Glossary of Terms

Air-Conditioning Cleaning / Aircon Cleaning

Keeping your air conditioning clean is essential, dirt and dust can collect in filters and ducts as well as in plastic fittings on the unit. Simply changing the filter is only apart of the cleaning process and ductwork should be regularly cleaned in order to prevent "Sick Building Syndrome", a term associated with the effects of poor air quality within a commercial, or industrial building, and the consequences this can have on the health of people working inside the property.

Biohazard Cleaning

The cleaning of life or health threatening materials, risks or dangers

Biohazard Removal

The removal of materials, hazards or risks that are a threat to peoples life or health, this can include hypodermic-syringes, medical and bio waste, animal remains, etc

Black Mould Health Problems

Black Mould is a term commonly used to describe a slimy, greenish-black substance which can result in serious health risks. This mould is also known as Strachybotrys chartarum and more often as Strachybotrys Atra. It is widely believed to be a contributing factor to illnesses such as asthma and bronchitis.

Black Mould Treatment

The cleaning or treatment process used to eradicate the presence of a slimy, greenish-black substance which can result in serious health risks. This mold is also known as Strachybotrys chartarum and more often as Strachybotrys atra.

Blood Removal

Blood spilt on a carpet is obviously more difficult to remove than blood on a tiled floor - but both require the correct bio-hazard handling

Blast Cleaning Services

Blast Cleaning is the operation of forcibly propelling a stream of abrasive material against a surface under high pressure to smooth a rough surface, roughen a smooth surface, shape a surface, or remove surface contaminants. A pressurised fluid, typically air, or a centrifugal wheel is used to propel the media.There are several variants of the process, such as Dry Ice, Grit and Sodablasting, the substrate to be blasted or cleaned, the environmental considerations, the cost and speed of application will determine which option should be utilised.

Building Pathology

Building Pathology is the identification, investigation and diagnosis of defects in existing buildings and structures.

Burst Pipe Insurance

Burst pipe insurance is an insurance policy which protects the policyholder against burst pipes in a property, often caused by, but not limited to freezing water in the pipe work.

Canopy Cleaning

The cleaning of a hanging cover that forms a shelter above a part of, or a building structure.

Carpet And Upholstery Cleaning

The cleaning of carpets and upholstery materials to remove dirt, dust, stains and other contaminants.

Chemical Biohazard

A chemical material that has the potential to be of risk to life or health.

Chemical Biohazard Cleaning

The cleaning and eradication of chemicals that has the potential to be of risk to life or health.

Clean Up After Fire

The removal of all contaminants, debris, soiled materials and contents and the reinstatement of all goods following a fire, back to their pre-incident condition.

Clean Up After Fire Damage

The removal of all contaminants including soot and smoke residue, debris, soiled materials and contents and the reinstatement of all goods following a fire, back to their pre-incident condition.

Clean Up After Flood

The removal of all contaminants including standing water, sanitising of the affected areas and contents and the reinstatement of all goods and materials following a flood, back to their pre-incident condition.

Co2 Blast Cleaning

CO2 Blast Cleaning is the operation of forcibly propelling a stream of dry ice material against a surface under high pressure to smooth a rough surface, roughen a smooth surface, shape a surface, or remove surface contaminants and coatings. A pressurised fluid, typically air is used to propel the dry ice.

Commercial Kitchen Cleaning

The cleaning of all surfaces, appliances and ductwork in a commercial kitchen environment, to extract grease, dirt and ensure health and hygiene standards are maintained.

Commercial Kitchen Cleaning Service

The provision of a service that provides the cleaning of all surfaces, appliances and ductwork in a commercial kitchen environment, to extract grease, dirt and ensure health and hygiene standards are maintained.

Cooker Duct Cleaning

The cleaning of all ductwork, extractor fans and access panels in a commercial kitchen environment, to extract grease, dirt and ensure health and hygiene standards are maintained.

Cooker Extractor Cleaning

The cleaning of all extractor fans in a commercial kitchen environment, to extract grease, dirt and ensure health and hygiene standards are maintained.

