SERVPRO of Bartow County’s Cutting Edge Water Restoration Equipment

3/5/2020 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Bartow County is here 24 hours a day to service all of your water extraction and restoration needs!

SERVPRO of Bartow County prides ourselves on having the latest and greatest water extraction and drying equipment available. Our technicians have been trained properly on each piece of equipment utilized to restore our customer’s property. It is critical for any water restoration professionals to have an in depth working knowledge of the equipment they use. This is why all of SERVPRO of Bartow County undergo comprehensive training on both the equipment and techniques SERVPRO uses to extract water, dry, and restore homes to preloss condition. The following is a brief summary of some of the equipment our technicians are trained and certified to operate. Without the following tools and thorough training, restoration of some properties would be impossible.  

Moisture Detection Tools

Moisture detection tools do exactly what they sound like they do, detect moisture. Not all moisture detection tools are made equally. Choosing a reliable, rugged, and consistent moisture moisture detection tool is imperative to the drying process. Without accurate readings from the moisture detection tools, technicians have no way of knowing if the drying process is working or if a given property is dried to IICRC S500 Standards. By using top-rated moisture detection tools like the Delmhorst Navigator Pro Moisture Meter, SERVPRO ensures that our technicians collect and document accurate information which allows them to dry our customers property quickly, thoroughly, and safely.

Moisture Meters - There are two basic methods of moisture detection, penetrating measurements and non-penetrating measurements that moisture meters use to determine how much moisture a given material contains. Penetrating measurements are taken by forcing sharp pin-like probes into the material, breaking the surface to contact the inside of the material. A small electrical current is passed from probe to probe by the hand-held meter. The meter detects moisture by variations in the current, and has pre-programmed standards that when compared to the electrical signals can determine the moisture content readings of given materials i.e. wood, sheetrock, tile, concrete, etc. Depending on the type of material, and its moisture content level, the moisture meter displays values that let our technicians monitor the drying process and know if the material is dried to preloss condition. This method is very accurate but has one major drawback, due to this method's requirement of punching small finishing nail size holes in the material being tested. Non-penetrating methods do not require probes to be inserted into the test material, rather the hand-held unit is placed in contact with the surface of the test material and uses an electro-magnetic field to measure the density of the material. Again the hand-held unit is pre-programed with standard readings for a large number of materials (wood, sheetrock, tile, concrete, etc.). Based on the density readings returned the moisture meter will display the moisture content reading of the test material. This method is great for detecting moisture without damaging the finish of walls and flooring, monitoring the drying process, and can be used on non-affected areas to determine where moisture is coming from due to its non-invasive nature with the ability to scan materials quickly and efficiently. One major drawback is the accuracy of readings when testing multiple layers of materials and when the nature of the test material is unknown (example: hardwood floors installed on-top-of vinyl flooring). *Check out some of SERVPRO’s preferred moisture reading tools: Delmhorst - Navigator Pro,  BD-10, Techcheck Plus, BD-2100; Protimeter - Surveymaster

Thermo-Hygrometer - Thermo-hygrometers measure temperature and relative humidity. These factors are the foundation of structural drying. Temperature and humidity readings are gathered to assess the drying environment on a restoration project site. Dehumidifiers and air movers are used to manipulate both the temperature and relative humidity. Thermo-hygrometer readings provide our technicians with information that allows them to adjust equipment to create the ideal drying environment. Most top-tear moisture meters have a thermo-hygrometer feature built into them, or accept attachments that accommodate this feature. This is because temperature and humidity readings are used, alongside material moisture content readings, to determine if a property is dried to IICRC Standards. *Check out some of SERVPRO’s preferred thermo-hygrometers: Delmhorst - HT-4000, HT-3000, HMI-41; Phoenix - Humiport 05; Protimeter - MMS Plus

Thermal Imaging Camera - Thermal cameras display images based on the heat signatures of the subject matter it focuses on. In layman's terms, thermal images provide pictures in “heat vision” (think of the iconic classic action movie Predator). The thermal imaging camera was invented in Hungary back in the late 1920’s, but was not adopted into practical use until the late 1940’s when Texas Instruments created a thermal imaging camera for the US military. Initially the use of such cameras was cost prohibitive for most industries, but in today’s modern era access to thermal cameras is increasing and the benefits of using this technology outweighs the hefty price tag associated with the equipment and training required to operate thermal imaging devices. 

