What's the difference between remediation and restoration?

Water damage restoration and mold remediation can both follow the same leak, but they are two different jobs. Knowing which one you need helps you ask the right questions.

What restoration means

Restoration is the drying and fixing. The crew gets the water out, dries the floors and walls, and repairs what the water ruined. The EPA flood cleanup page says a qualified pro may have certification, training or experience in water damage restoration, mold removal and/or drying out buildings. It lists those as separate skills.

What remediation means

Remediation is the mold cleanup. The EPA remediation guide says the plan should cover the right protective gear and include steps to carefully contain and remove moldy building materials so the mold does not spread.

When one job needs both

A leak that sat for days can need both. The same EPA guide says the plan should include steps to fix the water or moisture problem, or the problem may come back. In its words: "When addressing mold problems, don't forget to address the source of the moisture problem, or the mold problem may simply reappear!"

How soon does mold grow after a water leak? explains how fast one job can turn into two.

Questions to ask a crew

• Do you do the drying, the mold removal, or both?
• How will you find and stop the source of the water?
• How will you close off the moldy area while you work?

The EPA says it does not run a certification program or keep a list of contractors for flood cleanup. It adds that some states and groups may require certification, training or exams for this work. Choosing a water damage company has more checks, what to do when water is in the house has the first steps, and water damage in Cedar Rapids adds the local notes.