Crime Scene Cleanups

Council Housing Issues

A subject of discussion or concern that impacts on the lives and living conditions of tenants living in Local Authority accommodation.

Dehumidifier Rental

A sum of money paid to use a machine that will remove moist air from a building or structure.

Disaster Silt Removal

Dry Ice Blast Cleaning

Dry Ice blast cleaning is the operation of forcibly propelling a stream of dry ice material against a surface under high pressure to smooth a rough surface, roughen a smooth surface, shape a surface, or remove surface contaminants and coatings. A pressurised fluid, typically air is used to propel the dry ice.

Duct Cleaning Regulations

The Heating, Ventilating & Air Conditioning (HVAC) Guide to Good Practice TR19 provides guidance on the level of cleanliness of the air in a commercial or industrial building environment.

Duct Cleaning Services

A service that provides the removal of debris, contaminants, dirt, dust and grime from air ducts, resulting in the provision of a higher quality of air within air conditioning and air management systems.

Escape Of Water

Water that escapes from plumbing installations, plumbing appliances or from its associated pipework (eg burst pipe following a freeze or washing machine leak)

Escape Of Water Claims

A claim to an insurance company for the reimbursement of costs for damage incurred following a water leak from plumbing installations, plumbing appliances or from its associated pipe work (eg burst pipe following a freeze or washing machine leak)

Extractor Fan Cleaning

A service that provides the removal of debris, contaminants, dirt, dust, grease and grime from extractor fans, resulting in the provision of a higher quality of air within air conditioning and air management systems.

Extractor Hood Cleaning

A service that provides the removal of debris, contaminants, dirt, dust, grease and grime from extractor hoods, resulting in the provision of a higher quality of air within grease extraction systems (ie in commercial kitchens), air conditioning and air management systems.

Find A Leak In A Roof

A process to identify where a water leak on the roof of a structure is originating, in order to repair the area that is damaged as opposed to the entire roof covering.

Fire Damage Cleaning

The removal of all contaminants including soot and smoke residue, odour, debris, soiled materials and contents and the reinstatement of all goods damaged by fire, back to their pre-incident condition.

Fire Damage Repair

The removal of all contaminants including soot and smoke residue, odour, debris, soiled materials, contents and building materials and the repair of all such goods and materials following a fire, back to their pre-incident condition (where contents are beyond economical repair, replacement goods may be supplied depending upon the terms of any individual insurance policy).

Fire Damage Restoration Service

A service that provides the removal of all contaminants including soot and smoke residue, odour, debris, soiled materials, contents and building materials and the reinstatement of all such goods and materials following a fire, back to their pre-incident condition.

Fire Restoration

Returning building materials and contents back to their original condition following damage caused by fire.

Flood Damage

Flood Damage Repair

Returning building materials and contents back to their original condition following damage caused by flood water.

Flood Damage Restoration

The return of damaged building materials and contents back to their original condition following damage caused by flood water.

Flood Silt Removal

The removal of silt from a property following a flood.

Flood Sludge Removal

Flood Water Extraction

The removal of standing water in a property that has been affected by flood water.

Frozen Pipe Damage

Frozen pipe damage is the damage caused to a property and its contents when pipe work from plumbing installations bursts, due to freezing conditions which causes the pipe to expand, then burst as the frozen water thaws.

Frozen Water Pipes

Frozen water in pipes can occur when temperatures drop below zero within a property, especially when the pipes are not protected by insulation or lagging.

Get Rid Of Mould Smell

A service provided to eliminate the odour when damp and condensation within a property results in mould. The bacteria from the living mould releases odours which can be controlled, but care should be taken to eradicate the underlying cause of the mould (ie the damp and condensation) or the mould and its associated odour will return.

Graffiti Removal

Graffiti removal is the elimination of words or drawings scribbled or sprayed onto a building substrate.

Graffiti Removal Equipment

Graffiti removal equipment is the mechanical items required to remove words or drawings from a building substrate.

Graffiti Removal Services

A service provided to remove words or drawings scribbled or sprayed from a building substrate.

