Toll Free: 800.792.5333 | Tel: 949.489.1929 or 714.439.1646
Frequently Asked Questions
This page will answer some common questions we often receive about restoration, mold remediation and carpet cleaning.
Q: Do I need to call my insurance company and get approval before you start drying and remove affected materials?
A: No, your insurance company expects you to be pro-active in precluding any secondary damage like mold. Drying should be started as soon as possible. Insurance law allows a consumer the right to choose any licensed contractor specializing in water damage.
Q: What services does A #1 Emergency Service provide?
A: A #1’s certifies technicians will wipe down all surfaces, place negative air machines to remove odors, clean all A/C ducts. The wipe down allows the homeowner to repaint over a clean painted surface and not the soot that is left form the fire. Negative air machines and HIPPA Machines removes the odor that remains after the fire have been extinguished. Cleaning the A/C ducts removes the residual soot and odor that finds its way into your A/C ducts.
Q: Why is it important to wipe down the walls?
A: If the soot from the fire is allowed to remain on the walls, it prohibits a fresh coat of paint from attaching to the wall surface. The soot is also acidic, and if permitted to remain on porous services it can destroy the material it is on causing much more damage that the fire caused.
Q: How can I safely inspect my house after water damage?
A: Dangers are not over when the water goes down. Do not endanger yourself or your family after a water event. Keep children and pets away. Try to protect yourself and your family from stress, fatigue, and water-related health hazards.
Follow these basic safety rules:
- Determine Structural Stability
- Cut off power supply
- Turn off water supply
- Turn off gas supply
- Beware of animals
- Use protective gear
Q: What are the best ways to secure my property after water related damage?
A: Lock and secure your property when not occupied to prevent looting. Keep in mind that alarms may malfunction if the electricity or telephone service has been interrupted.
Recovering from Water Damage
Q: Do I need to throw away all my kitchenware after a flood?
A: Not necessarily. Dishes, cooking utensils and food preparation areas can be sanitized, disinfected and then reused. Throw away wooden cutting boards, plastic utensils, baby bottle nipples and pacifiers, since it's nearly impossible to safely clean them.
Q: What is air drying?
A: Air drying is the most common technique for dry out. Airflow will speed up evaporation by moving moisture-saturated air, allowing dry air to absorb moisture. This method is inexpensive drying since no special equipment is required. However, it is relatively slow.
Q: If I have wet carpet, tile, walls/ceiling, and/or contents, why can't I let these items dry on their own?
A: The only way to properly dry wet building materials and contents is to use blowers and dehumidifiers; you will almost certainly develop mold/mildew if you allow building materials and contents air dry.
Q: How long will the equipment run and should I keep it on 24 hours a day?
A: Drying usually takes a minimum of 3 days, but it varies according to size of loss, indoor/outdoor conditions, and the affected materials. Equipment may be turned off to sleep.
Q: Does A #1 Emergency Service handle the repairs too?
A: Yes, A #1 Emergency Service handles structural/contents drying as well as repairs and restoration. These services include, but are not limited to, drywall repair, finish carpentry, carpet/tile/wood flooring, paint, etc.
Q: Should I be concerned if the loss is gray or black water ie toilet or sewer backup?
A: Yes, bacteria-ridden water from these sources may pose a significant risk to ones health, especially if ingested. All porous items that have been saturated should be discarded in most cases.
MOLD?
What are some mold problems I should be concerned about?
Where, in my house, should I look for mold?
Molds, mildew, fungi, and dust mites are the main biological pollutants inside a home. Mold is generated in the home and releases spores into the air. Mold, fungi, and bacteria are often found in areas that have high humidity levels; such as bathrooms, laundry rooms, or basements. Mold spores are problematic when they become airborne by vacuuming, making beds, or when other textiles are disturbed. It grows on organic material such as paper, textiles, grease, wood, and sheetrock. When the colonies and spores are disturbed, they become airborne. Mold spores float throughout the house, and when they land on a suitable material, they begin to form new colonies. One of the most common means of transportation is an HVAC system. An HVAC system can distribute spores throughout an entire house.
What are some of the health effects of mold?
Allergic reactions are the most common health problems associated with biological pollutants. Symptoms range from mild; watery eyes, runny nose, sneezing, nasal congestion, itching, coughing, and difficulty breathing, to more severe; asthma attacks, migraines, and in some rare cases certain molds have been blamed for brain damage and infant death.
If you have any questions or would like assistance, call A #1 Emergency Service at
toll free 800-792-5333. The Mold Remediation Experts.
MOLD - CLEANING AND DECONTAMINATION
I have noticed some mold on my wall, in my laundry room. I've been hearing a lot about mold lately. Can I clean this up myself?
