Third Party Certification: Upholding Standards and Maintaining Excellence

6/21/2023 (Permalink)

Upholding Standards And Maintaining Excellence

When homes in East Memphis, Memphis, Tennessee, need remediation, you want to ensure that the company handling the problem adheres to the highest industry standards. The restoration industry standards are set by the Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC). The IICRC is a third-party certification organization that approves instructors and schools to teach the skills needed to meet its values of expertise, integrity, and excellence.

Expertise

Training programs such as the ones offered by SERVPRO of East Memphis are IICRC-certified. Classes are offered in various categories:

• Applied Structural Drying
• Carpet Cleaning
• Fire Restoration
• Upholstery Cleaning
• Water Restoration

Receiving a mitigation certificate after completing these courses means that the individual can do the job right. When clients hire someone to fix a problem in their homes, you want to verify that the technicians are certified, mitigation experts.

Integrity

It is not enough that technicians know what they are doing. They also need to be honest and trustworthy. When the IICRC certifies a company or individual, you know you have found someone you can trust. They adhere to a strict standard of ethics and can be expected to be upfront about their clients' homes' assessment and treatment. 

Excellence

When a certified school or instructor trains specialists, they learn how to exhibit high standards of service. Continuing education courses improve knowledge, turning technicians into industry leaders. These classes also serve to educate insurance and real estate professionals regarding various mitigation processes. Shared knowledge strengthens these partnerships so that together, they can offer more excellent service to the customers they share.

A third-party certification organization sets the industry standard that all mitigation professionals must meet. The values of the IICRC are reflected in each training program and instructor it approves. To ensure quality, professional service, recommend certified mitigation professionals to your clients.

Does a Remediation Company Need To Be Certified?

5/15/2022 (Permalink)

Okay, scenario: You have recently experienced a flood or other water damage and now see subsequent microbial growth. You look online for, "best mold remediation company near me," then pick the first result — or the cheapest, right?

A bad situation has been averted? Maybe not. All remediation companies aren't created equal — a costly lesson to learn if your insurance company does not cover uncertified remediation companies. When facing mold damage in your Memphis property, choosing a certified mold remediation company is your best bet. So, what does that look like?

What Is Mold Certification?

While plenty of businesses in this field have the equipment to cleanup mold, not everyone can do it well or safely. This is why the Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC) sets standards for mold remediation and certifies specific companies. An IICRC means a business meets standards involving:

• Ethics
• Technical knowledge
• Procedures
• Accountability

Choosing a certified microbial growth removal company can save you time, money, and frustration in the long run. Need more reasons, we have them!

Why It Matters

Not only are these standards relevant in the legal sphere, but they have practical applications to your property, too. For one, these certifications ensure accountability, as the company is compelled to maintain a standard of quality in order to keep their certification.

Secondly, acquiring the certifications also requires a high amount of knowledge, so choosing a certified company ensures you've chosen one of the best in the field.

Also, many insurance companies hesitate to cover work by an uncertified mold removal company. As an obvious result, choosing a company that your insurance covers lightens the cost load to your pocket because your insurance will likely cover the majority of the cost.

When you're looking for mold remediation, it's not time to cut corners. Look for a certified mold remediation company with the proper IICRC verifications, and you can rest easy the job will be done right the first time.

The 3 Types of Smart Smoke Detectors

4/17/2022 (Permalink)

Although classic smoke detectors haven't changed much over the past few decades, they have seen a few minor upgrades.

The 3 Types of Smart Smoke Detectors

Wait…there’s more than one type of smoke detector? Yes! That old smoke detector you grew up with is outdated. Although classic smoke detectors haven't changed much over the past few decades, they have seen a few minor upgrades.

Today's homeowner often opts for smart devices for added convenience. Perhaps it's time to consider adding your smoke alarm to the list of smart devices for your home. Take a look at three primary smart smoke detector options before choosing to upgrade:

1. Smart Battery

This is the most basic type of fire safety smart device available. Smart batteries have a short list of responsibilities, only notifying you, via push notifications, when your alarm goes off or when the batteries are about to expire. Batteries typically last for about five years, so you likely won't be receiving that type of alert all too often.

2. Smart Smoke Detector

The classic smart smoke alarm is a natural step up from the smart batteries. The primary difference between these alarms and classic detectors is that smart detectors connect to your internet. This allows you to receive notifications when the batteries are low or when the alarm goes off. This device also gives you the capability to silence incoming alarms from your mobile device.

