Water Damage Boston, Mold Inspection Ma, Carpet cleaning - VioClean

PREVENT Frozen Water Pipes

Vioclean — Fri, 06 Jan 2012 14:39:33 +0000

The root of the problem is the nature of water itself. Almost every material in the universe shrinks or contracts in size as its temperature is lowered. Water contracts in similar manner as the temperature drops, but only to 32° degrees Fahrenheit. Below that temperature, water has a unique property: it actually begins expanding. Imagine a sealed pipe and the water contract down to 32° degrees with no problem. However, at 32° degrees and below, the pipe is still shrinking in size while the water starts growing in size. With faucets closed, the pipes cannot release the increasing pressure of the frozen water. Intense pressure develops and increases until the pipe splits or tears to release the pressure. Both plastic (PVC) pipes and copper pipes may burst. The water is still frozen, however, and will not begin dripping, leaking, or spraying until it thaws back into liquid. When the thawing does occur, the water escapes the pipe and begins water damage.

The best approach to the whole threat of frozen water damage would be prevention. The pipes most susceptible to freezing are usually those that are near outer walls, in crawl spaces, or in the attic. All of these pipes should be properly insulated and even wrapped with approved heat tape where necessary. Outside leaks of air should be sealed. Garden hoses should be disconnected and where possible, pipes leading to outside pipes should be shut off and drained. Open doors to interior cabinets containing water pipes in order to circulate warm air inside them. As a hard freeze approaches, open both hot and cold faucets to a trickle to help prevent the water from freezing. (The water department wont give you a break for the increased water usage, but you may end up saving thousands of dollars in potential damage claims.)

Upholstery cleaning and maintenance tips

Vioclean — Tue, 03 Jan 2012 16:17:16 +0000

You can save your upholstery fabrics from most liquid spills if you treat them fast enough. Most upholstery fabric purchased today comes treated with a fabric protector such as Teflon or Scotchgard. A primary benefit of these protectors is that they prevent most spills from penetrating the fabric for at least 30 seconds. In those first seconds most spills can be easily absorbed with a cotton towel and a damaging stain thwarted.

Unfortunately, when spills occur most people are indecisive about the best course of action. By the time an absorbant towel is located and applied to the spill, it is too late.

Be prepared!

In your living and family rooms place a small white cotton hand towel under a seat cusion to be used for emergency spills. Advise everyone in the family where the towel is located (for example, under the cushion). Have a practice “spill drill”. Let each family member imagine there has just been a spill on a chair. Go to the sofa, lift the center seat cushion and pull out the hand towel. Quickly take the towel to the spill and gently place it on top of the spill ( do not rub, smash or scrub). The towel will be far more absorbent than the protected fabric. In most cases this action alone can prevent permanent staining.

Hot spills such as coffee will penetrate the fabric protector much faster, so quick response is vital.

Fabric protector is essential for keeping your upholstered furniture looking good for a long time. Always ask if it has been applied when you purchase a new piece of upholstered furniture. The protector will not come off later during cleanings, but it will wear off in normal use. It should be restored periodically when you have the fabric professionally cleaned.

VioClean Earns Coveted Angie’s List Super Service Award

Vioclean — Fri, 16 Dec 2011 15:50:00 +0000

Award reflects businesses’ consistently high level of customer service

VioClean has been awarded the prestigious 2011 Angie’s List Super Service Award, an honor bestowed annually on approximately 5 percent of all the businesses rated on the nation’s leading provider of consumer reviews on local service and health providers.

“ We strive to provide great service and value for our clients, there feedback is very important to us, as it helps us better serve our clients. Thanks to all who have worked hard to achieving this award, I am grateful to the many who have supported VioClean’s rapid growth over the years,” said Trung Nguyen president and Founder of VioClean.

“Only a fraction of the businesses rated on Angie’s List can claim the sterling service record of being a Super Service Award winner because we set a high bar,” said Angie’s List Founder Angie Hicks. “The fact that VioClean can claim Super Service Award status speaks volumes about its dedication to consumers.”

Angie’s List Super Service Award winners have met strict eligibility requirements including earning a minimum number of reports, an exemplary rating from their clients and abiding by Angie’s List operational guidelines.

