determined that a distinguishable particle deposition pattern began to occur on a surface when there was %u003E3.3 degrees F. of difference in surface temperature relative to other parts of the surface. If this temperature varied %u003E 8 degreed F.%u002C then surface discoloration by dust through a given time occurred. See Kinetic Energy   Brown-Rot Fungi A group of fungus that breaks down the cellulose components of wood. See Dry-Rot Fungi%u002C Wet-Rot Fungi%u002C White-Rot Fungi   BTU%u0027s %u0028British Thermal Units%u0029 The unit of measurement to describe the increase of a temperature sufficient enough to raise the temperature of one-pound of water from one degree Fahrenheit.   bubbling The condition brought about by trapped moisture vapour pressure under paint or wallpaper.   Buckling A twisting and bending action by a wood material such as a hardwood floor. Buckling may be caused by several factors%u002C one being saturation of the wood cells by temperature and moisture vapour pressure. When a floor buckles%u002C the damage sections must be removed%u002C if there is to be any salvage value of the floor. Most often%u002C the whole floor is a complete and total loss.   Buddy System A system of organization involving teams of employees%u002C in teams of two or more as a work group%u002C that can be observed%u002C work together%u002C and accept supervision. Education Note%u003A A buddy system is meant to reduce safety and health concerns%u002C heat stress%u002C while completing work more efficiently. Hazardous Materials Management Note%u003A In hazardous materials management%u002C a budding system consists of a system of organizing employees into work groups in such a manner that each employee of the work group is designated to be observed by at least one other employee in the work group. The purpose of the buddy system is to provide quick assistance to employees in the event of an emergency. The most senior or knowledgeable worker must observe other workers.   Building Cost Percent Change Factor A comparison of current building costs to those in the same location built at an earlier date. Building cost percent change value is used in the renewal process to update previously established building values. Also%u002C known as trend factors%u002C inflation-guard factors%u002C material upgrading factors%u002C code-upgrade factors.   Building Envelope The ambient area and atmosphere within the confines of walls%u002C roof and floors of a building. All materials that make up the building%u0027s outside structure effecting the interior of the building and forces brought about because of those materials.   Building Performance Measurements The performance measurements of a building at any time building occupants are present%u002C where temperature%u002C humidity%u002C and ventilation must be controlled. Education Note%u003A Most buildings will have three or four performance measurements for temperature%u002C humidity and ventilation. When occupants are in the building during weekdays%u002C where most%u002C if not all%u002C of the building is occupied%u003B when occupant loads are down%u002C usually after 5pm weekdays%u003B nighttime performance when the building is unoccupied except for janitorial cleaning%u003B and weekends and holidays when the building is normally empty. Building performance is an emergency efficiency control measurement.   Building Related Illness %u0028RI%u0029 A building which has been scientifically diagnosis as having a chronic illness%u002C and the illness will not go away on its own without scientific monitoring%u002C intervention and remediation. See Building Sickness From Flooding%u002C Sick Building Syndrome   Building Sickness from Flooding Like humans%u002C buildings too are succeptable to colds%u002C flu and virus-like conditions. When flooding occurs in buildings%u002C wood and other materials become swollen and saturated. Mitigation Note%u003A a%u0029 In fresh water flooding%u002C if building materials and contents are not properly dried out%u002C cleaned and put back to their prior healthy state%u002C unwanted mold and mildew will increase and use wet%u002C damp%u002C moist building materials as their host material. Health Note%u003A b%u0029 In gray water and sewage flooding%u002C bacterial elements are able to harbor in sewage saturated building materials. If the building is not professionally decontaminated back to its prior healthy state%u002C bacterial toxins may eventually cause sickness to building occupants%u002C as well as produce other health effects. See Aflatoxins%u002C BRI%u002C Coliforms%u002C Endotoxins%u002C Exotoxins%u002C Gram-Negative Bacteria%u002C Mycotoxins%u002C Sanitization%u002C SBS%u002C Sewage Mitigation   Built-In Components Permanent built-in finished cabinetry%u002C including but not limited to%u003A counters%u002C shelves%u002C desks%u002C drawers%u002C pantries%u002C storage closets%u002C hutches and bay-window seats. Mitigation Note%u003A Built-in finished components are usually not effected by most water damages%u002C since inspection and dehumidification drying%u002C if necessary%u002C can be conducted through the removal of the toe-kick%u002C core drilling into the toe-kick%u002C or drilling behind the base molding. If the built-in component is attached to an interior wall%u002C drying the underside of the built-in can be completed by drilling air and dehumidification holes from the opposite wall%u002C behind the frame work of built-in component. See Wall Drying Systems   Bulk Material Sampling The random or specific sampling and scientific collection of water%u002C soil%u002C air and building materials for laboratory analysis. See Adsorbent Sampling%u002C Air Sampling%u002C Sampling%u002C Soil Sampling%u002C Surface Sampling%u002C Swab Sampling%u002C Tape Lift Sampling%u002C Water Sampling%u002C Wipe Sampling%u002C Vacuum Sampling   Business Any full or part-time trade%u002C profession or occupation.   Business Loss Interuption Insurance A rider or special insurance coverage in an insurance policy%u002C which covers and protects a business during its downtime caused by a disaster or other event%u002C as outlined in the policy. Business interruption coverage provides protection for loss income and extra expenses that may arise due to a covered property loss. For example%u002C if a business is destroyed by fire%u002C business interruption coverage will allow the insured to continue business operations while restoration is in progress. Adjuster Note%u003A The business owner as policy holder is responsible for implementing what ever procedures are deemed necessary to reduce or mitigate the disaster. Quite often%u002C the business owner must hire and retain the services of contractors and disaster recovery services to reduce or stop the continued occurrence. Business loss interruption insurance usually allows for the temporary relocation of part or all of the business%u002C if the business cannot function or operate due to the disaster. See Disaster Management%u002C Disaster Recovery%u002C General Liability Insurance Coverage%u002C Total Loss%u002C Pack-Out   Business Property The property pertaining to or intended for use in a business.   Bypass A pipe or duct%u002C usually controlled by valve or damper%u002C for conveying a fluid%u002C including air%u002C around an element of a system.   Byssinosis An industrial caused disease of the lungs produced by an allergic organic substance. Health Note%u003A Typically%u002C byssinosis is associated with the processing of cotton%u002C flax%u002C hemp and sisal. It produces a feeling of tightness in the chest and shortness of breath that may become chronic. In recent years%u002C ventilation cleaning technicians who disturb cotton and paper dust in dirty ventilation systems%u002C are exposed to byssinosis associated diseases. See Occupational Related Respiratory Diseases