Frequently Asked Questions:
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Phase 1: Water Damage Restoration – What Happens Now?
Itinerary Expectations – Water Damage Restoration
Steps and Approximate Time-Lines For The Home or Business Owner.
First and foremost, we would like to “thank you” for hiring 24/7 Restoration for your water damage needs! We are always excited to provide our services to a new customer. Our goal is to earn your trust, and be your life long “Go To Specialist” any time you or someone you know experiences an unfortunate damage loss.
Having to deal with a mold or water damage scenario is not only a burden on your personal time, it’s a stressful situation to have to experience. A lot of information is passed on to you as a home or business owner. Sometimes it is nice to have a reminder of what was discussed, and a quick reference of “what to expect” during your cleanup and /or damage repair.
Phase 1: Water Damage – Mitigation
Technicians will have determined what areas were affected, what type of water damage source and if there are any safety concerns. Structures built prior to 1978 will require per California state law – testing by a certified environmental hygienist for lead and asbestos before any cutout of affected materials. Drying may begin while awaiting results. If built in 1978 or after, they will begin with containment and air filtration (if necessary) and removing (if necessary) and discarding any non-salvageable affected porous materials – i.e Drywall, Insulation, Cabinets, Baseboards, Flooring, etc.. Anti-microbial disinfectant will be applied to any exposed framing, sub-floor, and other salvageable areas determined to be affected. Drying equipment will be strategically placed and operating 24 hours a day until satisfactory results are achieved.
An average dry down will take anywhere from a minimum of two days – up to a week dependent on extent of damage and how wet. Specialty hardwood floor drying can potentially take longer. 24/7 will document the drying process from beginning to end and take photographs for our job records and /or insurance claim filing. As a valued customer, we understand how much you want this to be over with. We ask that you try and be patient; we are trying to complete the process as efficiently as possible. Daily monitoring will be arranged (based off you and /or your tenant’s schedule). We will do our best to find a convenient time to stop by.
- Insurance Claims –We work with all insurance providers and will request your claim number and best used email address at either the beginning of the job or sometime during the process to ensure we provide the proper documentation /billing and everything else needed to help in your covered claim. We want this process to be as stress free as possible for you during your damage loss. If you have not already provided this info, you may send that information directly to our field manager.
Additionally: Your deductible will not be applied to the dry-out portion and will be automatically deducted via your insurance company in the “phase 2” repair estimate.
- Out of Pocket –In the event you opt-out of filing an insurance claim, or have been denied coverage, you will have received a preliminary estimate for phase 1 dry-out portion. At completion of the job, per your request, we will send an invoice via email or mail it out to you directly per your request. Preferred payment is by check, credit card (processing fee of 3.5% if doing it by card), or by ACH bank direct pay (no fees).
Note: We can facilitate lead/asbestos and /or bacteria testing if needed or requested by owner or property manager. Because we cannot do our own testing, these costs will be provided by the third party company directly to the responsible party or insurance provider. Most covered insurance claims will also pay required testing fees.
Further questions can be answered by our Field manager by phone or by contacting us here.
Thank you for considering 24/7 Restoration for all of your water damage needs.
Phase 1: Mold Remediation & Removal – What Happens Now?
Itinerary Expectations – Mold Remediation & Removal
Steps and Approximate Time-Lines For The Home or Business Owner.
First and foremost, we would like to “thank you” for hiring 24/7 Restoration for your mold remediation needs! We are always excited to provide our services to a new customer. Our goal is to earn your trust, and be your life long “Go To Specialist” any time you or someone you know experiences an unfortunate damage loss.
Having to deal with a mold damage scenario can not only be a burden on your personal time, but overall a stressful situation to have to experience. A lot of information is passed on to you as a home or business owner. Sometimes it is nice to have a reminder of what was discussed, and a quick reference of “what to expect” during your cleanup and /or damage repair.
