Glossary

Sometimes industry jargon can feel like another language.

We're here to help you get a handle on all the terms and phrases you'll find throughout our site. Refer back to this page as needed so you can be on top of your project from beginning to end.

ACM Panel System – aluminum composite material panel systems are an exterior composite panel cladding that is a plastic core between two sheets of aluminum.

Alucobond – is a brand of ACM panel systems that has become synonymous with the term ACM panel system much like Kleenex for facial tissues and Coke for carbonated beverages.

Anodized Aluminum – a type of aluminum that has been coated using an electrolytic process. Anodizing produces a durable finish that increases corrosion resistance and can change the color of the piece of aluminum.

Architectural Steel Restoration – is the process of removing any surface imperfections on architectural steel and returning the desired finish whether that is coated or uncoated. Exposure to weather, graffiti, human or animal contact will cause oxidation and stains.

Brick Cleaning & Sealing – is the process of removing all the dirt and other contaminants from a brick surface and then applying a waterproof barrier usually in the form of an elastomeric coating that is both flexible and durable.

Building Chemical Cleaning – is the process of using low pressure water and a chemical or detergent to remove contaminants from the exterior surface of a building. This process is typically used when the exterior surface might be damaged by using high pressure water or pressure washing.

Building Control Joint – is used to prevent cracks in concrete masonry walls. They are found where two sections of a building meet. If control joints are not maintained, cracks and water intrusion can occur.

Building Restoration – is the process of returning a building to its original finished condition. Restoration can be completed to the interior, exterior, or both. Exterior building restoration usually consists of removing stains, scratches, and damage from the glass, metal, and stone surfaces.

Building Waterproofing – is the process of sealing the exterior of the building using caulking, coatings, and sealants to keep water from damaging the exterior surfaces and prevent water intrusion that can damage the interior of a building.

Caulking – is filler/sealant typically used to create a waterproof barrier between various materials including piping. Originally caulking was made of organic material and was used to make wooden boats waterproof and is now made of various materials including urethane and silicone and is used in many industries.

Commercial Caulking Contractors – are trained professionals that can repair or replace the caulking used on the exterior of commercial buildings. Caulking is used both for aesthetic and structural purposes. There are different types of caulking and only a trained professional knows what variety to use for each application. Commercial caulking services usually include a thorough inspection of the condition of the caulking to determine what the building needs.

Commercial Waterproofing Contractors – are trained professionals that apply the various caulking, coatings, and sealants that are used to protect commercial buildings from water intrusion and damage to the exterior surfaces. Commercial waterproofing services usually involve a thorough inspection and cleaning of the exterior of the building.

Concrete Cleaning & Restoration – is the process of removing contaminants and surface imperfections from concrete. Concrete has been used for building exteriors because it is durable and aesthetically pleasing. It is susceptible to discoloration and damage due to being porous and absorbent. A full cleaning and restoration service will include sealing the concrete to prevent future damage and make the surface easier to keep clean.

Concrete & Mortar Splatter – is a type of damage that can happen to commercial glass that cannot be cleaned using conventional methods. Typically, a full glass restoration needs to occur to clean the splatter and return the finish of the glass.

Concrete Waterproofing Contractors – are trained professionals that apply the caulking and sealants that are used to protect concrete surfaces from water, dirt, pollution, and even graffiti. There are an astonishing number of sealants available and only an experienced contractor will know what works best for each situation.

Control & Expansion Joint Repair – is the process of removing and replacing damaged caulking in control and expansion joints. These joints help to keep masonry cracks from appearing. Caulking has a lifetime and needs to be replaced to keep air, water, and insects from entering your building.

Corrosion – is a chemical reaction that breaks down materials. We usually think of rust when we think of corrosion, but it can happen to nonmetals as well. Polymers, glass, and ceramics can also suffer from corrosion.

Dow Corning – is the former name of the Dow Silicones Corporation, a manufacturer of silicones and silicon-based technology. It is the go-to brand of silicones in the commercial building construction industry.

EIFS – Exterior Insulation Finish System. EIFS is a composite building exterior cladding system that provides an insulated, water-resistant finished surface.

EIFS Elastomeric Coating – is a waterproofing coating that seals and protects the exterior finish using a durable and flexible material that is many times thicker than paint.

Elastomeric Coating Services – is the process of applying a waterproofing agent to the exterior of a building. In addition to creating a waterproof barrier between your building and the elements, elastomeric coatings are mildew, UV, and heat resistant. The coatings are thick and flexible so they can bridge small cracks and incredibly durable. A full elastomeric coating service is a great way to refresh and protect the exterior of your commercial building.