Ratings are updated daily on Angie’s List, but members can find the 2011 Super Service Award logo next to business names in search results on AngiesList.com.

VioClean

211 Essex St

Swampscott, Ma 01907

www.vioclean.com

800-277-2532

Oriental Rug Cleaning in Boston

Vioclean — Wed, 09 Nov 2011 15:24:09 +0000

Area Rug Cleaning Boston

Vioclean provides area rug cleaning services for Boston and surrounding areas. We are often asked why we do not clean area rugs in the home? The simple answer is we need a controlled environment for a thorough cleaning. The process of cleaning rugs is not always the same for each type of rug. There are many issues that need to be addressed especially when dealing with natural fiber rugs like wool. There is potential for color bleeding, smelly odors, accelerated drying, and mold growth. Also handwoven oriental rugs with thick pile can hold a lot of dirt and grit that a vacuum cleaner does not get out. As you can see in the photo above this tufted wool rug has been vacuumed at least ten times and still has a lot of dirt left behind. In this case we have air blasted the back side to release the powder substance from the rug.

VioClean

211 Essex St

Swampscott, Ma

800-277-2532(CLEAN)

Commercial Mold Inspection Saugus, Ma

Vioclean — Thu, 01 Sep 2011 17:53:51 +0000

A client contacted us for a mold inspection in Saugus, Ma he had concerns about a space that his landlord failed to maintain and properly fix the constant water intrusion, resulting in a commercial lease dispute. The client employees were becoming ill from prolonged exposure to the smell and mold circulating.

A building suffering from fungal contamination is not a safe environment. During exponential growth many fungi release volatile organic compounds (VOCs) causing moldy and musty odors. The occupants should be evacuated when significant visible mold colonization is diagnosed and returned only when the building is cleared for re-occupancy.

Porous materials such as ceiling tiles, carpet and pad, cellulose insulation, fabrics, plaster, sheetrock, wallpaper, etc. with visible mold contamination should be discarded. Items with visible growth or settled spore contamination should be evaluated for structure damage, discoloration from water damage, and financial or sentimental value as compared to cost of remediation vs. replacement. These items are seldom completely restorable due to discoloration, staining, or physical damage caused by the mold. Building and or contents contaminated with settled spores can often be restored depending on the exposure time. Textiles (clothing, linen, etc.) can generally be restored by standard laundry or dry cleaning methods. Upholstery items that have settled contamination and that have not been used while contamination and that have not been used while contaminated can be restored with detailed HEPA vacuuming and professional dry cleaning techniques. Non-porous materials such as brick, glass, masonry, metal, plastic, tile , wood, etc. should be able to be cleaned and treated in place. Surface mold such as wood framing should be cleaned and treated in place while rotted wood should be removed and replaced. Transitory mold (carried by air currents) can be HEPA vacuumed, wiped down with a biocide and professional cleaned.

VioClean.com

800-277-2532

Is Mold covered in my Insurance Policy?

Vioclean — Fri, 12 Aug 2011 14:09:14 +0000

Many question if property and casualty insurance policies cover the remediation of mold infestation and subsequent structural repairs. According to an article in the August 2000 Claims Magazine, Mold & Mildew: A Creeping Catastrophe, Everette Lee Herndon, Jr. states, ” Some of these losses are covered, some are not. If the water damage is the result of a covered loss, the resultant damage, mold (including fungi, mildew, etc.), is probably also covered.” In order to avoid paying for remediation of pre-existing mold this article urges adjusters to make a site visit within the first 24-72 hrs, stating that any molds visible in the first two days after water damage are normally pre-existing and therefore generally not covered under the claim loss.

Mold contamination does not occur in every water damage loss. An adjuster must look for mold when circumstances warrant and must call in appropriate qualified experts for guidance when needed. Mold remediation may be expensive, but failure to remediate a covered damage may be even more expensive in comparison to the health issues and financial impact. Everette Lee Herndon Jr., claims consutlant and expert witness, recommends that a mold remedition contractor should be contacted when there is more than a small area (greater than 10 sqft) of visible mold contamination.

VioClean

800-277-2532

Mold in Boston What’s the Fuss?