Phase 1: Mold Removal – Remediation
Technicians will have determined what approximate area is affected by colonization of mold growth. Mold colonies can rapidly spread through a combination of elements. It will tend to grow in hidden areas in and around visible spores. Pre-mold testing is usually not required. However, structures built prior to 1978 will require per California state law – testing by a certified environmental hygienist for lead and asbestos before any cut-out of affected materials. If built in 1978 or after, they will begin with containment and air filtration. They will be removing and discarding any non-salvageable affected porous materials – i.e Drywall, Insulation, Cabinets, Baseboards, Flooring, etc.. Exposed framing will be addressed through a combination of wire brushing, sanding, anti-fungal treatment and in some cases application of mold resistant encapsulant. Sub-flooring on upper levels will sometimes be compromised as a result of wet and/ or dry-rot and may also need to be replaced. A combination of Dehumidification and Air Filtration (aka Air Scrubbers) will be strategically placed and should remain operating 24 hours a day until satisfactory results are achieved.
An average mold remediation to be done by industry standards (IICRC S520) will take anywhere from a minimum of five days – up to a week. This will be dependent on the extent of the damage, and how far the colony has migrated in and around the main source. This will also be dependent on whether or not you will request a post mold air quality test (optional). Surface mold growth can sometimes be addressed in a shorter amount of time depending on the scale. 24/7 will document the remediation process from beginning to end and take photographs for our job records and /or insurance claim filing. As a valued customer, we understand how much you want this to be over with. We ask that you try and be patient; we are trying to complete the process as efficiently as possible. Daily monitoring will be arranged (based off you and /or your tenant’s schedule). We will do our best to find a convenient time to stop by.
- Insurance Claims –We work with all insurance providers and will request your claim number and best used email address at either the beginning of the job or sometime during the process to ensure we provide the proper documentation /billing and everything else needed to help in your covered claim. We want this process to be as stress free as possible for you during your damage loss. If you have not already provided this info, you may send that information directly to our field manager.
Additionally: Your deductible will not be applied to the dry-out portion and will be automatically deducted via your insurance company in the “phase 2” repair estimate.
- Out of Pocket –In the event you opt-out of filing an insurance claim, or have been denied coverage, you will have received a preliminary estimate for the remediation out of pocket. At completion of the job, per your request, we will send an invoice via email or mail it out to you directly per your request. Preferred payment is by check, credit card (processing fee of 3.5% if doing it by card), or by ACH bank direct pay (no fees).
Note: We can facilitate lead/asbestos and /or bacteria testing if needed or requested by owner or property manager. Because we cannot do our own testing, these costs will be provided by the third party company directly to the responsible party or insurance provider. Most covered insurance claims will also pay required testing fees.
Further questions can be answered by our Field manager by phone or by contacting us here.
Thank you for considering 24/7 Restoration for all of your water damage needs.
Phase 2: Build Back & Reconstruction - Does 24/7 Do Repairs?
Steps and Approximate Time-Lines For The Home or Business Owner.
Phase 2: Build Back Repairs – Reconstruction
24/7 Restoration is a division of “Epic Interiors & Construction Inc“. After completion of phase 1 – water or mold damage remediation you will be ready for the final touch of restoring your home or place of business back to pre-loss condition. If you are considering having us do the repairs – i.e Insulation, Drywall, Texture, Paint, Cabinets, Baseboards, Flooring, etc.. We are a full service General contractor and would love the opportunity to further show how much we can make it look like nothing had ever happened. At this point you will have either received a repair estimate via your insurance company, or you will need us to provide you one depending on whether you had an open approved claim, or if you are paying out of pocket. This is something that will be required with a separate work contract to begin work.
We do not provide up front estimates for reconstruction until completion of the mitigation and /or remediation. In order to accurately determine the cost to rebuild the damage this is always done “after phase 1”. An average expectation for us to begin repairing the damage will be anywhere from the week following phase 1 completion, and up to a month after, depending on a couple of factors.
Firstly, please keep in mind we do the best we can to provide estimates and repairs as quickly and efficiently as possible. Majority of the time, any delay in getting your home or place of business put back together will be due to the Insurance provider and /or your personal approvals for estimates, and if any, additional line items not presented at the time of your adjusters assessment.
Secondly, due to the potential volume of customers requiring reconstruction repairs at any given time, the project manager will do their best to accommodate a date and time to begin the work based off a – first come – first serve basis.