3. Listener

If you're reluctant to replace your entire alarm, you can always opt for a listening device. These gadgets are intended to listen for alarms and alert you when one goes off. They're ideal if you have several alarms in your house and only want to install one device per floor, as opposed to replacing the smoke detectors in every room.

Replacing your smoke alarm with a smart device can help you stay vigilant. You can have the added ease of being able to deactivate alarms using your smartphone, and you won't have to put up with annoying low battery chirps. Contact fire remediation experts, like the local fire department, before you attempt to tamper with the alarms in your home.

Microbial Growth Removal in Crawl Space

4/17/2022 (Permalink)

Microbial Growth Removal in Crawl Space

Microbial damage is likely to develop in a crawl space when the area becomes wet. When a professional technician performs an inspection in a crawl space, we check for visible water leaks and invisible moisture particles in the air. We do this because it is unproductive to disinfect molds without addressing its primary cause—the mold is sure to come back if the source of moisture is still hanging around. 

Why Might a Home’s Crawl Space Have Mold?

If your home's crawl space has grading and drainage issues, mold can develop where the water collects under the house. Our SERVPRO technicians use pumps to extract water if it pools. If moisture is evaporating into the crawl space from the surrounding walls and the ground, we isolate the area. To isolate the area, we use a space liner to encapsulate the area. This enclosure acts as a vapor barrier and works well to prevent microbial growth when paired with a permanent dehumidifier in the crawl space. 

Basic science demonstrates that differences in temperature between surfaces and water particles cause condensation. The same is true for your crawl space. If the surrounding areas and the crawl space have differing temperatures, the water vapor condenses. We usually resolve condensation issues by using or installing a dehumidifier. The device assists in monitoring and controlling humidity to discourage conditions favorable to microbial growth. 

What If the Microbial Growth is Deep in the Insulation?

A professional in the microbial remediation industry will be able to examine the crawl space for signs of deeper mold infestation. However, it is not always easy to see. Sometimes, portions of enclosed spaces must be cut to see if microbial growth has infested your home’s insulation. When a professional certifies there is growth, then further microbial removal services can begin. SERVPRO has the tools and knowledge to remove and dispose of damaged insulation safely.

Not everything can be restored, but, as surprising as it sounds, it is possible to restore fiberglass insulation! It's also possible to remove surface mold, called mildew, from below supporting joists and beams and other hard surfaces. We also remove surface mold from porous items such as drywall—as long as the fungus has not penetrated too deeply with anchoring hyphae. 

SERVPRO of East Memphis uses industry-proven techniques to protect your property from further damage after facing any size disaster. You can access our 24-hour emergency services by calling (901) 754-9061.

What You Need to Know About Mold

4/10/2022 (Permalink)

While mold is invisible to the naked eye, it plays a vital role in the environment by causing the breakdown, or decomposition, of dead organic matter. However, when mold makes its way to the indoor environment, it can cause health effects. Moisture creates a favorable environment for mildew to thrive, resulting in extensive mold damage; typically, where there's moisture, there's mold. 

Mold Thrives in Humidity

Since mold thrives in humidity, small leaks and damp surfaces are prime real estate for rapid development of mold and mildew. Mold spreads swiftly due to the lightweight nature of its spores, which allows them to be transported easily by airflow. Therefore, it has great potential to contaminate a vast area.

Can I See Mold?

Mold damage in a property can be detected by visual inspection, particularly on open surfaces. However, mold growth can begin where it is unseen—like inside ducts and crawl spaces or behind tiles, paneling, and wallpaper, making it hard to detect. Common signs of imminent mold issues include warping walls, blistering paint, crumbling plaster, deep cracks in the tiles, and gaps in grout. If the floor or the walls have stains or feel wet and soft to the touch, mold testing and removal should be done as soon as possible. Additionally, a smelly odor in a well-maintained home is another signal for hidden mold growth.

What About Dormant Mold?

After discovering the moisture source and drying out the area, the mold may seem to vanish. However, failure to remove the mold spores in their entirety only makes the fungus dormant, and it is capable of reactivating upon the occurrence of favorable conditions which include:

• Ideal Temperature
• Organic Material
• Moisture

Even dormant mold can produce a smelly odor and cause health effects.

Can There be Mold in Newly-Built Homes?

