Frequently Asked Questions About Restoration Services in Gainesville, FL

A: 

• FL Licensed Mold Assessor
• FL Licensed Mold Remediator
• IICRC Mold Remediation Specialist (MRS)
• IICRC Commercial Drying Specialist (CDS)
•  IICRC Water Damage Restoration (WRT)
• IICRC Applied Structural Drying (ASD)
• IICRC Health and Safety Technician (HST)
• Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC) Certified Firm
• IICRC Trauma and Crime Scene Technician (TCST) 
• IICRC Applied Microbial Remediation Technician (AMRT) 
• IICRC Odor Control Technician (OCT)
• IICRC Fire and Smoke Damage Restoration Technician (FSRT)

A: Yes, All Our Technicians Are Certified Professionals With Extensive Experience In Property Restoration. They Undergo Regular Training To Stay Updated With The Latest Industry Standards And Techniques. Additionally, We Are Fully Insured, Providing You With Peace Of Mind Knowing Your Property Is In Capable Hands.

A: Absolutely! We Understand That Dealing With Insurance Claims Can Be Overwhelming, And We're Here To Help. Our Team Has Experience Working With Various Insurance Providers, And We Can Assist You Throughout The Claims Process, Ensuring You Receive The Compensation You Deserve For The Restoration Work.

A: The Cost Of Our Restoration Services Varies Depending On The Extent Of The Damage And The Specific Requirements Of Each Project. We Offer Free Assessments And Estimates, Allowing Our Experts To Evaluate Your Property And Provide You With A Transparent And Accurate Quote Before Proceeding With Any Work.

A: Certainly! We Strive To Accommodate Your Schedule As Much As Possible. During The Booking Process, Let Us Know Your Preferred Time, And We'll Do Our Best To Arrange The Restoration Service At A Convenient Time For You. We Also Offer 24-Hour Emergency Services.

A: The Duration Of The Restoration Process Depends On The Nature And Severity Of The Damage. Minor Issues May Be Resolved Within A Few Days, While More Extensive Restoration Projects Can Take Longer. Rest Assured; We Work Efficiently To Complete The Restoration Process Promptly, Ensuring Minimal Disruption To Your Daily Life.

A: No.

A: For Emergency Services, You Can Reach Us 24/7 By Calling Our Dedicated Hotline At (352) 722-3790. Our Customer Support Team Is Ready To Assist You At Any Time Of The Day Or Night.

Alternatively, You Can Also Contact Us Through Our Website To Schedule A Non-Emergency Appointment Or Request More Information About Our Services.

A: Ozone machines can be implemented to neutralize odors caused by mold and mildew, but to our knowledge, Ozone machines do not remediate mold. 

A: Yes, absolutely. Given the potential for cross-contamination, you want confirmation of whether the duct cleaning resulted in mold spores being spread throughout the structure.

A. The IICRC is the Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration Certification, a non-profit organization for the Inspection, Cleaning, and Restoration Industries.  It is managed by a Board of Directors, comprised of 15 industry leaders elected by the IICRC’s Shareholders.

A: Yes.

In addition to technicians being IICRC certified, the entire company is also IICRC certified.

A: IICRC Certified Firms are known for their high level of technical experience and professionalism.  Due to the increased levels of dishonest, unqualified, unlicensed, and uninsured individuals/companies that are quick to take your $$$$, property managers, homeowners, and business owners need high-quality contractors.

By hiring an IICRC Certified Firm, you are provided with a level of comfort and assurance that cannot be replicated. 

A: Satisfaction; be prompt; conduct business with honesty, integrity, and fairness; build consumer confidence in the industry; and promote good relations with affiliate industries.

A: The IICRC-S500 says regardless of the equilibrium moisture content (EMC) of the material(s) in the structure, the material(s) cannot be at an EMC that would support microbial growth.  An acceptable dry standard is within 10% of what the other similar materials in the facilities were pre-loss. 

A: Assessing the water category will determine what is needed to address the damages adequately.

Category 1 = clean water, or water that does not pose a threat to humans. Possible causes of this type of damage include broken appliances or sink overflows.

Category 2 = gray water. This means that the water is contaminated and may cause sickness of ingested. This type of water contains microorganisms. Broken toilets, broken sump pumps, and seepage may cause category 2 water damage.

Category 3 = black water. This type of water is unsanitary, as it contains bacteria and other organisms that cause sickness. The possible sources of black water damage include sewage problems and contamination of standing water.

A: Yes, b/c Category 1 water (a.k.a “clean water”) comes from a clean source, but unless you are certain it is Cat 1 water, don’t risk it. 