You may at any time decide to use another party for your repairs. Don’t worry! We understand some circumstances require more rush dependent on factors not limited to Landlord / Tenant needs, leaving the state or country, or other various reasons.
- Insurance Claims –We work with all insurance providers and will request your claim number and best used email address at either the beginning of the job or sometime during the process to ensure we provide the proper documentation /billing and everything else needed to help in your covered claim. We want this process to be as stress free as possible for you during your damage loss. If you have not already provided this info, you may send that information directly to the project manager.
Additionally: Your deductible will not be applied to the dry-out portion and will be automatically deducted via your insurance company in the “phase 2” repair estimate.
- Out of Pocket –In the event you opt-out of filing an insurance claim, or have been denied coverage, you will have received a preliminary estimate for the repairs. At completion of the job, per your request, we will send an invoice via email or mail it out to you directly per your request. Preferred payment is by check, credit card (processing fee of 3.5% if doing it by card), or by ACH bank direct pay (no fees).
Further questions can be answered by our project manager by phone or by contacting us here.
Thank you for considering 24/7 Restoration for all of your water damage needs.
What Are The Most Common Materials To Be Affected And Removed?
Mold and /or Water Damage can have a major impact on all organic porous materials inside of your home or office. Some materials will be simply dried in place while others will have been removed and discarded. The following may or may not have to be removed depending the category of water damage, and /or whether mold growth has already started. This is to ensure health and safety of any occupants. Occasionally some materials will simply have to be pulled away to allow drying access.
The most common materials to be affected and potentially removed are as follows:
Baseboards / Crown – Water will soak into both baseboards and crown moulding and depending on the material these may need to be replaced or detached and reinstalled. MDF (Medium-Density-Fiberboard) will tend to swell up and need to be discarded while natural woods may be salveagable. If affected by mold they will always be disposed of.
Sheetrock / Drywall – Dry wall doesn’t need much exposure to water in order for it to turn brittle, swell and mold. Deformed, mold-infested water damaged walls are the result if left untreated. If water damage is caught soon enough it can be dried in place with limited removal. Again, this will be dependent on what category of water.
Cabinetry – Like the other materials mentioned most cabinetry will have a tendency to soak up water. Standard grade cabinets are made up of composite material – (MDF, Particle Board, Etc.) and will swell or become brittle. Custom or higher end cabinets will be made out of solid wood (Poplar, Pine, Maple, Alder, Etc.). Cabinets will also likely be covered with a wood veneer, laminate or thermofoil. This can sometimes result in a barrier in which the material will lock in moisture, thus creating a more difficult dry down. Some cabinets have backs and some do not. Backs will sometimes need to be cut to allow for proper drying or to address mold.
Countertops –
Most Common Types:
Natural stone – (Granite, Marble, Quarts, Etc.). These are first on the list to try and salvage. Most of the time this will have been done (If Applicable) by stilting the countertop in place. Other times it will simply be detached and staged out of the work area. Each scenario is different and there is never a guarantee they will make it through the remediation process. This is due to how high affected drywall is behind, connecting seams, the location, and /or craftmanship of initial installation.
Tile – This type of material is 95 percent un-salvageable due to the simple fact any flex or movement will crack the grout. In the rare instance it is able to be kept intact on initial removal of cabinetry underneath, there is no guarantee it will make it through reinstallation of cabinetry when it comes to reconstruction.
*Other types of countertops not limited to -“laminate” are relatively either able to be salvaged with relative ease or simply replaced at lesser cost.
Flooring –
Most Common Types:
Carpet – Carpets are durable, but to a point. Carpet is not meant to be constantly wet, so leaving water damage untreated will cause your carpet backing to break down. Leave it for too long and the padding below the carpet and subfloor on second levels will start to weaken, loosen, decay and warp. In most instances only the carpet pad will have to be cut out. Thus allowing for air movement underneath to speed up the drying process. Again, this will be dependent on what category of water and if there is mold in which case the carpet will not be salvageable.
