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Terminology

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Abrasive Cleaning - The removal of unwanted residue(s) from a surface by using an abrasive cleaning agent or material.

Absorption - The process by which a substance, such as a solid , takes up another substance, such as a liquid or vapor, through minute pores or spaces between its molecules.

Acid Smoke - Smoke, from a fire, can contain a variety of chemicals including high levels of acid, often resulting in corrosion of metals or color change in textiles.

Acoustical Ceiling - A ceiling covered with or formed of an acoustical material designed to absorb sound.

Acoustical Plaster - A low-density sound-absorptive plaster, applied in the form of a finish-coat, to provide a continuous finished surface; also called Acoustical Texture.

Actual Cash Value - The monitory value of an item, that is equal to the replacement cost minus any depreciation. It represents the dollar amount that you could expect to receive if you sold the item in the marketplace.

ADA - Americans with Disabilities Act.

Addendum - A document that describes additions, changes, or deletions, to the scope or the terms of an agreement or contract, mutually agreed upon by the parties to the contract.

Additional Living Expense - Coverage under an insurance policy that covers the additional costs of living that are incurred by the insured should the insured be temporarily displaced from their place of residence.

Adjust - To investigate, administer or negotiate an insurance loss for one of the parties to the loss.

Adjuster - An individual who adjusts insurance losses for one of the parties to the loss.

Adsorption - The process by which molecules of a substance, such as a liquid or vapor, collects on the surface of another substance, such as a solid. The molecules are attracted to the surface but do not enter the solid's minute spaces as in absorption.

Aerosol - A dispersion of particulates or a liquid (vapor) into the air.

Agent - The person that assists you in acquiringor purchasing an insurance policy

Air Blasting - The use of high-pressure air, often combined with an abrasive, to remove odor or adhered material from a surface.

Air Filtration Device - Air moving devices with filters. An AFD is designed to remove airborne particles from the incoming air stream based on filtering media efficiency.

Air Sampling - The metered collection of ambient air for purposes of analysis.

Alligatoring - The splitting or cracking of a paint film in a pattern resembling the rectangles of an alligator skin.

Allowance - Funds allotted as a reimbursement or deduction for some action or condition.

Antimicrobial - A substance, mechanism, or condition that inhibits the growth or existence of an organism.

Antique - An object representing the materials, styling and techniques of an earlier time, enhanced in value by virtue of its age; an early version of a current object or device, such as an antique automobile, phonograph, or sewing machine.

Appraisal - An evaluation or estimate of the value of an object or other property, including the cost to repair or loss in value incurred by damage; also an arbitration procedure required in many insurance policies as a way to resolve differences in the amount of a claim.

Arbitration - The binding resolution of disputes by a neutral party or persons as a substitute for litigation. Arbitration requires agreement of the parties to the dispute, which may be obtained in advance through a clause in a contract between them, or after a dispute has arisen. Arbitration proceedings are less formal than those of a court and require considerably less time and expense.

As Needed - An indefinite term sometimes used when quantities cannot be precisely defined, indicating that the action will be performed until a complete and fully satisfactory result is obtained.

Asbestos - A naturally occurring mineral fiber that is highly flame resistant and can cause cancer. Asbestos is sometimes found in common construction materials including: siding, paints, caulking, insulation materials, ceiling tiles, vinyl asbestos tile floor coverings, etc. At one time asbestos fiber was used in theater curtains, ironing board covers, potholders and other fabrics where flame-proofing and heat-resistance are required.

Attic - A room or space directly below the roof of a building. In modern buildings, the attic is the space between the roof and the ceiling of the upper story.

Authorization - Permission to perform some action, provided by an individual empowered to grant it.