Grit Blast Cleaning

Grit Blast Cleaning is the operation of forcibly propelling a stream of grit (very fine stone particles) against a surface under high pressure to smooth a rough surface, roughen a smooth surface, shape a surface, or remove surface contaminants. A pressurised fluid, typically air, or a centrifugal wheel is used to propel the media.

Health Of Workforce

Health of Workforce refers to the wellbeing of the people employed within a particular company or building.

High Access Cleaning

High Access Cleaning is the cleaning of areas that are inaccessible without the use of climbing apparatus or mechanical lifting equipment

High Access Cleaning Services

High Access Cleaning Services is a service providing the cleaning of areas or buildings that are inaccessible without the use of climbing apparatus or mechanical lifting equipment.

High Access Commercial Window Cleaning

High Access Window Window Cleaning is a process that provides the cleaning of windows in a commercial environment where high access is required above ground floor level, often at multi floor levels.

High Access Washing

High Access washing is a service providing the washing or cleaning of areas or buildings that are inaccessible without the use of climbing apparatus or mechanical lifting equipment.

High Level Cleaning

High Level Cleaning is a service providing the cleaning of areas or buildings that are inaccessible without the use of climbing apparatus or mechanical lifting equipment.

High Level Window Cleaning

High Level Window Cleaning is a process that provides the cleaning of windows in a commercial environment at high levels, often at multi floor levels.

Hood Cleaning

Hood Cleaning is the removal of dirt, grease, grime, dust and other contaminants from a hood used as an extractor over an oven.

House Wall Cleaning

House Wall Cleaning is the removal of dirt, grease, grime, dust and other contaminants from external or internal walls of a property or building.

How To Clean Tall Buildings

The process and mechanical actions required to clean properties at a high level, typically multi storey.

How To Clean Windows On Tall Building

The process and mechanical actions required to clean the windows of properties at a high level, typically multi storey.

How To Control Fungus On Walls

The methods and processes that eliminate the growth of fungus and mould inside building structures, particularly on walls. Care should also be taken to ensure the root cause of the fungal growth is also eradicated (eg damp, condensation or poor building maintenance) as the growth will return without the cause being addressed.

How To Control Mould On Walls

Mould can be controlled on any substrate within a property with simple cleaning and sanitising processes. Care should also be taken to ensure the root cause of the mould growth is also eradicated (eg damp, condensation and poor building maintenance) as the growth will return without the cause being addressed.

How To Cure Mould

Mould is easy to remove with simple cleaning and sanitising processes but more difficult to cure. The causes of the mould must be identified and removed from a property to prevent the mould from returning. The most common cause of mould is damp and condensation, which in turn can be caused by poor ventilation or poor building maintenance, so any cure for mould infestation must include a thorough diagnosis of the root cause. This must be followed by sustainable remedial action to ensure that the microscopic spores, released by the mould, cannot germinate in the moist, damp conditions created by poor ventilation and poor building maintenance, which will result in the mould returning.

How To Find A Leak In A Cavity

Cavities are the void spaces between different building materials that can often hide a multitude of structural problems. The most common example of a void is between the outer layer (usually brick) and inner layer (usually block) of a wall. Service pipes and electric cables are often buried within such cavities to maintain the aesthetics of the internal aspect of a property. When these service pipes, especially water supply or central heating pipes leak, the ability to access them and repair the leak is critical. Often large parts of a wall have to be cut out in order to access and inspect inside the cavity, however less intrusive methods are available to identify and analyse the source of the leak in these hidden areas. Endoscopes and Borescopes with attached inspection cameras can be used, which allows a detailed internal visual inspection in hard to access areas, without major disruption or damage to the building and its contents/décor. The instrument can be inserted in a cavity with the drilling of a small access hole and then the cavity can be thoroughly examined to determine the exact location of any leak. Thermal imaging cameras can also be used to detect the exact location of a leak, as it will show differences in surface temperature that to the trained eye can provide the precise location of a leak.