Laminate – Laminate flooring is technically resistant to water damage. If you spill some water on laminate flooring but promptly wipe it up, then the floor will suffer no damage. Unfortunately, the situation changes if and when flooding occurs. If and when laminate becomes saturated with water, it becomes warped and damaged or the underlayment will trap the moisture underneath.
If the seams between laminate floor planks get saturated, they swell. When this occurs, your only option becomes to replace the planks with new ones. What of course makes laminate floor repair so difficult is that it’s really difficult to find a perfect match in regards to the look and the tongue and groove connection. Manufacturers change this every couple of years. This is why replacement is usually the recommended option.
Hardwood – Both engineered and natural hardwoods are beautiful. Unfortunately they soak up water and because of low permeance they can be difficult to salvage. However, depending on the category and how much square footage is affected this type of flooring can sometimes be specialty dried in place. Reasons it cannot be salvaged are not limited to contaminated water intrusion, amount of time, or type of material. Common damage will be swelling, buckling, staining, and /or the glue being compromised. The cost to dry hardwood in place can sometimes out way the cost to simply replace. This is due to the specialty equipment used and the timeframe it will take to achieve dry standards. Therefore an experienced technician will make that determination at the initial inspection.
*Tile flooring – Tile flooring rarely needs to be pulled up or removed. This is due to the fact of it not being an “organic” porous material. Tile will always register higher moisture as it is always curing.
If the tile flooring is on a second level, any sub flooring that gets wet underneath will have usually migrated to the lower level as well. This allows for drying the sub floor underneath the tile from below. However, If the sub floor has already shown signs of heavy microbial growth or rot. The tile may need to be removed to allow for reinstallation of sub flooring. In most cases if caught soon enough this can be addressed and salvaged.
Asbestos | Lead | Mold Post Clearance - Do I Need Testing?
Do I Need Testing?
There are a few scenarios whether it be water or mold, in which we will recommend testing. Some scenarios will be required by law, some for insurance or liability purposes, others will be optional for property owners and /or management.
If you have already received a pre-mold inspection air quality test you can provide the results to us. In most cases, pre-mold testing will not be required as visible surface growth will automatically come back positive.
Lead / Asbestos –
Technicians will have determined what areas were affected, what type of water damage source and if there are any safety concerns. Structures built prior to 1978 will require per California state law – testing by a certified environmental hygienist for lead and asbestos before any cutout of affected materials. Drying may begin while awaiting results.
*In some instances we may recommend testing if built in 1980 or earlier depending on variables not limited to – geographical location, popcorn ceilings, residual vct tiles, and /or property management or owners request.
Post Mold Clearance –
A post air quality test for mold will sometimes be paid by insurance in the event you have coverage for mold remediation. Other requests for post mold testing can be from the property or business owner. This test will provide a lab analysis of types of spores and counts comparable to outdoor air quality. This determines if the remediated area will likely harbor mold growth or is unsafe for human occupancy.
Again, post mold testing is optional. Sometimes it is not necessary if a smaller scale remediation has been performed.
Further questions can be answered by our Field manager by phone or by contacting us here.
Thank you for considering 24/7 Restoration for all of your water damage needs.
What Is Mold? - And Other Mold Related Questions
What are molds?
Molds are fungi that can be found both indoors and outdoors. No one knows how many species of fungi exist but estimates range from tens of thousands to perhaps three hundred thousand or more. Molds grow best in warm, damp, and humid conditions, and spread and reproduce by making spores. Mold spores can survive harsh environmental conditions, such as dry conditions, that do not support normal mold growth.
What are some of the common indoor molds?
- Cladosporium
- Penicillium
- Alternaria
- Aspergillus
How do molds affect people?
Some people are sensitive to molds. For these people, exposure to molds can cause symptoms such as nasal stuffiness, eye irritation, wheezing, or skin irritation. Some people, such as those with serious allergies to molds, may have more severe reactions. Severe reactions may occur among workers exposed to large amounts of molds in occupational settings, such as farmers working around moldy hay. Severe reactions may include fever and shortness of breath. Some people with chronic lung illnesses, such as obstructive lung disease, may develop mold infections in their lungs.
