HTX ELITE BUILD RESOURCES
Explore property-care articles, common questions and plain-language definitions. Search by topic to prepare for maintenance, damage recovery or a conversation with our team.
434 resources found
Storm preparation
Just two days into the 2023 Hurricane Season and there is already a named storm. Tropical Depression Two was upgraded to Tropical Storm Arlene on Friday afternoon. It is located in the eastern half of the Gulf of Mexico and is…
Read resource →Storm preparation
The official 2026 Atlantic storm names, NOAA’s August outlook, NHC forecast-map changes and practical planning steps for Houston property owners.
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What NOAA’s October 2026 El Niño forecast means for Houston’s winter, which risks remain uncertain, and how to prepare your property before heavy rain.
Read resource →Storm preparation
The official 2027 Atlantic storm names and pronunciations, what is known before the season, and a Houston property preparation plan. No 2027 NOAA outlook yet.
Read resource →Water damage
The cleanup and restoration begins with a phone call. When you are dealing with water damage, immediate action is crucial. A delay of just a few hours can greatly increase the severity of damage. A water damage event can be…
Read resource →General cleaning
Air ducts are found in just about every home and business, and are used to filter air through your furnace system. In fact, Energy.gov states the purpose of an air duct is to “[carry] the air from your home's furnace and central…
Read resource →Storm preparation
Hurricane names, wind categories and seasonal outlooks describe different parts of a storm. These seven facts explain the distinctions and help Houston-area property owners put weather reports in context when planning for…
Read resource →Glossary
The action of minimizing the presence and danger of hazardous material such as lead, asbestos, and mold by reducing it in amount, degree, or intensity. Regarding water damage or sewage backup, abatement is the ability of a water…
Read definition →Glossary
To absorb is to take liquid into the body of a material, rather than leave it only on the surface.
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Absorption is the process by which a material takes a substance into its internal structure. In restoration, the substance is often water.
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Acoustic materials are products used to manage sound, including ceiling tiles, wall panels and insulation within assemblies.
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The affected area is the portion of a property involved in a particular damage event or proposed work scope.
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An air mover is equipment that directs airflow across or into an area. During drying, airflow helps moisture leave exposed wet surfaces.
Read definition →Glossary
Also known as “indoor air quality (IAQ) testing”, “air testing”, “mold testing” or similar, refers to the process of collecting samples of ambient air and its contents from a selected indoor area of a property. The sampling is…
Read definition →Glossary
An airlock is a controlled transition space between separated areas. In restoration, it can help manage movement into and out of a contained work zone.
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An allergen is a substance that can trigger an allergic response in a susceptible person. Not everyone reacts to the same substance.
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Antifungal describes an action or product intended to act against fungi. The word alone does not identify a product’s approved use or the surface it can treat.
Read definition →Glossary
Abbreviation for Air-Purifying Respirator. This type of respirator has an air-purifying filter, cartridge or canister that removes specific air contaminants by passing air through the air-purifying element. ‹ Back To
Read definition →Fire & smoke
Fire sprinklers are a great way to help ensure blazes are mitigated while you wait for firefighters to arrive. While putting out a fire as quickly as possible is a necessity, firefighting efforts or a sprinkler accident may leave…
Read resource →Glossary
A naturally occurring fibrous mineral that had been used commonly in a variety of building construction materials for insulation and as a fire-retardant. Due to its strength and heat resistant properties, asbestos has been used…
Read definition →Storm preparation
June 1 marks the start of another Atlantic Hurricane Season and authorities are already weighing in with their opinions on how volatile this year’s season could be. Researchers at Colorado State University believe the 2023…
Read resource →Glossary
Atmospheric sanitation is a broad treatment description sometimes used for efforts to reduce contaminants in air. It is not a complete specification for a restoration…
Read definition →Glossary
Background measurements provide comparison information from conditions outside the specific area or event being evaluated.
Read definition →Water damage
For some, the basement is a sanctuary. Finished or unfinished, basements can be havens for sleepovers, games, cool temperatures in the summer, or, frequently, a place for storage. Regardless of how you use your basement, the last…
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