Newly constructed homes are not exempt from fungus infestations and subsequent mold damage. Especially when the materials used to build a property were either inappropriately stored in humid surroundings or they were rained on. If not fully dried, such materials hold moisture internally, which can facilitate mold growth and cause a smelly odor.

Okay, So How Do I Get Rid of Mold?

During the first stages before mold damage escalates, a do-it-yourself (DIY) method can be helpful to eliminate the smell while preventing further development. It's advisable only to use fungicides and deodorization sprays that are registered under EPA, which should be done after the definite elimination of the sources of moisture. However, in most cases, DIY methods will only provide a temporary solution and could even spread the mold if not careful, necessitating an expert in mold removal and mitigation.

Professional mold remediation is especially necessary when:

• The fungus has found its way into the HVAC system or other materials that are generally out of reach
• The fungus affects a large area
• The homeowner lacks the appropriate tools to eradicate mold
• The homeowner has exhausted DIY mold removal and remediation methods

SERVPRO’s Professional, Efficient Mold Removal and Mitigation Method

Specialists in mold removal and mitigation possess experience and proper equipment for efficient and permanent fungus removal from homes and business premises. Mildew can go unnoticed and therefore establish itself all over. Attempting to get rid of mold damage without professional assistance could prove tough. Efficient mold remediation and mitigation go a long way in reversing the destruction caused by mold. For additional information regarding mold remediation, contact SERVPRO of East Memphis at (901) 754-9061.

Why Hire a Professional to Remove Microbial Growth?

4/10/2022 (Permalink)

Mold growth can cause damage to your home. Mildew, humidity, and warmth are some of the factors that give rise to mold fungus. A daily hot water shower makes the bathroom one of the spaces most susceptible to mold growth, but it’s not the only space that needs attention.

Can a Newly-Built Home Have Mold?

Mold damage needs a very short amount of time to grow—as little as 24 hours, and it isn't limited to homes of average or low value. If you bought a new home or had one built recently, you can take steps to suppress mold growth. But if you bought an older home or one with a history of damage, you might have a problem you don't know about.

The Best Way to Deal with Microbial Growth

The best way to deal with mold is to call a professional mold removal, remediation, and restoration company. These are people qualified to deal with black mold and other kinds of fungus. A 3rd party will come out and conduct an in-depth assessment of your home. They will determine how much black mold and mold fungus is in the house and the extent to which it has spread. Then, a microbial mitigation team will clean the affected area.

Mold Cleanup Protection

Mold cleanup presents certain risks. Fortunately, the cleanup process does not have to be overwhelming as long as you wear the proper safety gear, including:

• Face mask
• Gloves
• Full body protective coveralls
• Safety glasses

The day work is scheduled to start, the first thing professionals will do is put on special suits for protection. Then they will seal the affected areas off and apply negative pressure which prevents black mold spores and mold fungus from escaping into other parts of the house.

Once professionals have removed the mold, the specialists will put the mold into containers to take it off the premises. They will then use a special vacuum to remove all of the spores particles from the air.

While cleaning up mold damage is possible on your own, it may be better to seek a mold remediation specialist. These professionals provide both expertise and the necessary equipment to ensure that you, your employees, and your clients or tenants remain healthy and happy.

Still, here are some simple things you can attempt to mitigate mold damage.

Repair Leaks or Cause of Moisture 

When the source of moisture is removed, the potential for new mold growth lessens.

Scrub Hard Surfaces

While anything contaminated with black mold is better discarded, other mold types can be scrubbed from hard surfaces. A durable scrub brush, a mixture of detergent and water, and several clean rags to throw away after drying the surface are the tools to complete this job.

Discard Porous Materials

It may be tempting to keep expensive, porous items, like rugs and furniture, but it is not wise. Mold seeps into these surfaces, making it difficult to clean the material thoroughly. Additionally, as it is nearly impossible to clean mold from these materials, they constantly threaten continued mold contamination.

A mold removal, remediation, and restoration company is the way to ensure the mold is eliminated, contact SERVPRO of East Memphis for additional information.

Career Opportunities at SERVPRO

7/21/2021 (Permalink)

Interested in being a part of the SERVPRO family? Apply today!

With 17 franchises in 6 locations throughout TN, FL, and TX, SERVPRO Team Nicholson is an exciting, diverse, innovative place to work. We foster positive company culture, offer competitive compensation packages, and prioritize community involvement. Come find out what it takes to be a part of our team! 