In 2004 the Institute of Medicine (IOM) found there was sufficient evidence to link indoor exposure to mold with upper respiratory tract symptoms, cough, and wheeze in otherwise healthy people; with asthma symptoms in people with asthma; and with hypersensitivity pneumonitis in individuals susceptible to that immune-mediated condition. The IOM also found limited or suggestive evidence linking indoor mold exposure and respiratory illness in otherwise healthy children. In 2009, the World Health Organization issued additional guidance, the WHO Guidelines for Indoor Air Quality: Dampness and Mold. Other recent studies have suggested a potential link of early mold exposure to development of asthma in some children, particularly among children who may be genetically susceptible to asthma development, and that selected interventions that improve housing conditions can reduce morbidity from asthma and respiratory allergies, but more research is needed in this regard.
Where are molds found?
Molds are found in virtually every environment and can be detected, both indoors and outdoors, year round. Mold growth is encouraged by warm and humid conditions. Outdoors they can be found in shady, damp areas or places where leaves or other vegetation is decomposing. Indoors they can be found where humidity levels are high, such as basements or showers.
How can people decrease mold exposure?
Sensitive individuals should avoid areas that are likely to have mold, such as compost piles, cut grass, and wooded areas. Inside homes, mold growth can be slowed by controlling humidity levels and ventilating showers and cooking areas. If you suspect mold growth in your home, you should always have it assessed by a certified professional before trying to clean it up yourself.
Specific Recommendations:
- Keep humidity levels as low as you can—no higher than 50%–all day long. An air conditioner or dehumidifier will help you keep the level low. Bear in mind that humidity levels change over the course of a day with changes in the moisture in the air and the air temperature, so you will need to check the humidity levels more than once a day.
- Use an air conditioner or a dehumidifier during humid months.
- Be sure the home has adequate ventilation, including exhaust fans.
- Add mold inhibitors to paints before application.
- Clean bathrooms with mold killing products.
- Do not carpet bathrooms and basements.
- Remove or replace previously soaked carpets and upholstery.
What areas have high mold exposures?
- Antique shops
- Greenhouses
- Saunas
- Farms
- Mills
- Construction areas
- Flower shops
- Summer cottages
I found mold growing in my home, how do I test the mold?
Generally, it is not necessary to identify the species of mold growing in a residence, and CDC does not recommend routine sampling for molds. Current evidence indicates that allergies are the type of diseases most often associated with molds. Since the susceptibility of individuals can vary greatly either because of the amount or type of mold, sampling and culturing are not reliable in determining your health risk. If you are susceptible to mold and mold is seen or smelled, there is a potential health risk; therefore, no matter what type of mold is present, you should arrange for its removal. Furthermore, reliable sampling for mold can be expensive, and standards for judging what is and what is not an acceptable or tolerable quantity of mold have not been established.
A qualified environmental lab took samples of the mold in my home and gave me the results. Can CDC interpret these results?
Standards for judging what is an acceptable, tolerable, or normal quantity of mold have not been established. If you do decide to pay for environmental sampling for molds, before the work starts, you should ask the consultants who will do the work to establish criteria for interpreting the test results. They should tell you in advance what they will do or what recommendations they will make based on the sampling results. The results of samples taken in your unique situation cannot be interpreted without physical inspection of the contaminated area or without considering the building’s characteristics and the factors that led to the present condition.
What type of doctor should I see concerning mold exposure?
You should first consult a family or general health care provider who will decide whether you need referral to a specialist. Such specialists might include an allergist who treats patients with mold allergies or an infectious disease physician who treats mold infections. If an infection is in the lungs, a pulmonary physician might be recommended. Patients who have been exposed to molds in their workplace may be referred to an occupational physician. CDC is not a clinical facility. CDC does not see patients, diagnose illness, provide treatment, prescribe medication, or provide referrals to health care providers.
My landlord or builder will not take any responsibility for cleaning up the mold in my home. Where can I go for help?
