Water Damage
Fire Damage
Mold Remediation

Water Damage

Where can I find published standards for the restoration industry?
You can find out more about industry standards through either the Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC) at www.iicrc.org or the Association of Specialists in Cleaning and Restoration (ASCR) at www.ascr.org.

What is psychrometry?
Psychrometry is the science and practice associated with atmospheric air mixtures, their evaluation, control and effect on material and comfort. In other words, psychrometry is the study of how water vapor (among other gases) affects materials and how it can be controlled.

What's GPP?
GPP stands for Grains Per Pound. In simple terms, a grain is unit of measurement for weight. It is used to determine the specific amount of water present in a pound of air. On average, one pound of air has a volume of 14 cubic feet and a weight of 7000 grains. This means that one grain equals 1/7000th of a pound. GPP shows the actual weight of water vapor in the air. It is often referred to as specific humidity or humidity ratio.

What is dewpoint?
Dewpoint is the temperature at which air holds all the water vapor it can possibly contain. If the temperature drops below dewpoint the air must "give up" water vapor in the form of condensation.

Refrigerant dehumidifiers operate on the principle of dewpoint. Moisture-laden air passes over cold evaporator coils. The cold coils lower the temperature of the air below its dewpoint. Moisture condenses on the coils and drains into the pan to be pumped out

How do I know when the structure is dry?
You can only be certain of a dry structure by taking thorough measurements with moisture detection instruments. All affected materials should be returned to pre-loss condition within 4 percent (or points) of dry standard for your area.

My hardwood floor is starting to cup or crown. What can I do?
Cupping or crowning are indications of abnormal moisture content in hardwoods. It also tells you the location of the majority of the moisture. Cupping occurs when there is surplus moisture on the bottom of the wood. Crowning occurs when there is more moisture on top.

If you notice cupping or crowing, you should begin drying the floor as soon as possible. By reducing the moisture content of wood materials quickly and early you can reverse the cupping or crowning process.

How can I best prevent mold?
Your best defense against mold is to keep the structure clean and dry.

What is PPE?
PPE stands for Personal Protection Equipment. Depending on the type of restoration work you do, it may include safety goggles, respirator, rubber gloves, hard hat and a HAZMAT suit.

Do I need to contain Category 3 (sewage-related) water losses?
Yes, you must contain Category 3 losses. Containment prevents contaminants from spreading to clean areas of the structure. You should establish containment whenever contaminants are present.

When do I need to use an air scrubber?
It is now recommended that you include an air scrubber on every remediation job AND every water damage restoration job. The restoration/remediation process sends millions of microscopic particles into the air where they may be inhaled by employees or occupants. An air scrubber filters the air to reduce the number of particles and maintain high indoor air quality.

1. Remove all structural components that are charred, or which seal smoke or moisture within pockets of saturation. In extensive losses, blown or bat insulation must be removed and replaced. It’s a mistake to be too conservative here.
   
2. Remove floor coverings second after they collect the fallout of ceiling and wall demolition.
   
3. Once removed, structural framing and subfloor materials must be carefully evaluated for damage (charring, warping, etc.). Remove and plan to replace as required.
   
4. Salvable wall framing should be treated with appropriate odor counteractants, which in some cases, may include an appropriate biocide, depending on the extent of microbial contamination.
   
5. As close to the outset of restoration procedures as possible, the HVAC must be either removed or thoroughly restored. This is particularly critical to prevent smoke particles, which range from 0.1-4 microns, from being released into respirable air. Ciliated surfaces on bronchial passages are able to filter particles down to 10 microns. Others have the potential to penetrate deeply into lung tissues where, at best, they cause irritation, and at worst, they could result in scarring of the alveoli.
   
6. Framing materials must be allowed to dry to within 4 percent of normal moisture content, which generally is around 10% in the Chicago area.
   
7. While the home is unoccupied, and as successive areas are dried in, I would not hesitate to use a combination of ozone deodorization and wet or dry fogging, to oxidize or otherwise neutralize odor. Both processes must be applied by trained professionals to avoid health risks, or the potential for damage from the process itself.
   
8. Framing materials should be sealed with an appropriate sealer, before replacing drywall, paneling, decking, etc. Otherwise, odor will leach out of structural materials for months, if not years to come. Simply putting up new drywall and taping and mudding joints will not seal in untreated odor.
   
9. As individual rooms are completely reconstructed, deodorization efforts should continue, progressing from least damaged areas back to the source. Usually, source areas are that last to be dried in and reconstructed.
   
10. Savable drywall, if any, should be sealed carefully and painted (two coats).
    
11. Airing out the structure both during and for several days after each phase of construction helps minimize VOCs that off-gas from new materials, adhesives, and coatings.
    
12. All salvable furnishings, contents, and removable fixtures should be processed meticulously in a restoration facility, before being returned to the fully restored home.