Expansion Joints – a feature that is designed into building surfaces that allow movement due to temperature expansion or contraction, vibration, or other external forces. Many expansion joints used in multi-story commercial buildings are sealed with caulking. This caulking needs to be inspected regularly and replaced when damaged to ensure the joint still functions as intended and remains watertight.

Exterior Restoration Services – is the process of removing or repairing stains, scratches, corrosion, and other damage found on the exterior of commercial buildings. Buildings experience constant exposure to causes of wear and tear. Exterior restoration services should also include the application of protective coatings.

Facade – the face of a building.

Galvanized Aluminum – a building material that has a coating to protect it from oxidation and corrosion. If the finish of a galvanized aluminum panel is damaged it can be repaired by a professional.

GFRC – Glass Fiber Reinforced Concrete. GFRC is a building material primary used as building façade panels. GFRC panels can be cleaned and seaedl like traditional concrete panels.

GFRC Cleaning and Restoration – is the process of removing contaminants and stains and repairing damage to GFRC surfaces. It is important to hire a professional to repair GFRC surfaces due to their composition.

Glass Restoration Services – is the process of removing stains and repairing scratches from the glass surfaces of commercial buildings. Proper technique and equipment are needed to correctly restore glass without causing damage.

Glass Scratch Repair – is the process of removing damage caused by improper cleaning, construction clean up, and forceful contact with the surface. Scratches can cause glass to look cloudy and can negatively affect the appearance of commercial buildings. A trained professional will be able to remove fine or deep scratches and return glass to a like-new condition.

Glass Stain Removal – is the process of thoroughly cleaning mineral deposits, soap scum, and other contaminants that remain after normal cleaning. Improper cleaning methods that use high mineral tap water and dishwashing liquid leave deposits on the glass that negatively affect the appearance of commercial buildings.

Glass-to-metal Gasket & Leak Repair – also known as wet glazing. Gasket and leak repairs are a necessity as the gaskets that seal glass to the exterior of commercial buildings degrade over time. A high strength caulking is used to seal and bond glass windows to their frame.

Granite – a common naturally occurring stone building material.

Granite Restoration Services – is the process of removing stains, mold, mildew, leaching, repairing damage, and sealing against water penetration on the exterior of commercial buildings. Granite restoration services not only improve the aesthetic appeal of your building, but it is also a great way to protect your building from water damage.

Hard Water Stain – a build up of deposits caused by the minerals in water.

Hard Water Stain Removal Services – is the process of removing the deposits left by the minerals in water on metal, glass, and other materials used in the construction of commercial buildings. Hard water stains should be removed regularly because the longer they are left on a surface the harder they are to remove. Hard water stains can eventually etch glass if not removed.

High Climbing – is using equipment such as ropes and harnesses to scale objects. When restoring commercial buildings, our highly skilled experts might also use bosun chairs and suspended platforms. Having a team of experienced climbers allows us to tackle even the hardest to reach areas of any commercial building.

High Pressure Cleaning – uses a combination of pressurized water and detergent to remove contaminants from the exterior surfaces of commercial buildings without scrubbing. Sometimes also called power washing, this method can be effective in cleaning areas that are hard to reach. Care should be exercised when using high pressure water when cleaning, as it may damage the surface or surface finish of some materials.

Historic Building Restoration – is the process of cleaning, repairing damage, and protecting the exterior of a building with historical significance. The process starts with determining the construction’s origin period and materials which can take a significant amount of research.

Historic Masonry Restoration – is the process of cleaning, repairing damage, and protecting brick and other stone construction on buildings with historical significance. It is extremely difficult because of the difference in building materials throughout the decades. Our decades of experience help us make seamless repairs and allow buildings that are hundreds of years old look new again.

Leaching – the appearance of efflorescence, a crystalline deposit of salts, on stone building materials. It is usually an indication of water intrusion as it is the by-product of water evaporating from a stone surface. We offer clean and seal services that can remove the leaching and keep it from happening in the future.

Leak Repair – commercial buildings need special attention to ensure that water doesn’t unwantedly pass through exterior surfaces. Water intrusion can damage buildings and cause mold. Leak repairs include finding the source of the water and addressing it with caulking or another type of sealant.

Limestone – a common naturally occurring stone building material.