If you feel your property owner, landlord, or builder has not been responsive to concerns you’ve expressed regarding mold exposure, you can contact your local board of health or housing authority. Applicable codes, insurance, inspection, legal, and similar issues about mold generally fall under state and local (not federal) jurisdiction. You could also review your lease or building contract and contact local or state government authorities, your insurance company, or an attorney to learn more about local codes and regulations and your legal rights. CDC does not have enforcement power in such matters, nor can we provide you with advice. You can contact your county or state health department about mold issues in your area to learn about what mold assessment and remediation services they may offer. You can find information on your state’s Indoor Air Quality program at https://www.cdc.gov/nceh/airpollution/indoor_air.htm.
I’m sure that mold in my workplace is making me sick.
If you believe you are ill because of exposure to mold in the building where you work, you should first consult your health care provider to determine the appropriate action to take to protect your health. Notify your employer and, if applicable, your union representative about your concern so that your employer can take action to clean up and prevent mold growth. To find out more about mold, remediation of mold, or workplace safety and health guidelines and regulations, you may also want to contact your local (city, county, or state) health department.
You should also read the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Guidelines, at https://www.epa.gov/mold/mold-remediation-schools-and-commercial-buildings-guide.
I am very concerned about mold in my children’s school and how it affects their health.
If you believe your children are ill because of exposure to mold in their school, first consult their health care provider to determine the appropriate medical action to take. Contact the school’s administration to express your concern and to ask that they remove the mold and prevent future mold growth. If needed, you could also contact the local school board.
CDC is not a regulatory agency and does not have enforcement authority in local matters. Your local health department may also have information on mold, and you may want to get in touch with your state Indoor Air Quality office. Information on this office is available at https://www.cdc.gov/nceh/airpollution/indoor_air.htm.
You can also read the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) guidelines, Mold Remediation in Schools and Commercial Buildings, at https://www.epa.gov/mold/mold-remediation-schools-and-commercial-buildings-guide. Also, see these Web sites for more indoor air quality tools for schools:
Is My Home or Business Insured For Water Damage?
Is Your Home or Business Insured For Water Damage?
Water is one of the most common causes of damage in homes, and it represents a large number of insurance claims. Water damage to your property can happen from any number of sources, such as plumbing, appliances, storms, accidents and infiltration.
If water damage is sudden and accidental, there’s a good chance you are covered by most standard home insurance policies. There is also a chance you have endorsements for sewage backups and mold included. It really depends on the type of insurance you have.
How to determine coverage:
Review your homeowners or renters insurance policy. The declarations page has important information regarding your policy’s water damage coverage, deductibles, limitations or exclusions. It also should list any deadlines.
You can also contact your Insurance Agent to inquire about specific coverage. They can answer further questions and provide a copy of your declarations if the original is missing or damaged. These are the recommended first steps before calling in and filing a claim.
When filing a claim:
The following will be requested at some point through the duration of your restoration.
Source of intrusion – This should be determined by a licensed plumber, roofing contractor, appliance repair, etc. depending on your loss source. In most cases the plumber or other provider will have written a small report on what was broke and /or fixed and replaced. Your insurance will require a copy of this at some point. If you have not yet determined the cause of the water intrusion it is best not to diagnose yourself.
Areas affected – This should be determined by a certified damage restoration company. You DO NOT have to use the insurance preferred vendor. Any experienced company like 24/7 Restoration will have mapped out the materials affected, category of water, and determination if anything will need to be removed in order to properly be dried or cleaned. It’s best to make sure whichever company you use is certified by the IICRC (Institute of inspection, cleaning, and restoration certification).
The company will be able to provide all proper documentation to the insurance company including photographs. Certified firms should utilize the proper estimating software. This is to make sure you are not responsible for any costs incurred beyond what your insurance will cover less your deductible. Don’t be afraid to ask anyone you are considering hiring, your insurance cannot guarantee any pricing outside of this software.
Some of the many carriers we work with:
Thank you for considering 24/7 Restoration for all of your water damage needs.
Further Insurance questions can be asked by calling us at
Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration Certification - What is the IICRC?
The Mission of the IICRC is to establish and advance globally recognized standards and certifications for the inspection, cleaning, restoration and installation industries.