Vioclean — Thu, 04 Aug 2011 16:29:32 +0000

An explosion of insurance claims have been attributed to the increased media attention in recent years. There have been many stories in the media about health related symptoms caused by mold in the indoor environment. Back in 2009 there was a tenant from Tewksbury, Ma that was awarded $1 million from her landlord over mold problem in the house she was renting. She said her landlords, area developers John Sullivan and his father, Kevin Sullivan, ignored her complaints.

Health problems are primarily caused when mold spores enter the air and humans inhale them. When large numbers of spores are inhaled through the mouth or nose deep into the lungs, they can interact with the human tissue and blood system and result in serious health problems. Mold spores are invisible to the human eye and can become airborne when disturbed by air movement, handling a mold contaminated item, cleaning, and demolition activities. Contact with moldy surfaces can cause skin irritation and ingestion can cause serious food poisoning. Most mold spores are 5-10 microns in size with one micron requires personal protective equipment (PPE) such as full body suits, gloves, and eye protection. Clean water floods that are properly dried out within 48 hours generally do not require extensive demolition or porous building materials and containment procedures.

Contact VioClean 800-277-2532 if you have any concerns related to water intrusion or mold issues we provide a complete assessment of air quality and provide solutions to solve the problem.

Steps to take during a Emergency Water Damage

Vioclean — Wed, 03 Aug 2011 14:05:14 +0000

Time is the essence when dealing with a water damage emergency. Determine the source of the water and seal it off, even if just temporarily, to prevent further damage. It may be necessary to call a licensed plumber for repairs to the water source. While waiting for VioClean to arrive, there are several things that can be done to help contain the damage and prevent further loss. These emergency steps are intended for situations involving clear water, that is, from a clean water source. If damage involves gray water or raw sewage, there are bio-hazardous conditions present and you should always wait for a professional to arrive. Also, never assume that the problem is corrected simply because the carpet and padding have been dried. Moisture in wall cavities and sub-flooring can result in dangerous mold and fungus problems ans should be avoided. Before doing anything, make sure there is no imminent danger from either structural or electrical problems. If you are unsure, don’t attempt to do anything until help arrives.

In the meantime:

Shut off the water source when possible
Turn off circuit breakers supplying electricity to wet areas.
Unplug and remove any small electrical devices currently located on the wet carpet.
Watch slipping hazards when walking from wet carpet onto vinyl or hardwood floors.
Begin to remove standing water by mopping and blotting.
Hang draperies and pin up furniture skirts to prevent contact with wet carpet.
Remove valuable paintings and art objects to a safe place.
Carefully remove items from wood furniture and wipe the furniture down.
Place aluminum foil or saucers between furniture legs and wet carpeting.
Remove and prop up wet cushions to facilitated drying. Check for color bleeding.
Remove Orientals, colored area rugs or wet fabrics from wet carpeting.
Remove books, magazines and other color staining times from wet floors.
Open wet cabinet doors and drawers. If swollen, do not force open.
Be careful of wet ceilings. They may fall causing injury.
Open windows in cool weather or turn on air conditioner in warm weather.
Do not turn ceiling fans on when the ceiling is wet.
Do not use household vacuum to remove standing water.

Water Damage Boston Failed Water Tank

Water Damage Boston, Mold Inpsections Ma, Sewage Backup Ma

Vioclean — Tue, 02 Aug 2011 14:52:03 +0000

We recently provided a sewage backup service for a customer in Lynn, Ma. The plumber called to inform us that the landlord resides out of state and they had a emergency situation resulting in sewage backup in the basement. Upon arrival it appears that the sewage has been sitting for a period of time. We notice that there was mold growth on some contents resulting from exposure to high levels of moisture.

We took care of the problem that night and billed the insurance carrier for the Landlord.

Learn more about mold and its related risk at

http://vioclean.com/learning_center_mold.htm

Tile & Grout Cleaning Marblehead, Ma

Vioclean — Wed, 20 Apr 2011 16:15:52 +0000

We recently performed a commercial tile & grout cleaning job at the Corinthian Yacht Club Marblehead, Ma. As you can see the before and after photo the grout and tiles are much cleaner, we are able to lift the grime from the porous cement based grout. This is where many cleaners fail without the proper equipment, you need heat and pressure then the ability to extract the dirt and grime instantly before it can seep back into the grout. Tile & Grout Cleaning Services provided with no harmful chemicals or odors.