Limestone Restoration Services – the process of cleaning, repairing, and protecting limestone surfaces on the exterior of commercial buildings. Limestone is a relatively soft stone and therefore must be cleaned properly to ensure a uniform finish. A careful mix of pressure and chemicals is needed.

Low Pressure Cleaning – uses a combination of lightly pressurized water and detergents to clean the exterior surfaces of commercial buildings without scrubbing and is an alternative to power washing.

Marble – a common naturally occurring stone building material.

Marble Restoration Services – the process of cleaning, repairing, and protecting marble surfaces on the exterior of commercial buildings. We can remove efflorescence, scratches, stains, and repair damage to marble surfaces. Marble is difficult and expensive to replace so restoration is usually the best action. Not only will it look like new, but it will also be protected from future damage.

Masonry – is the building of structures from brick, stone, concrete, glass, and adobe.

Masonry Restoration Services – the process of cleaning, repairing, and protecting the exterior of commercial buildings built using brick stone, concrete, glass, or adobe. Technique and experience are needed to successfully restore complex masonry exteriors. Many of the building materials expand or contract under different weather conditions and are porous. Specific detergents are needed to thoroughly clean these surfaces without damaging them and specifically developed coatings and sealants can be used to make them more resilient to everyday exposure to the elements.

Metal Cladding – is a commercial building material that comes in many varieties and finishes.

Metal Cladding Restoration Services – the process of cleaning, repairing, and protecting the various types of metal exterior panels that are used on commercial buildings. Metal cladding is a common building material because of how versatile it is. It can be made from various types of metal and can be finished many ways. It is important to hire a professional when restoring metal cladding to return the panel to its original finish without damaging or discoloring it.

Mildew – is a form of fungus that grows on organic material and is whitish in appearance.

Mineral Stain – is the discoloration of the exterior of a building due to a buildup of lime scale, calcium, magnesium, or iron. These minerals are found in hard water and are deposited on the exterior surface of commercial buildings when hard water evaporates.

Mold – is a form of fungus that grows on organic material and can be many colors including green and black. Mold can be toxic and can damage or deteriorate the material it grows on.

Natural Stone – commercial building materials found in nature. Granite, marble and limestone are commonly used for their structural and aesthetic properties.

Natural Stone Restoration Services – the process of cleaning, repairing, and protecting stone surfaces on the exterior of commercial buildings. Resurfacing stone and repairing damage can be difficult which is why it is important to hire a professional that has a significant amount of experience. We have our own line of cleaning, polishing, and sealing products that will leave your stone surfaces looking better than ever.

New Construction Cleaning Services – is the process of cleaning, repairing, and protecting the exterior surfaces of newly completed or renovated commercial buildings. Construction can be hard on a building, especially the glass. We can remove masonry splatter, overspray, and even welding slag from the exterior surfaces of your recently completed project. We go the extra mile to apply our own protection products to ensure your building looks its best for years.

Precast – is a commercial building material that is concrete poured into a reusable form and cured at an offsite facility and then transported to the building site and assembled.

Precast Restoration Services – the process of cleaning, repairing, and protecting precast concrete surfaces on the exterior of commercial buildings. Precast concrete is a widely used building material that is susceptible to staining and due to the porosity of concrete, water damage. We recommend low pressure and chemical cleaning as to not damage the surface and ensure an even finish. Cleaning precast can significantly improve the curb appeal of a commercial building and a full restoration service will leave the building looking great for years.

Precast Sealing – a service that applies a waterproof barrier to the exterior of precast concrete surfaces. Sealing not only helps the surface stay clean for longer, it also prevents the concrete from absorbing water which can lead to leaching or cracks.

Rappelling – the use of ropes, harnesses, and anchors to descend from the top of a commercial building to access the exterior surfaces. Our highly skilled technicians can use rappelling to access any area of your commercial building without having to install expensive, bulky equipment.

Restoration Services – the process of returning something to its previous condition. We are experts at returning the exterior of commercial buildings to a like-new condition by utilizing our decades of experience and proprietary technology to clean, repair, and protect them. 

Reynobond Metal Panel – a brand of commercial building materials that is a composite aluminum panel.

Reynobond Metal Panel Restoration Services – the process of cleaning, repairing, and protecting the exterior finish of aluminum panels used on commercial buildings. Reynobond panels are susceptible to oxidation, soap scum from adjacent windows, and precast leaching. It takes a professional to successfully remove surface imperfections without damaging the finish.