The IICRC, with industry-wide participation, certifies and develops certifications and standards for inspection, cleaning and restoration. The IICRC also serves as valuable consumer referral source for certified technicians and firms. There are currently more than 53,000 active certified technicians, many with multiple certifications, and more than 6,000 Certified Firms around the world.
Purpose
The Mission of the IICRC is to establish and advance globally recognized standards and certifications for the inspection, cleaning, restoration and installation industries.
The IICRC serves as a independent, certification body, that sets and promotes high standards and ethics, and advances communication and technical proficiency within the inspection, cleaning and restoration industries. The IICRC also ensures that when consumers hire a cleantrust-Certified Firm or technician, they have hired experts who will provide reasonable assurance that work will be completed in accordance with the industry’s “standard of care.”
History: Over 40 years of building trust
Formed in 1972 by Ed York, originally founded as the International Institute of Carpet and Upholstery Cleaning Inc. (IICUC), the now Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC) is recognized internationally as a knowledgeable industry voice and resource. Overall there are currently more than 53,000 active certified technicians, many with multiple certifications, and more than 6,000 Certified Firms around the world.
Values
Respect – We will treat everyone we encounter in our interactions through the IICRC in the same manner we would wish to be treated.
Responsible – We will work to assure that the obligations and stated goals of the IICRC are met in a timely fashion.
Integrity – We will establish and maintain a culture characterized by honesty, high values and exceptional standards of conduct.
Excellence – We will accept nothing less than the best in leadership, quality and service.
Expert – We will continue to build the IICRC’s reputation as the leading authority and source of professional knowledge in the industry.
Thank you for considering 24/7 Restoration for all of your water damage needs.
Why Use a Certified Technician?
Why Use A Certified Technician?
Professional restoration technicians understand the need for quick response. Immediate remediation is key to controlling any escalating costs. The longer the remediation is delayed, the higher the cost of restoration. Certified restorers have the knowledge to test materials and apply the restoration techniques required to return the items to their pre-loss condition. Look for the IICRC logo to verify IICRC certification.
IICRC Certified Firms have earned the right to display the IICRC logo as a symbol of quality. In order to achieve IICRC-certified status, firms must meet a rigorous list of standards in business ethics and expertise. All IICRC Certified Firms must:
- Present accurate information to consumers and conduct business with honesty and integrity.
- Require a technician on all jobs who has been formally trained and passed all required tests.
- Require a continuing education program to keep technicians up-to-date on the latest changes in the industry.
- Maintain liability insurance to protect all parties in the event of an accident.
- Maintain a written complaint policy and agree to Better Business Bureau or similar arbitration to resolve disputes, and accept the conclusions and recommendations of arbitration.
The IICRC actively has relationships with fiber producers, carpet and fabric mills, furnishing manufacturers and retailers, and others affiliated with the industry. The use of IICRC service professionals is specified in leading manufacturers’ maintenance brochures and warranties.
When it comes to cleaning, restoration and inspection, the IICRC writes the books
As an ANSI-accredited Standards Developing Organization (SDO), the IICRC has led the way in establishing the main industry standards and reference guides for professional carpet cleaning, upholstery and fabric cleaning, water damage restoration and mold remediation.
Each IICRC standard takes years to develop and the coordination of several experts in the field, including allied tradespersons; manufacturers; international, national and regional trade associations; individual or franchise professionals; cleaning, inspection and restoration industry organizations; insurance industry; training schools; contractors; and public health professionals.
These standards are reviewed and updated at least every five years. Many of these fields, such as the water damage restoration field, change rapidly and those who are certified keep up with the advancement of the science and generally accepted practices of the industry.
The IICRC helps keep homes and businesses healthful
According to the Environmental Protection Agency, the average person spends 90 percent or more of their time indoors, where levels of pollutants may be two to five times (and occasionally more than 100 times) higher than outdoor levels.
This makes it extremely important to perform regular maintenance inside your home or business. In addition to vacuuming, cleaning and checking for water damage on a regular basis, using a certified technician for cleaning will help extend the life of your flooring and upholstery and ensure that your home or business is healthful for those who live and work there.