Our mission is to be a proud, laser-focused team holding each other accountable while creating positive opportunities for our people and becoming the most efficiently run organization in the markets we serve. We value honesty, reliability, relationships, trustworthiness, and authenticity! Our team develops and provides solutions; we are go-getters and carry a “bring it” attitude to our work environment. We listen and value each other’s thoughts and ideas and strive to bring them to life. We are built on hard work, transparency, good business, and integrity. We believe “You can’t go wrong doing the right thing.” 

Bill Repsel, our Regional Administrator, shared his testimony on what it's like working for SERVPRO. He said "Every day is a new day. It is an opportunity to serve others in our community in a time of need. We have an incredible team of people with great talent that strives to make a difference every day." 

SERVPRO of East Memphis is proud of the work we do and is always looking for like-minded people interested in a rewarding career. Please submit your resume to recruiting@SERVPROclarksville.com, stop by our office at 6755 Whitten Pl, Memphis, TN. from 8:00 am-5:00 pm Monday-Friday or click here to check out our current job openings.

Does a Remediation Company Need To Be Certified?

5/5/2021 (Permalink)

We have the expertise to restore your home!

You experience a flood and subsequent mold damage, you look online, and you pick the first - or the cheapest - remediation company you can find. The situation averted, right? All remediation companies aren't created equal - a lesson that can be costly if your insurance company fails to cover work by an uncertified remediation company. There're good reasons when you face mold damage in your East Memphis, Memphis, Tennessee, business, to get a certified mold remediation company is your best choice.

What is Mold Certification?

While plenty of businesses can get the equipment to do mold cleanup, not everyone can do it well or safely. This is why the Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC) sets standards for mold remediation and certifies specific companies. An IICRC means a business meets standards involving:

• Ethics
• Technical knowledge
• Procedures
• Accountability

Choosing a certified mold cleanup company is not a must, but it's a plus that can save you time, money, and frustration in the long run.

Why it Matters

The above might not seem that important to a consumer, but these standards have practical applications in your home. For one, certification ensures accountability, as the company is compelled to maintain a standard of quality to keep their certification.

Getting the certification also requires a high amount of knowledge, so choosing a certified company ensures you've chosen one of the best in the field. Moreover, many insurance companies hesitate to cover work by an uncertified mold removal company. Choosing a certified company can lighten the cost load of mold removal, as your insurance will likely cover it.

When you're looking for mold remediation, it's not time to cut corners. Look for a certified mold remediation company with the proper IICRC verifications, and you can rest easy the job will be done right the first time.

SERVPRO Experts Cna Handle Mold

5/4/2021 (Permalink)

Black Mold Cleanup

Mold cleanup can be scary, especially if you are dealing with black mold, presenting certain risks. Fortunately, the cleanup process does not have to be overwhelming as long as you wear the proper safety gear, including:

• Face mask
• Gloves
• Full body protective coveralls
• Safety glasses

As long as you are taking your safety seriously and do not rush the cleanup, which could potentially release mold spores into the air, you may be able to clean out your building safely.

1. Repair Leaks

As a moisture problem is the likely culprit of mold growth, you will want to find and repair any leak feeding the issue. Generally, the leak will be close to the majority of the mold growth. You can usually follow the spread of mold to its source. If it is a leaky pipe, you will want to turn off the water supply before moving forward with the repair.

2. Scrub Hard Surfaces

While anything contaminated with black mold is better discarded, other mold types can be scrubbed from hard surfaces. All that is needed is a durable scrub brush, a mixture of detergent and water, and several clean rags thrown away after drying the surface.

3. Discard Porous Materials

It may be tempting to keep porous items, like rugs and furniture, but it is not wise. Mold seeps into these surfaces, making it difficult to clean the material thoroughly. Additionally, as it is nearly impossible to clean mold from these materials, they constantly threaten continued mold contamination.

4. Ask a Professional

While cleaning up mold damage is possible on your own, it may be better to seek a mold remediation specialist in the East Memphis, Memphis, Tennessee, area. These professionals provide both expertise and the necessary equipment to ensure that you, your employees, and your clients or tenants remain healthy and happy.

Cleaning out excessive mold growth, especially black mold, can be a massive undertaking. If you are up to the task, then protect yourself and follow the tips above, but also know that there is no shame in hiring a professional.