Category Archives: Blog

Oxidizing Agents for Mold Removal

Mold Remediation Required
Oxidation involves the loss of electrons in a chemical reaction, which changes the structure of a residue to render it more easily removed. Regarding mold removal, the loss of electrons normally ensues with the gain of an oxygen by the oxidized residue, and the corresponding gain of an electron from the residue by the reduction of the oxidizing agent in the detergent that loses the oxygen. This means organic residues can be more easily extracted via oxidation.

Ice Dams & Water Damage Restoration

Water Damage Restoration
Icicles along a roofline are largely perceived as a beautiful winter staple, yet often indicate ice dams and a potential for water damage to the structure. Ice damming blocks roofing drainage systems, diverting the flow of water under roof coverings and into the building envelope. Once within, gravity carries this permeation through insulation, ceilings, walls, and floors causing widespread water damage. At this point, immediate water damage restoration is essential to prevent the possibility of mold contamination.

The Devastating Effects of Water Damage

water damage restoration
When you consider the statistics, it becomes clear just how common and devastating a problem water damage can be. According to industry estimates, 14,000 people in the US experience a water damage emergency at home or work each day, and 98% of basements in the US will suffer from some type of water damage during their lifetime. The costs are just as staggering as the frequency. Water damage restoration and mold remediation services cost the insurance industry approximately $2.5 billion dollars per year, and the average cost of a home water damage insurance claim is $6,965.

Mold Remediation: Education & Experience

Mold Contamination
Mold remediation is not a job for the inexperienced. Know-it-all contractors and overzealous homeowners often attempt mold removal projects lacking the knowledge, tools and materials required to eradicate mold contamination safely and completely. An uninformed approach to this complicated undertaking generally exacerbates the circumstances with unchecked sporulation and widespread cross contamination. Ultimately, such a naïve attitude regarding this very serious problem will require far more financial input to correct than if trained and certified mold restoration professionals were enlisted initially. Furthermore, deleterious health consequences may result as a byproduct of such hubris.

Fire Damage Restoration & Dry Ice Blasting

Fire Restoration
In very basic terms, dry ice blasting involves "blast cleaning" a surface with compressed air, and dry ice particles, usually in the form of dry ice pellets. Fine CO2 (dry ice) particles are "blasted" on to a surface, the unwanted contaminants freeze and fracture, then an explosion of energy takes place, resulting in the thorough removal of the unwanted coatings. This non-destructive method of safely cleaning surfaces and/or removing unwanted coatings has become the preferred method to remove smoke soot, vaporized synthetic resins, and char associated with fire damage restoration. Furthermore, dry ice blasting can eliminate the musty burnt smell that results from fire, smoke, and water damage.

Sewage Damage Restoration & Insurance Coverage

Toilet Sewage Overflow
As a property owner requiring sewage damage restoration, the distinction between a sewage backup and a sewage overflow is important to understand and be able to identify independently of an insurance carrier. Awareness of the differences and what they entail regarding the possibility and extent of insurance coverage will help property insurance policy holders protect their interests in the event of a flood originating from a wastewater drainage line.

Long Term Damage & Flood Restoration Coverage

Flood Damage
There are a variety of situations, events and avenues of delivery that could result in water damage to a structure and the contents within. Potential occurrences include human error, vandalism and failure of building systems designed to deliver, remove or protect the structure from water intrusion. Failure of major building systems, such as plumbing, or roofing can be the result of immediate and unexpected physical damage or deterioration over time.

Restoration Company Choice & Insurance Company Abuse

Emergency Restoration
After sustaining damage to your property that the insurance adjuster confirms as covered, the adjuster will then strongly suggest that you use a restoration service from their preferred list of vendors. They may or may not also inform you that you have the right to use a contractor of your choice to perform the repair work. Under the Insurance contract it is clearly outlined that the policy holder is responsible for the outcome of the “claims process”, however insurance companies’ routinely attempt to convince the insured to use an emergency restoration contractor from their vendor program.

Air Duct Cleaning Essentials

Duct Cleaning
Through normal occupation, a family can generate a great deal of contaminants; such as dander, dust and chemicals. These pollutants are cycled through the average HVAC system between 5 and 7 times each day. Over time, this re-circulation causes a build-up of debris within the duct system that should be regularly cleaned.

Home Buyers Rarely Consider Sewer Line Inspection

Video Drain Inspection

Why Home-Buyers Should Consider Sewer Inspection

Home buyers commonly enlist the services of a real estate inspector to check the roof, foundation, electrical system, HVAC system and other areas of the property that are readily accessible. Issues uncovered by home inspection services are commonly inexpensive repairs that afford the home buyer leverage to negotiate a lower purchase price. The standard home inspection does not take into consideration the condition of the sewer line and perspective home buyers rarely consider sewer line inspection, which can prove an expensive oversight.