SERVPRO uses thermal imaging to assess our customers property to detect moisture in the structure of the buildings and building materials. When a thermal image is taken of a room that has suffered water damage, the image will show where moisture has been absorbed by building materials that our naked eye can not detect. The moisture will often be depicted by a blue or red outline, or shading that denotes subtle changes in surface temperature between wet and dry materials. Using thermal imaging, large rooms can be quickly scanned and assessed for moisture. Any areas displaying signs of moisture can then be dried by strategically placing drying equipment, and/or removed all together.*FLIR branded thermal images are preferred buy SERVPRO of Bartow County

Specialized Drying Equipment and Air Filtration Systems

Again, Drying equipment sounds pretty self explanatory, but there are many different nuances to drying a property properly. Many different types of drying equipment can be used to accomplish unique drying goals. Each piece of drying equipment has its own use and is specifically designed to create an ideal drying environment. Air filtration equipment sounds straightforward as well, but calculating and staging an air filtration system is an involved process with many factors to consider. Calculating air flow rates, creating negative pressure environments, and constructing airtight containment barriers are all part of setting up an air filtration system that require both in depth training and professional equipment.

Low Profile, Axial and Centrifugal Air Movers - An air mover’s purposes is to create powerful and focus able air movement that can be harnessed to move large amounts of air across the surface of wet materials like carpet, drywall, and other building materials. By moving air across the surface of wet materials, moisture is drawn out of the water damaged material and absorbed by the moving air. The air is then dehumidified and blown across water damaged materials again, creating a drying cycle that removes moisture from the affected area(s).

SERVPRO utilizes three basic types of air movers, centrifugal air movers, low profile centrifugal air movers, and axial air movers. Let's take a look at each of these types of drying equipment and why different air movers are necessary to create the ideal drying environment.

Centrifugal air movers get their name from the mechanism that creates air flow. A compact electric motor turns a turbine like cylinder with air inducting blades that focus the airflow out of a directional spout. These types of air movers are commonly referred to as turbo dryers or “snail shells” (name coined by the distinct snail-like silhouette of the equipment). These air movers are ideal for open areas where space is readily available for strategic placement and are one of the most economical and efficient types of air movers available. One drawback to this type of air mover is the size and shape of the units. These types of air movers take up noticeably more space and might not fit into narrow or height restricted areas like crawl spaces or attics. Fewer of these types of air movers can fit in a given amount of space in comparison to other types of air movers, which limits transport quantities due to their space requirement. 

*Check out some of SERVPRO’s preferred centrifugal air moving equipment: Dri-Eaz - Sahara Pro, Santana SX, Sahara Pro X3 Turbodryer, Sahara HD Turbodryer; Phoenix - Cam Pro, Stackable Cam Pro; EBAC - Apollo

Low Profile Centrifugal Air Movers -  Low profile centrifugal air movers operate on the same principles as the aforementioned centrifugal air movers. They also are electrically powered and operate based on a similar design that generates air movement using a turbine and directional spout. The turbines in low profile centrifugal air movers are designed to be low profile, which affords this type of air mover some distinct advantages. One advantage being the overall size, and shape of low profile centrifugal air movers is more compact and can fit into cramped spaces like crawlspaces and attics. The shape of these type air movers usually resembles a square or box that is both wider and longer than it is tall. Low profile centrifugal air movers tend to be easier to carry due to a small reduction in weight, size, and shape, and their ability to be stacked in uniform columns allows for more units to be transported in a single vehicle. All of these factors contribute to the overall effectiveness of these types of air movers.

*Check out some of SERVPRO’s preferred low profile centrifugal air movers: Dri-Eaz - Velo Low Profile Centrifugal Air Movers; Phoenix - AirMax Low Profile Centrifugal Air Movers; Prochem - Triad Low Profile Centrifugal Air Movers; Super Vac -  Fireman’s Fan

Axial Air Movers - The third type of air mover SERVPRO utilizes are axial air movers. These types of air movers are also electrically powered, but utilize a series of blades that rotate around a central hub, called an impeller, to create air movement. Air is inducted into the machine from the bottom side and expelled vertically (picture a traditional box fan that has legs that allow it to be orientated horizontally). These types of air movers are great for directing air straight up towards a ceiling or an above level sub-floor. They can also be placed upside down or on their sides to change the direction of the airflow to dry flooring like hardwoods or carpet. Even sheetrock walls and exposed studs like traditional air movers. One major drawback to this type of fan is their size and weight. These types of air movers tend to be bulky, take up more space in transport, and require more amperage to operate (meaning fewer of these units can be powered by single household circuit breaker).

*Check out some of SERVPRO’s preferred axial air moving equipment: Dri-Eaz - Stealth AV3000, Jet CXV, Ace Turbodryer; Phoenix - Focus; EDIC - Aviator

Air Scrubbers - Air scrubbers also have a very intuitive name. The job of an air scrubber is to scrub or clean the air that is passed through the unit using a series of particulate matter and HEPA filters. Particulate matter filters remove microscopic particles like smoke, soot, pollen, dust, or asbestos. The HEPA filter removes even smaller particles from the air like mold, viruses, bacteria, and pretty much any particles larger than 0.3 micrometers. Air scrubbers are used on water restoration projects that deal with possible mold or sewage contamination. They can also remove smells from the air including smoke and soot odors from restoration projects that suffered fire damage.

