For many people, discussions of chemistry are not only confusing; such conversations are actually scary. Too many individuals do not appreciate just how valuable a basic understanding of chemistry can be to their efforts as a cleaning or restoration professional. 

Have you ever stopped to wonder what role chemistry plays in our professional lives as cleaners and restorers? To get a sense, all you have to do is go out to your shop or warehouse and stop in front of the shelf, cabinets, or storage room that has all your miscellaneous bottles, cans, bags and containers of miscellaneous chemicals. 

Although there are some substantive differences during execution of the work, there is no denying that many of the core concepts integrated into the current standard of care for mold remediation come from the asbestos abatement industry.

How many times have you shown up at a job site only to find your containment has stopped containing? Sometimes it’s the tape coming unstuck, sometimes the homeowner has been poking around, and sometimes all you get is a collective “I don’t know” along with the ever-impressive shoulder shrug.

As more states move to legalize recreational cannabis use, grow facilities are becoming a common part of the business model. Legal, controlled grow rooms are relatively new; therefore, states are still learning how to regulate them.

Contractors in restoration and remediation work are always looking for ways to improve safety and be more efficient on the job. 

For years, I have heard restorers and carriers say some pieces of equipment are “specialty equipment”, and I must admit for a bunch of years early in my career, I listened to the crowd. 

Ever since stories have circulated about how mold can affect people and make them sick, the restoration and home insurance industries have become serious about detecting and repairing water damage thoroughly and swiftly. Mold is not only bad for people; if left to thrive, it will make our homes uninhabitable.

This year, Jenkins Restorations celebrates 45 years in business. What started as primarily an architecture and general contracting firm in Sterling, VA, has since branched into a full-service restoration contractor with more than 350 employees and 26 locations across the U.S.