How To Find A Leak In A Heating System

A leak in a heating system can often be difficult to identify. Often, pipework supplying water and other utilities can be buried deep in concrete floor slabs or within cavities, which can be problematic when trying to trace the exact source of a water, gas or other type of leak. Thermal Imaging cameras, Tracer Gas and Acoustic Testing can be utilised depending on each individual circumstance.

How To Find A Leak Under A Floor

Beneath wooden floors there are void spaces that can often hide a multitude of service pipes and other service installations. Similarly, concrete screed floor substrates can also house many such installations. When these service pipes, especially water supply or central heating pipes leak, the ability to access them and repair the leak is critical. Often large parts of a floor is lifted in order to access and inspect the service pipes, however less intrusive methods are available to identify and analyse the source of the leak in these hidden areas. Endoscopes and Borescopes, with attached Inspection cameras are a very effective tool for identifying problems in hard to reach areas. These allow a detailed visual inspection, without major disruption or damage to the floor and the covering, as the instrument can be inserted into a floorboard with the drilling of a small access hole. Thermal imaging cameras can also be used to detect the exact location of a leak and is particularly appropriate on a solid concrete floor slab, as it will show differences in surface temperature that to the trained eye can provide the precise location of a leak.Identifying the exact location of a leak allows the repair contractor to avoid major excavation and only access the small area from where the leak has originated.

How To Fix A Water Leak In The Ceiling

Water leaking from a ceiling within a building structure usually indicates a leak from a higher source, such as a water tank or water pipes in the loft. The most important thing to do in the event of such a water leak is to turn off the water supply into the property through the main stop tap. This will reduce the amount of water that can leak into a property quite considerably. Leaks from ceilings are potentially the most serious types of leaks as the cascading water will affect every storey in the property. The source of the leak should be identified promptly, and the burst or leaking pipe, leaking appliance should be repaired by a qualified tradesman, and the drying of the building, the damage caused to the property and its contents should be carried out by a qualified restoration technician.

How To Fix A Water Leak Underground

Water leaking from an underground source within a building structure requires prompt action to stop the leak causing severe damage. The most important thing to do in the event of such a water leak is to turn off the water supply into the property through the main stop tap. This will reduce the amount of water that can leak into a property quite considerably. It is difficult to identify the exact location of a leak from below ground as the pipes are often buried deep within, or below concrete floors, beneath floorboards, or sometimes below the buildings foundations. The leak can be identified through sophisticated diagnostic equipment such as thermal imaging cameras, which will to detect the exact location of a leak, by identifying differences in surface temperature that to the trained eye can provide the precise location of a leak. The source of the leak should be identified promptly, and the burst or leaking pipe should be repaired by a qualified tradesman. The drying of the building, the damage caused to the property and its contents should be carried out by a qualified restoration technician.

How To Get Rid Of Flood Silt

Flood silt is often found in the aftermath of a flood, with river water, sewage and other contaminants being present in a property after such an incident. This contamination is often a bio-hazard and should be sanitised by a professional Flood Restoration operative with the required level of training and qualifications.

How To Reduce Bathroom Mold Allergy Symptoms

Mould is particularly prevalent in damp, moist conditions and condensation from bathroom fittings and appliances are an ideal environment for mould spores to germinate. The presence of such mould and its associated spores can cause allergy’s such as asthma and other respiratory diseases. In order to control the mould and its associated allergic reactions, the cause must be identified and eradicated. The reduction of condensation and moisture is the most effective way to control the growth of mould, by ensuring good ventilation practices and correct building maintenance in areas liable to mould infestation.

How To Reduce Fungus In Bathroom

Mould and fungal growth is particularly prevalent in damp, moist environments and condensation from bathroom fittings are an ideal environment for mould spores to germinate. In order to control the growth of fungus and mould, the root cause must be identified and eradicated. The reduction of condensation and moisture is the most effective way to control the growth of mould, by ensuring good ventilation practices and good building maintenance in areas liable to be at risk.

How To Reduce Mould In Bathroom

Mould is particularly prevalent in damp, moist environments and condensation from bathroom fittings are an ideal environment for mould spores to germinate. In order to control the growth of mould, the cause must be identified and eradicated. The reduction of condensation and moisture is the most effective way to control the growth of mould, by ensuring good ventilation practices and building maintenance in areas liable to mould attack.

