Improved mobile technology is providing restoration and remediation professionals with important new tools that are changing the way many companies manage files and estimate damages.

We’ve all seen it happen. A marketing representative or sales executive takes a client to lunch and they both enjoy a cocktail. Then one of them enjoys another drink or two. Soon the conversation loses focus, the jokes get a little more off-color, and the relationship that was supposed to be strictly professional gets compromised.

The IICRC is back...

Why is it so hard to find a good roofer after a big hail or windstorm hits? That's a question many of us who have worked "storm duty" have pondered, much to our dismay.

According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), health care associated infections (HCAI) are currently the fourth leading cause of death in the United States, with an estimated death toll of nearly 100,000 per year.

In early September 2011, Tropical Storm Lee stalled over central Pennsylvania only a week after Hurricane Irene swept the East Coast. The residual flooding cost residents and businesses thousands to millions of dollars in property damages. This included the hard hit Danville Area School District in Danville, PA.

If you have not embraced restoration networks in your marketing plans, then it’s time for a wake-up call. Firms like Alacrity, Code Blue, Crawford Contractor Connection and IMACC operate networks of restoration firms that will revolutionize how insurance companies interface with their agents, customers and restoration firms.

Have you ever wondered why people get upset with you on a job that you are doing for them?  Do you wonder if they think that their job is the only one you have to do? Do you wonder if they really care what you are doing to advance their job completion when you are not on their jobsite? Do you think that they would feel differently if they knew what was going on with their job?

It was the summer of 2010 when I received a frantic call from my mom. "Issa, how can you schedule work at my house without telling me?"... 

Chances are, if the adjuster and contractor aren’t working well together on a particular project, the customer isn’t going to be very pleased with the end result. Based on this alone, it’s important for adjusters and contractors to cooperate, communicate and work together to ensure that the project gets done well, the customer is satisfied and any other details are worked out accordingly.

Earlier this year, the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) notified the Indoor Environmental Standards Organization (IESO) of the approval of the IESO/RIA 6001-2011 Evaluation of Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning (HVAC) Interior Surfaces to Determine the Presence of Fire-Related Particulate as a Result of a Fire in a Structure.

RPM Warranty Solutions has introduced a Five-Year Workmanship & Materials Warranty and One-Year No Smoke Odor Guarantee for the restoration industry, designed to give homeowners peace of mind and professionals a competitive advantage in their business operations.

Delmhorst Instrument Co. has created a YouTube video which features an informational overview and instruction on how to use the QuickNav three-in-one moisture meter from Dri-Eaz.

General Tools & Instruments has released a waterproof video inspection device in its SeaScope, which is available in two models: DCS660 and DCS600.

Check out the latest products and technologies in the R&R May/June Must See Product Gallery.

Piggybacking off its aerial roof measurement apps for the iPhone and Android platform, Eagleview Technologies has released an app for the iPad and other tablet devices.

The roomShcoker and C102 Liquid Shocker, from Biocide Systems, offer proprietary technologies that enable the safe, effective and affordable removal of odors, from smoke to urine and vomit.

The Oasis Plus Ozone Generator, from U.S. Products, features a 30-hour programmable time with adjustable ozone output levels, allowing it to be effective in safely removing foul odors up to 40,000 cubic feet.

A new line of mobile dehumidifier filters has been developed by CDIMS. The filters don’t contain any polyester and help extend the life of the desiccant wheel with a high-efficiency cleanable filter system.

TANCS-equipped steam vapor sanitation devices feature patented technology that disinfects faster than conventional methods, according to Advanced Vapor Technologies (AVT).

Century 400 has introduced the Crusader LGR (low grain refrigerant) dehumidifier, a user-friendly product designed for fast setup, easy maneuvering and durability in tough conditions.

Meyer's Zephyr duct cleaning vacuum features a 31-hp engine, which powers both its custom-engineered fan and KleanSweeper compressor to help eliminate potential problems and maintenance on a second engine, while saving weight and space.

 

Assured Software Limited has released Assured PackOut, a software package that allows restoration contractors to record and track items and charge for the packing and cleaning of contents.

The CLOUD brings contents restoration software to the industry in a scalable model. It’s available in a Starter Package version, as well as a Priority Plus and Enterprise plan for mid-range and heavy-use operations, respectively.

The American National Standards Institute (ANSI) has approved the Indoor Environmental Standards Organization’s (IESO) IESO/RIA Evaluation of Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning (HVAC) Interior Surfaces to Determine the Presence of Fire-Related Particulate as a Result of a Fire in a Structure.

The Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC) and Restoration Industry Association (RIA) have approved a memorandum of understanding (MOU) that will establish a working relationship between the two organizations.

Siamons International, a company that manufactures Concrobium Professional Restoration solutions, has announced that Interlink Supply is now distributing its Concrobium product line...

Titan Environmental Services has agreed to pay a $10,878 civil penalty to the United States in an effort to settle a series of lead-based paint violations under the Residential Lead-Based Paint Hazard Reduction Act.

Med Effect has reached a distribution agreement with Sanosil International to sell the company’s line of hydrogen peroxide fogging devices for infection and microorganism control.

An online training program for cleaning and restoration professionals has been launched by Restoration Sciences Academy (RSA).

Clear Choice International offers the support and vision for its franchises to offer a business model for restoration and roofing professionals that allows them to succeed.

The Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC) announced that the Board of Directors has voted to return the formal name of the organization to the IICRC, keeping “cleantrust” as the service mark of the organization.