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 […]
Thomas Licker CEICR, CBRM
Twenty years ago, the emergency restoration industry was largely defined by water and fire damage. But today, in an increasingly complex world, the demand for specialized services such as biohazard remediation and hazardous materials mitigation has transformed these once “niche” offerings into strategic imperatives. These services are no longer optional add-ons—they are vital tools for […]
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. […]
Lorne Mclntyre CR WLS FLS CLS ERS CSDS
Every water damage project eventually comes down to one simple question: is it dry? That question sounds easy until you are the technician standing in a finished basement with a moisture meter in your hand, an adjuster asking for justification, a homeowner asking when the equipment can be removed, and a project manager trying to […]
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 […]
July is known as the peak month for flash flooding, and the effects have been devastating. Floods have ripped through several communities in 2025, leaving an unexpected path of destruction across numerous states, including Texas, North Carolina, New Mexico and Illinois. As a result, restoration professionals are under increasing pressure to respond quicker, assess situations […]
Lorne McIntyre CR WLS FLS CLS ERS CSDS
In the world of disaster restoration, few surfaces present as much of a challenge or hold as much value as hardwood flooring. When water damage strikes, flooring professionals must quickly and accurately assess the extent of moisture migration while doing everything possible to preserve the floor’s structural and aesthetic integrity. This article aims to guide […]