How To Remove Smoke Smell From Furniture

Smoke odour will penetrate the fabric of upholstery following a fire and specialist cleaning services should be used to eradicate the smell. A variety of cleaning methods and materials are suitable for removing smoke odour, including fogging, air sterilisation systems (Air ManagerTM), the Ultrasonics Cleaning System, and Ozone treatment.

Ice Blast Cleaning

Ice Blast Cleaning is the operation of forcibly propelling a stream of dry ice against a surface under high pressure to smooth a rough surface, roughen a smooth surface, shape a surface, or remove surface contaminants and coatings. Where Dry Ice is used in the process, dry ice pellets formed by taking liquid carbon dioxide from a pressurised storage tank and expanding it to produce snow, which is then compressed with a die to make hard pellets.

Industrial Cleaning Trauma

Industrial Cleaning will often encompass trauma of some description. Accidents, business continuity requirements, Health and Safety along with environmental considerations may sometimes contribute to a traumatic situation.

Kitchen Extraction Duct Cleaning

Kitchen Extraction Duct Cleaning is a service that provides the removal of grease, debris, contaminants, dirt, dust and grime from commercial kitchen air ducts, providing a cleaner and more hygienic food preparation area. This cleaning service is stipulated in many insurance policies as fundamental to reducing the risk of fire, and without the evidence of such service any fire claim may be repudiated by an insurance company.

Kitchen Grease Cleaners

Kitchen Grease cleaners are the operatives that provide a service that removes grease, debris, contaminants, dirt, dust and grime from commercial kitchen air ducts and grease extraction units, providing a cleaner and more hygienic food preparation area. This cleaning service is stipulated in many insurance policies as fundamental to reducing the risk of fire, and without the evidence of such service any fire claim may be repudiated by an insurance company.

Kitchen Grease Removal

Kitchen Grease Removal is the process that removes grease, debris, contaminants, dirt, dust and grime from commercial kitchen air ducts, extraction units, kitchen appliances and surfaces, providing a cleaner and more hygienic food preparation area. This cleaning service is stipulated in many commercial insurance policies as fundamental to reducing the risk of fire, and without the evidence of such service any fire claim may be repudiated by an insurance company.

Leak Detection Equipment

This is the equipment that is used by professional trades’ people to identify the exact source of a water leak, often when the leak originated from a hidden area within a building structure, such as in cavities or concrete floor slabs. Thermal Imaging cameras, Tracer Gas and Acoustic Testing are utilised depending on each individual circumstance and the building structure.

Leak Detection Services

Leak Detection is service that identifies the exact location of a water leak. Often, pipework supplying water and other utilities can be buried deep in concrete floor slabs or within cavities, which can be problematic when trying to trace the exact source of a water, gas or other type of leak.

Long Reach Cleaners

This will refer to cleaning systems or operatives that have the capacity to clean areas or substrates at longer distances eg the Reach & Pole Window Cleaning System.

Long Reach Window Cleaning

A window cleaning system which provides a cleaning material on an extended platform, such as a long pole or rod, for example the Pole & Reach Window Cleaning system, which allows windows above ground floor level to be cleaned without the use of ladders, towers, scaffolding, cradles or other mechanical lifting equipment.

Mold Damage

Damage caused to a property, its contents or the health of its occupants, due to the presence of mould in the property.

Mould Removal

The removal of mould from a property and/or its fittings, contents and decor.

Mould Spore Lawsuits

A process of litigation emanating from a person or persons whose health has been adversely affected by the presence of mould in a rented property.

Mould-Infested Home

A property that has a high degree of mould contained within, that is usually caused by poor building maintenance or lack of adequate ventilation, which allows mould spores to germinate.

Ohsa Requirements For Duct Cleaning

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration in the USA's regulations regarding Duct Cleaning contractors.

Patio Cleaning

The removal of dirt, grime, dust and debris from a paved area besides a house or property.

