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.
412 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…
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The National Hurricane Center has updated the pronunciation guide for the Atlantic Basin Storm Names for the 2023-2028 hurricane seasons . The 2023 Hurricane Season officially starts on May 15 in the Eastern Pacific Ocean,…
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…
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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…
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In January 2024, a polar vortex (also known as a “bomb cyclone” or “freeze event”) covered a big portion of the continental United States, bringing frigid temperatures, dangerously low wind chill, and snow across the Northeast,…
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The 2024 Atlantic hurricane season is underway and this year weather officials are predicting above-average hurricane activity in the Atlantic basin. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) is forecasting as…
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You might be familiar with the weather terms El Niño and La Niña , but have you ever heard of a Super El Niño? If not, you’ve come to the right place, as some meteorologists indicate the winter 2023 forecast calls for a Super El…
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…
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This term is used when dealing with water damages, to describe the temporary ability of porous materials to hold and retain liquid water and water vapors over a period of time. ‹ Back To
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The temporary holding of moisture in porous and semi-porous building materials (carpets, sub-floor padding, and sheetrock) that have been water damaged. ‹ Back To
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Materials that absorb sound and noise, such as carpet and acoustic tiles. These materials are often highly absorbent, and when wet, can contribute to elevated humidity in the structure. ‹ Back To
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An area of a structure that has been impacted by primary or secondary damage. ‹ Back To
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An air moving device designed and used in the professional water damage restoration industry. ‹ Back To
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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…
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A chamber allowing entrance to a contaminated space without affecting the environmental conditions of this space, or its surroundings. ‹ Back To
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A normal substance such as a drug, pollen, or microorganism that causes an acute defensive reaction in a person’s immune system. These reactions include sneezing, itching, skin rashes, and respiratory irritations. ‹ Back To…
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Also group into anti-microbial, anti-fungal refers to the prevention of the growth and spreading of fungi (mold) and its spores. This often involves the use of solvents or chemicals applied to building materials for the…
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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…
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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…
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A process of putting an area or environment into a condition that is free from health risks for human health. This is done through cleaning and the use of sanitizers or disinfectants that are applied to surfaces and objects…
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Basic readings of a given atmosphere, used as comparative measurements, measuring against questionable atmospheres. Background measurements will include temperature, humidity, and moisture readings. ‹ Back To
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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