Cat 1 water, before it comes into contact with outside bacteria and other matter, poses no health risk, but again unless you are certain it is Cat 1 water, don’t risk it. 

A: Affected objects such as carpet, padding, and drywall/sheetrock must be removed and disposed of.  A biocide must be applied to kill microorganisms on site.

A: Cat 3 water damage refers to water that contains dangerous matter, ranging from pathogenic to toxic agents.

Contact with Cat 3 water is potentially harmful (e.g., flood surges during a storm/hurricane, sewage, septic backup, or any contaminated ground surface water.)

A: Mold reproduces via tiny spores (i.e., mold spores), which are invisible to the naked eye and float through the air.  Mold can begin growing when mold spores land on surfaces that are wet. There are many types of mold, and none of them will grow without water or moisture.

A: Keep indoor humidity below 60% (ideally btwn 30% - 50%) relative humidity. 

A: Molds gradually destroy the things they grow on.  The longer it grows, the more damage it can cause. You can prevent damage to your home and furnishings, save money, and avoid potential health problems by controlling moisture and eliminating mold growth.

A: No.

A: Yes. 

Mold produces allergens, which can cause health problems, such as allergic reactions, irritants, and in some cases, potentially toxic substances (mycotoxins).

Inhaling or touching mold or mold spores may cause allergic reactions in sensitive individuals. 

A: Allergic responses include hay fever-type symptoms, such as sneezing, runny nose, red eyes, and skin rash (dermatitis).

Allergic reactions can be immediate or delayed. 

A: Molds can also cause asthma attacks in people with asthma who are allergic to mold. 

A: No.  It has to be properly remediated. 

A: No. You must apply a biocide to kill the microorganisms, including the spores, on-site.

A: Yes. Avoid breathing in mold or mold spores. In order to limit your exposure to airborne mold, you may want to wear an N-95 respirator, available at many hardware stores and from companies that advertise on the Internet.   We use a 3M 6900 Full Face Mask with two 929… filters, gloves, and eye protection. 

A: The plastic, typically 6 mil, is used to create a confined area to minimize mold spores spreading to unaffected area(s) (or what is referred to in the industry as the containment).  For example, if there is mold in the bathroom but not in the bedroom, a containment (typically 6 mil plastic) would be put in place with tape (single or double—sided) and/or zip poles and a zipper (for ingress and egress) to partition off the affected area (i.e., the bathroom) from the unaffected area(s) (i.e., the rest of the house).  

The plastic/containment also provides the additional benefit of containing dust and debris during the removal of affected materials, such as drywall and insulation.

Mold containment is a crucial step in mold remediation, involving the isolation of a mold-infested area to prevent the spread of spores to unaffected areas. This is achieved through various methods, including physical barriers, negative air pressure, and air filtration systems. Effective containment safeguards building occupants and remediation professionals, ensuring a controlled and safe environment for mold removal. 

A: Prevents Spore Spread:

 When mold is disturbed during remediation, it releases spores into the air, which can easily travel and contaminate other areas (i.e., cross-contamination).  The containment combined with a negative air machine are intended to prevent mold spores from spreading throughout the structure to unaffected areas. 

Protects Occupants and Professionals: 

The containment reduces the risk of exposure to harmful mold spores, protecting the health of building occupants and remediation workers. 

A: Physical Barriers:

Creating physical barriers using materials like polyethylene sheeting, duct tape, and zip walls to isolate the affected area. 

Negative Air Pressure:

Using negative air machines and exhaust fans to create negative pressure within the containment area, drawing air inwards and preventing it from escaping into unaffected areas. 

HEPA Filtration:

Employing HEPA filters on air scrubbers and negative air machines to remove mold spores from the air within the containment area. 

Decontamination Chambers:

For larger containment areas, decontamination chambers (airlocks) may be used to allow workers to enter and exit the containment area safely, minimizing the risk of spore transfer. 

Key Considerations:

Proper Sealing:

All openings (doors, windows, vents, etc.) within the containment area should be sealed to prevent air leaks. 

Material Thickness: 

Plastic sheeting used for containment should be a minimum of 6 mils thick (0.006 inches). 

Professional Expertise:   

Mold remediation, especially in cases of significant contamination or potential health hazards, should be performed by qualified professionals who understand containment procedures. 

A: The ducts throughout any structure are an efficient means of transporting mold spores, which is something you do not want.  Similar to the plastic containment, taping over the vents or covering them with plastic is intended to minimize cross-contamination (i.e., mold spores spreading from affected area(s) to unaffected area(s)).