Soap Scum – is also known as lime soap and is formed with calcium and magnesium particles in water combines with soap. Soap scum is a white solid and can make the exterior of your freshly washed commercial building look dirty immediately after it dries.

Stain – a discoloration.

Stainless Steel – an iron-based alloy that contains chromium to aid in rust prevention that is a common building material for commercial buildings. There are many types of stainless steel.

Stainless Steel Restoration Services – the process of cleaning, repairing, and protecting the exterior finish of stainless steel used in commercial buildings. Special cleaners and techniques need to be used when cleaning stainless steel to ensure the finish isn’t damaged. If that does happen, a full restoration will be needed to restore the finish. Restoration might also be necessary if the finish has been stained or dented.

Steam Cleaning – using pressurized water vapor to remove surface contaminants.

Steel – an alloy of iron and carbon that is commonly used in commercial building construction. There are many different types of steel used as construction material. While it is an extremely durable material, it can be hard to care for.

Steel Restoration Services – the process of cleaning, repairing, and protecting the surfaces of steel used in commercial building construction. Steel beams are commonly used in commercial buildings and maintaining the surface finish of those beams helps the aesthetics and the structural integrity of the building. Both coated and uncoated steel surfaces need to be properly maintained by an expert.

Stucco – a type of plaster that is used as a coating and for decoration in commercial building construction.

Stucco Restoration Services – the process of cleaning, repairing, and protecting the exterior finish of plaster used during commercial building construction. Stucco can be used in many ways and it takes a professional to know exactly how to approach the restoration of each application. A protective treatment is also an important part of the restoration process and will help to prevent further damage to exterior stucco surfaces and features.

Surfactant – molecules that spontaneously bond with each other to form sealed bubbles. A word that is made by shortening “surface-active agent”. Surfactants are used as detergents, foaming agents, and dispersants.

Swing Stages – a suspended scaffold that is used to access the side of high-rise commercial buildings.

Travertine – a naturally occurring stone that is commonly used for commercial buildings.

Travertine Restoration Services – the process of cleaning, repairing, and protecting a common stone construction material used in commercial buildings. Travertine can be soft and porous and therefore needs routine maintenance and occasional restoration. It is important to use the proper tools and techniques when refinishing travertine, so the material isn’t damaged, and the finish is consistent.

Tuckpointing – using contrasting colors of mortar in the joints of brickwork for aesthetic purposes. Tuckpointing can be used after repointing a brick wall to create the appearance of the original narrow mortar line and is a great option for historic building restoration.

Urethane – a type of rubber that has characteristics between rubber and plastic. Urethane is often the word used for many products that are used as sealers and coatings in commercial building construction.

Water Intrusion – the process of water passing through the exterior of a commercial building into the interior either through a leak or through absorption.

Wet Glazing – the process of using caulking to secure and seal the glass of a window to the frame of the window. It is necessary to wet glaze windows once their rubber seals start to deteriorate or are damaged. Wet glazing can be used to seal and adhere other finish materials to the exterior of commercial buildings as well.

Window Cleaner – a surfactant or mixture of surfactants designed specifically for cleaning glass. Window cleaners can be liquid, foam, or on wipes. Some glass surfaces require special cleaners especially if they have tinting or another type of surface coating.

Window Frame Oxidation – damage to the surface finish of the metal surrounding glass panels used in commercial building construction. Aluminum doesn’t rust but it can be damaged by the elements over time. The frames can become chalky or dull looking or the color can fade.

Window Frame Restoration Services – the process of cleaning, repairing, and protecting the surface finish of the metal surrounding glass panels used in commercial building construction. Window frames can lose their luster, oxidize, rust, or become stained. Restoring the window frame is just as important as cleaning the windows if you want to keep the exterior of your commercial building looking great.

Window Lintel – a beam placed across openings in buildings to support the load of the structure above. They can be placed above windows or doors and are most commonly found in brick walls.

Window Perimeter Caulking – a sealant used to bridge the gap between the exterior surface of a wall and a window frame. Different from wet glazing because wet glazing is used to seal a window to its frame. The window perimeters are common sources of water and air leaks in commercial buildings.

Window Restoration Services – the process of cleaning, repairing, and protecting the surface finish of glass used in the construction of commercial buildings. Glass that appears dirty from staining or looks dull due to scratches can negatively impact the overall appearance of your commercial building. A complete window restoration from a trusted professional can improve the look of your building and save you money over the cost of replacing the windows.