When cleaning up mold there are numerous precautions and procedures that must be taken. The area that needs to be cleaned needs to be evacuated. On occasion, if a small amount of mold is seen, it is usually a sign that there is a larger mold infestation inside the wall or floor. Some precautions include wearing a full or half-face respirator to prevent inhalation of airborne spores. Protective clothing (disposable) must be worn, including rubber gloves. The area must be contained. Continuous negative air pressure is used inside the containment area to minimize cross containment. HEPA filters must be used in the vacuum, with the bag and all moldy items to be discarded. It's not enough to kill mold, it has to be physically removed. Dead mold is still allergenic.
The procedures for cleaning mold are extensive, and we recommend calling us to take care of it. The key to mold control is moisture control by keeping the area dry. Mold needs to be removed and disinfectants should be applied to cleaned materials.
If you have any questions or would like assistance, call A #1 Emergency Service at
toll free 800-792-5333. The Mold Remediation Experts.
CARPET CLEANING TIPS
How often should carpets be professionally cleaned?
Most major carpet and carpet fiber manufacturers recommend carpets be professionally cleaned every 18 months in order to remove particulate soils that cause carpeting to wear prematurely and affect the appearance of the carpet. However the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), who takes a position of the carpet being cleaned for health and not appearance, recommends that carpets be cleaned annually. However, carpets that are subjected to extreme soiling or heavy use, particularly high-traffic areas, or carpets installed in homes occupied by persons with allergies or respiratory problems, require increased cleaning frequency.
Will a do-it-yourself carpet cleaning machine do the same job?
Actually the machine does not make the job good. The technician who is using the machine makes a difference. Well-trained technicians can do a good job with most types of equipment. With a well-trained technician, professional equipment and chemistry, and you get the best job. Homeowners who rent do-it-yourself equipment do not have the necessary training to understand that there are many different types of carpets and carpet fibers and the chemistry is not the same for all carpets and fibers. In addition there is no understanding of the protective coatings and stain resistant finishes that are built into today’s carpet.
Can carpet really be restored after water damage?
The best answer is, it depends. According to the Water Damage Restoration Standard and Reference Guide of the Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC), water sources are placed in three general categories.
Is the hot water extraction method good for carpets?
In order to maintain most carpets and carpet fibers, manufacturers require hot water extraction cleaning to be performed by a professional carpet cleaning company. Typically this system is performed with a self-contained cleaning unit that is mounted in a truck. The cleaner only brings into the home his cleaning tool and the hoses that connect the cleaning tool to the truck. The solution is applied to the carpet under pressure and at high temperatures which helps the carpets to dry fast. The chemistry that is used should leave no residue, so your carpet will not attract soil after cleaning. Properly used, this system should not penetrate through the carpet backing, creating over-wetting of the carpet.
If you have any questions or would like assistance, call A #1 Steaming at toll free 800-792-5333.
Tips for Maintaining the Beauty and Extending the life of your carpet and fabrics.
ENTRANCE MATS ---
Using entrance mats inside and outside of doorways, will reduce the amount of soil brought onto your carpet. As much as 75% of the dirt and grime in your carpet is tracked-in soil.
VACUUMING ---
Nothing is more important for maintaining beautiful, long lasting carpet than vacuuming. Dry soil is abrasive and can actually damage carpet fibers, causing accelerated wear. In addition to creating a dingy, poor appearance, it will also diminish the effectiveness of your stain-resistant protective coating. A vacuum with a beater bar will give the best results.
PROFESSIONAL CLEANING ---
Periodically, have your carpet and upholstery professionally cleaned by A #1 Steaming. Most carpet manufacturers recommend hot water extraction as the best method for cleaning carpet, and many require periodic hot water extraction cleaning as a warranty requirement. Do not use do-it-yourself wet shampooing or dry cleaning methods on carpets. They can leave a residue which actually attracts and holds dirt.
CLEAN UPS SPILLS IMMEDIATELY ---
The quicker you attend to a spill, the easier it is to remove. Always blot the spill. Use a clean, white absorbent cloth. Never rub or use a brush. Rubbing can actually make the stain worse and permanently alter the look of the carpet fiber or fabric.
RENTING A CARPET CLEANING MACHINE VS. PROFESSIONAL SERVICE
Question: I am thinking of cleaning my carpets myself. What is the difference between the carpet machine I rent, and your service?
Answer: First, there are different types of carpet. Some carpets require dry-cleaning of a special cleaning method -such as Wool, Oriental and Persian rugs or Haitian Cotton.
If you have any questions or would like assistance, call A #1 Steaming at toll free 800-792-5333.
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