Platform Cleaning

A service providing the cleaning of areas or buildings that are inaccessible without the use of climbing apparatus or mechanical lifting equipment.

Pole And Reach Window Cleaning

A window cleaning system which uses water fed poles to access upper windows without the need for climbing up and down ladders. This allows windows above ground floor level to be cleaned without the use of ladders, towers, scaffolding, cradles or other mechanical lifting equipment.

Repair Burst Pipe

The repair or replacement of a water fed pipe which services plumbing and heating installations within a property, usually following a burst or leak.

Repair Flood Damage

The repair of a property and its contents back to pre-incident condition following a flood.

Restaurant Duct Cleaning

The cleaning of grease extraction systems and their associated ducts to remove the build up of grease from the system.

Restaurant Hood Cleaning

The cleaning of cooker hoods in restaurants and their associated ducts to remove the build up of grease from the system.

Sand Blasting

Sand Blasting is the operation of forcibly propelling a stream of sand against a surface under high pressure to smooth a rough surface, roughen a smooth surface, shape a surface, or remove surface contaminants and coatings. A pressurised fluid, typically air is used to propel the material.Sand Blasting should always be performed under controlled conditions as it releases silicates which can be harmful to health, and is generally only used in a blast chamber where the environment and the blast operatives would be protected. Where it is not possible to confine the process inside a chamber, other blast media should be used such as Dry Ice or Soda.

Sick Building Syndrome

Sick Building Syndrome is a term associated with the effects of poor air quality within a commercial, or industrial building, and the consequences this can have on the health of people working inside the property.

Smoke Damage Repair

Smoke damage repair refers to the repair of a property following damage caused by smoke, usually following a fire, back to its pre-incident condition.

Soda Blast Cleaning

Soda Blast Cleaning is the operation of forcibly propelling a stream of bi carbonate of soda against a surface under high pressure to smooth a rough surface, roughen a smooth surface, shape a surface, or remove surface contaminants. A pressurized fluid, typically air, or a centrifugal wheel is used to propel the material.

Specialist Cleaning Trauma

The cleaning of areas or properties that have been the subject of a traumatic event, such as a road traffic accident, personal injury or accident (eg in the home or workplace) or following a disaster.

Specialist Commercial Cleaning

Specialist Commercial Cleaning is the expert cleaning processes employed to remove dirt, grime, dust and debris form a commercial environment.

Tall Building Cleaning Services

Tall Building Window Cleaning

This refers to the high access cleaning of windows in buildings, usually in a commercial environment, often with the use of mechanical access equipment such as scissor or boom lifts, hoisting equipment and ladders.

Trace And Access Cover

Trace And Access Cover is cover provided through an insurance company that provides provision for tracing and accessing the exact source of a leak, often in addition to providing remedial action to repair the leak and the damage it has caused.

Trace And Access Leak

Trace And Access Leak - is the process that traces and accesses the exact source of a leak, which can often originate from a different location to where water from the leak can be seen.

Ventilation Duct Cleaning

Ventilation Duct Cleaning is a service that provides the removal of debris, contaminants dirt, dust and grime from air ducts within an air ventilation system, resulting in the provision of a higher quality of air within air conditioning and air management systems.

Water Damage Restoration

Water Damage Restoration is the process of returning a property and its contents back to its pre-incident condition following water damage caused by a flood or an escape of water from plumbing installations and pipe work.

Water Leak Detection

Water Leak Detection is the process that detects the exact location of a water leak, which can often originate from a different area to where leak has surfaced.

Water Leak Detection Equipment

The mechanical and analytical equipment used to detect the exact location of a water leak, which can often originate from a different area to where leak has surfaced.

What Does Escape Of Water Mean

Escape of Water is a term used by the insurance industry to describe an incident where water has leaked from a pipe or from plumbing installations. This may result in damage to a property and its contents leading to an escape of water claim through an insurance company.

Window Cleaning Tall Buildings

This refers to the high access cleaning of buildings, often with the use of mechanical lifting equipment such as scissor or boom lifts, hoisting equipment and ladders.