Over the past 15 years, the landscape of the estimating world has gone through many changes in the property restoration industry.
The official ISSA/INTERCLEAN® North America 2017 issue of ISSA Today is now available in digital formats for your desktop and mobile devices. This edition includes... Read more
The deadline to vote for Cintas Corp.’s Canada’s Best Restroom Contest is September 8. Cintas revealed the five finalists in the eighth annual contest in July. The award... Read more
Dow Chemical Co. has reorganized the company’s leadership team with the appointment of two executives, effective September 30. Reiner Roghmann has been appointed vice president of... Read more
The Drymatic Boost Box is used for water damage restorers to maintain the drying environment.
The FLIR Ex Series Thermal Cameras: The ultimate, affordable inspection tool. Enhanced with MSX® technology, they reveal unseen problems from energy loss, moisture intrusion, structural issues and overheating electrical and mechanical equipment.
Odorox hydroxyl generators are so simple and safe to use, yet the most powerful odor elimination product available.
Creative Fabrications was hired to clean the exterior of the stainless steel Julio Penrose Fountain, located inside America the Beautiful State Park in Colorado Springs, Colorado.
The First & Only Policy Offering PREMIUM DISCOUNTS For ICRA Members.
Looking for a lightweight, easy-to-operate extraction tool? Choose the Aqua Helix from Prochem.
The BrushBeast offers a big increase in power that can handle heavy build up within air duct systems while still remaining portable and compact enough to move throughout a home or business.
As we join together to unite in the recovery and restoration efforts, I asked a few of our industries leaders who live and work in the area to share their thoughts with us.
As we see and experience the widespread devastation in Texas, we also see an outpouring of support and help. In the face of the tragedies, we also get to see the best in others.
If Hurricane Matthew would have taken a more westerly track by just 30 or 40 miles it probably would have been the largest natural catastrophe the East Coast has seen since Hurricane Andrew in 1992.
If you have been in the restoration business for more than five years, you have likely noticed it is getting harder to collect from your customers who are dependent upon insurance proceeds and two-party checks to pay for your services.
Dow Chemical Co. has allocated US$1 million to support long-term and immediate relief to the damage caused by Hurricane Harvey in Texas. As part of its overall support, Dow has donated $100,000 to... Read more
Strategic Market Alliance (SMA) been awarded a three-year group purchasing contract with health care facilities alliance Premier, Inc. Per the terms of the deal, SMA will supply cleaning... Read more
Network Services Co. has appointed Carl Freitag to the company’s corporate account sales team. Freitag has more than three decades of experience in the foodservice packaging... Read more
As a professional who has been involved in the mold remediation industry ever since it emerged from the shadows of the more general concept of an indoor air quality problem, I find it fascinating to see how much the science and practice of fungal control continues to change.
One of many things to take into account when building a house or any other facility is the growth of mold during the construction. Mold is everywhere, so it stands as huge and possible threat that can slow the construction and increase costs of replacing affected materials as well as costs of remediation. Depending on climate and location, some construction sites are more susceptible to moisture that later result in moldy buildings. The least expensive way to deal with the mold is the prevention and certain measures undertaken before and during the construction can go a long way.
Choosing the right location of the construction site is most important in preventing future moisture problems. Proper location with high water table will significantly ease the construction process and prevent moisture entering in the foundations. Also, the land should be drained or graded to redirect rain and melted snow away from the construction.
Inspecting building material is highly recommended, even if the construction is taking place in a dry climate. It is of great importance to determine whether the materials were handled and transported properly as well as that there is no excess moisture presence. Manufacturers usually offer options for wrapping the material with moisture resistant protection and often they offer a window for inspection and possible rejection. Make sure to note and return to supplier any flawed material and wait for new shipment.
Site storage should be dry and covered, to prevent moisture damage to the perfectly good material. If possible, always store under the roof and a few feet of the ground. Cover the material with plastic sheets to keep it dry but make sure to that the covering is not too tight since the moist can build up in time. Also, limit storage time and have the delivery right before materials are going to be used. The aim is to enclose the structure as soon as possible.
It is a common thing that building material does get wet, due to the poor storing options and bad weather. Leave it to dry before being enclosed and make sure that they are dry enough before construction continues. Using a moisture meter can help you determine if the materials are ready for use and know that wood material shouldn’t contain more than 19% of moisture as for the engineering materials the level should be much lower, even down to 4%.
Mold problems usually develop during the framing, so using the Pre-built components will provide faster process, swift framing and closing the construction much quicker. That way moisture and possible mold will not have enough time to become a problem. Although using trusses is more expensive, quicker construction, mold prevention, and reduced labor costs are the significant advantages.
When building in challenging conditions such as continuous wet weather or time limitations, there may be a need for utilizing a commercial dehumidification equipment. A desiccant dehumidifier is a useful tool in drying construction material by reducing humidity and vapor pressure. So far, it is a most efficient method of accelerated drying of building materials, while it seriously reduces the possibility of mold growth. In a wet climate, this is one of the regular construction expenses and usual practice, same as investing in dilapidation report.
If the need arises, in most extreme cases calling mold removal professionals is the only possible solution. For many home builders, this is the only hope if any other mold prevention method failed. If the mold remains during construction or if it reappears after the construction was closed in, do not hesitate to reach for help.
Depending on climate, construction time and even luck, some contractors will manage to avoid mold problems. Do not count on luck when undertaking such a big project, be smart and vigilant, take precaution and prevent future problems. Being careful and willing to invest up front can go a long way, especially comparing to the horrific alternative. Many settlements against construction managers, subcontractors, and architects are reaching six figure numbers due to the mold problem, so make sure to follow these tips and prevent problems down the road.
Kleenmark has successfully completed recertification to the ISSA Cleaning Industry Management Standard (CIMS) and CIMS-Green Building (CIMS-GB) criteria with Honors. To earn... Read more
Two Dow Chemical Co. scientists have been named 2017 American Chemical Society (ACS) Fellows. Al Ribes and Mark Jones were recognized by the ACS for their contributions to the society and their... Read more
Stay up to date on the industry's newest products and services from these ISSA members. On Guard Saint-Gobain Performance Plastics has expanded its patented HoseGard product portfolio to fit a... Read more
Spartan Chemical Co. has promoted Ryan Leadingham to divisional sales manager of the company’s West Coast division. Leadingham, an ISSA Certification Expert (I.C.E.), has been... Read more
The ISSA/INTERCLEAN® North America 2017 Mobile App Sponsored by R3 Reliable Redistribution Resource is now available for download at www.issa.com/app. The free app provides convenient... Read more
ISS has been awarded an expanded facility services contract with international automobile manufacturer Daimler AG. The five-year deal calls for ISS to provide technical cleaning services... Read more
Johnson Controls, Inc. has appointed George Oliver CEO and chairman of the company’s board. Oliver joined Johnson Controls last year as president and chief operating officer when the... Read more
Kimberly-Clark Professional, in collaboration with the Association for the Healthcare Environment (AHE), has named Valerie Macey the recipient of the 2017 Heart of Healthcare Award. Now in its... Read more
Why do we as a whole, the disaster restoration industry, allow unethical and fraudulent contractors to continue to operate within our industry? I know you’re probably saying to yourself “…what?
The International Facility Management Association (IFMA) will host its 2017 World Workplace Conference and Expo, October 18-20, at the George R. Brown Convention Center in Houston, TX. The... Read more
