Branden Adams
If you have been in restoration long enough, you have probably heard water losses described as “clean,” “gray,” or “black.” Those terms are leftovers from earlier editions of the IICRC S500. In fact, the 1999 edition referred to Category 1 as “clean water,” Category 2 as “gray water,” and Category 3 as “black water.” Earlier […]
James Copeland
Defining Cleanliness in Fire, Mold, and Compliance Driven Industries As building materials, consumer electronics, appliances, art and textiles continue to evolve, new materials are constantly being introduced into homes and structures. When these materials and components burn, the by-products from fire damage become more complex, water and mold remediation becomes more challenging, and compliance expectations […]
Lorne McIntyre
Walk into almost any water loss situation and you’ll hear the same questions. “How many dehumidifiers do we need? How many air movers should we install? How long will this take?” These are all very practical questions, but the more important question is: “What is the drying plan?” ANSI/IICRC S500 Standard defines successful drying by […]
Justin Sachs
When disaster strikes—a wildfire, hurricane, deep freeze, or catastrophic plumbing failure—restoration professionals are among the first to step into the chaos. Amid toppled drywall, blown insulation, smoke-laden furniture, and muck left behind, their job is to make damaged properties safe and livable again. Yet, one of the most critical safety measures for crews and building […]
Senators Richard Blumenthal (CT-D), Joni Ernst (IA-R), Tim Sheehy (MT-R), Mazie Hirono (HI-D), and Congressman Jimmy Panetta announced the introduction of a new, bi-partisan measure that looks to address dampness and mold in military housing, specifically naming the IICRC’s standards and certifications. The Military Occupancy Living Defense (MOLD) Act proposes comprehensive reforms to address mold […]
Tommy Yacobellis
The Heating, Ventilating, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) assessment process in the ANSI/IICRC S590 identifies impacted and non-impacted HVAC internal surfaces after a water, fire, or mold damage event. This Standard contains procedures to perform HVAC assessments and create a written report and Restoration Work Plan (RWP) of work for residential, commercial, institutional, and healthcare buildings. […]
Rachel Adams
There are several important components needed for successful containment. One of the most important components is the use of an exit/decon chamber. These chambers are attached to the main containment chamber and function as a transitionary space between the contained area and the unaffected areas. It provides a space for the technician to don and […]
Skip Jankoski
The Mold Industry Is Lagging Behind Science The mold remediation industry is lagging behind science. For years, it has failed to adapt to noteworthy scientific evidence highlighting the serious health risks associated with water-damaged buildings and the mold and other microbial contamination they can harbor. Additionally, the industry tends to overlook abundant evidence indicating that […]
Arthur Yon
In recent years, an increasing number of homeowners have expressed dissatisfaction with mold remediation services. While some complaints are valid, stemming from under-qualified contractors or incomplete remediation, much dissatisfaction arises from misunderstandings regarding mold, its health effects, and the complexities of ongoing health issues. This article explores these nuances and emphasizes the importance of communication […]
Jim Pearson
After years of volunteer efforts and thousands of hours in collaboration, the Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC) has released the fourth edition of the ANSI/IICRC S520-2024 Standard for Professional mold remediation. Written and edited by industry professionals, the S520 Standard is the authoritative resource for reasonably prudent members of the trade who […]
