FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What do you want to know? We’re here to help.
ABATEMENT
Q: What is asbestos?
A: We can tell you what it isn’t, it isn’t one single type of mineral. It is an actual group of silicate minerals that have the same type of fibrous texture. The 1986 Asbestos Hazard Emergency Response Act recognizes six different types of "asbestos" that make-up two categories; they include, the Serpentine Asbestos: Chrysotile, and Amphibole Asbestos: Crocidolite, amosite, anthophyllite, tremolite, actinolite.
Q: What does abatement even mean?
A: We get asked this frequently. The dictionary’s definition of abatement is, “the ending, reduction, or lessening of something.” That being said, ‘abatement’ is the removal of asbestos from your home, using physical removal techniques and encapsulating techniques, to lessen the threat of asbestos in your life. In our industry, ‘abatement’ is known as the service to remove environmental threats like asbestos, lead, or mold from a building.
Q: I think there is asbestos in my home, should I vacate immediately?
A: If there is no damage to what you believe is an asbestos containing material—don’t panic. Asbestos becomes a health hazard after it becomes airborne and you have inhaled it for a long period of time. Asbestos can only become airborne if the material that contains it is damaged and releases fibers or dust. We agree with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and believe asbestos should be removed whenever possible, but we can also remove asbestos whenever you are ready - before emergency strikes.
INDOOR AIR QUALITY
Q: I keep my home very clean. Why should I clean my air ducts?
A: Vacuuming stirs up settled particles, 99% of which are smaller than 1 micron in size and will pass through a vacuum filter bag. We all breathe in roughly 3000 gallons of air each day and spend about 90% of our days inside, according to the National Air Duct Cleaning Association. Having your ductwork cleaned regularly, on an annual basis or at the very least every three years, can save you 30% more in energy when heating and cooling your building.
Q: Who should get their ducts cleaned?
A: Everyone! But specifically, if you own pets or have indoor exposure to cigar and cigarette smoke, you risk those bio-pollutants getting into your ducting. If there has been recent water contamination or damage, even fire damage, to your home, business, or HVAC system, there is a chance those bio-pollutants could be re-circulating through the system. If you or anyone in your home or office have allergies or asthma, you should keep your indoor air quality as clean as possible.
Q: Is there scientific data behind the potential benefits of air purification?
A: Yes. According to the EPA and Health Quality Ontario, air purification can help filter out particles that would otherwise escape and recirculate. They help kill germs, but they can also remove volatile organic compounds.
MITIGATION & RESTORATION
Q: My house flooded/My house had a fire, I have insurance, but I want to use you specifically. Can you work on my home?
A: YES! The majority of insurance companies allow their insured clients to choose which contractors they want to work with. Lucky for you, we speak insurance. We have been working in the insurance restoration business for decades and would be honored to assist you in returning your home to pre-loss conditions.
Q: I think I found mold in my house and it is black in color. Is this Black Mold?
A: Just because the mold in your house is black does not necessarily mean it is Black Mold (Stachybotrys), which is a toxic mold growth. Molds range in color, everything from pure white to dark black. The color of mold is not an indication of toxicity; molds are like chameleons—their color is based off of their environment. A professional environmental test is necessary to determine if mold is toxic or not. However, all visible mold should be removed, and the source of growth should be addressed for your safety and prosperity.
Q: How long does water mitigation and fire restoration processes take?
A: A myriad of variables determine the length of time necessary for mitigation and restoration projects. When it comes to restoring a home to pre-loss or pre-fire conditions: How bad was the smoke damage? Was the water-loss from clean water or from a contaminated source? Did the damage happen in one corner of the structure or did it occur throughout the building? While we wish we could give you a definitive answer when you are dealing with such chaos, our team can only give an estimate on the length of a mitigation and restoration project after they have thoroughly assessed the situation on site.
Q: Will I have to move out of my house while you restore it?
A: While the last thing we want to do is create any more stress by forcing you to move out if it is not necessary, we are not usually the ones who make that decision. Your insurance adjuster will often make this determination after assessing the damage to your home or place of business. If the damage is a small or contained area you may be able to stay put, but we recommend you check in with a professional first before coming to your own conclusion.