When implementing the use of air scrubbers, they typically require the space to be prepped by erecting air tight containment barriers. Depending on the type of restoration project, these containment units may be negatively pressurized to reduce the number of airborne particles. In this scenario an air scrubber is placed inside the contained area where it filters contaminated air. Most of the exhaust from the air scrubber is safely expelled outside of the contained area through temporary duct work. Removing air from the contained area creates back pressure or negative pressure throughout the contained area. This method of containment ensures that other areas on site are not cross contaminated and that the remaining air inside of the contained area has been filtered and cleaned by the air scrubber. 

*Check out some of SERVPRO’s preferred air filtration and scrubbing equipment: Phoenix air scrubber - Guardian HEPA System, Guardian R Pro HEPA System; Prochem - Triad Air Mover w/ Air Filtration Device; Dri-Eaz -  Defendair HEPA 500, Defendair EX; Nikro - Negative Air 600, PS1000 HEPA Poly System; US Products - Patriot System 

Dehumidifiers and Desiccants

SERVPRO utilizes several different types of dehumidifying equipment. There are three basic types of dehumidifiers, low-grain refrigerant dehumidifiers (LGR dehumidifiers), conventional dehumidifiers, and desiccant dehumidifiers. Conventional and LGR dehumidifiers operate off of similar designs but result in different drying outputs. Conventional dehumidifiers take in moist air and pass it over refrigerated coils. This causes moisture to fall out of suspension in the air and condensate on the refrigerated coils, leaving the air dry and ready to absorb more moisture from water damaged materials. LGR dehumidifiers operate similarly but are far more powerful and efficient due to the use of low-grain refrigerants, a compressor system, and use of two cooling systems. These redundant cooling systems cool air to lower temperatures and more quickly than conventional systems. This increase in cooling directly reflects the speed at which water is able to be extracted from the moist air, boosting the drying capabilities of LGR dehumidifiers. This is why SERVPRO of Bartow County has all but phased out the use of conventional dehumidifiers. LGR dehumidifiers are just far more capable pieces of equipment and can be used in place of conventional dehumidifiers in almost all cases. Conventional dehumidifiers on the other hand, are not interchangeable with LGR dehumidifiers when LGR dehumidifiers are needed.

Another similar piece of drying equipment is a desiccant dehumidifier. These types of dehumidifiers might look similar but, operate off completely different principals. They do not use condensers or refrigerants to remove moisture from the air. Desiccant dehumidifiers typically utilize silicon based materials that absorb moisture. The machine forces moist air across, over and through this silicate based material where moisture is absorbed and the air is filtered (often using HEPA filtration technology). Thus drying the moist air and creating a favorable drying environment. Desiccant dehumidifiers have some distinct advantages over the other types of dehumidifiers. Desiccant dehumidifiers do not discharge water because the silicate material actually absorbs the moisture it pulls from the air. Both conventional and LGR dehumidifiers require drainage hoses and a safe place to discharge the water collected during the condensation process. Desiccant dehumidifiers are also very powerful pieces of drying equipment that surpasses even LGR dehumidifiers drying capabilities in large or very wet scenarios. One disadvantage when it comes to desiccant dehumidifiers is the amount of power required to operate these machines. Desiccant dehumidifiers typically require substantially more power than the other types of dehumidifiers and depending on the job-site may require supplemental power in the form of an electrical generator.

Low-Grain Refrigerant Dehumidifiers - LGR dehumidifiers are SERVPRO of Bartow County’s preferred type of dehumidifier because of their reliability, electrical efficiency, and drying power. Over 90% of the restoration projects SERVPRO of Bartow County takes on, have an LGR dehumidifier on-site at one point or another during the restoration process. This is because controlling the environment’s moisture content levels is intragale to the drying process and for the success of any water restoration project. Low-grain dehumidifiers are powerful and efficient pieces of drying technology that SERVPRO of Bartow County uses to dry our customers property quickly and safely. *Check out some of SERVPRO’s preferred LGR dehumidifiers: Dri-Eaz - Revolution LGR, LGR 6000Li, Evolution, LGR 7000xli, 2800i LGR, Drizair 2400, Drizair LGR 2000; Phoenix - Dry Max LGR, R150 LGR, R-175 LGR, 250 Max LGR, R250 LGR, Drymax XL LGR, 270HTX, R200 LGR, 200 Max LGR

Desiccant Dehumidifiers - Desiccant dehumidifiers are some of the most powerful drying tools SERVPRO of Bartow County has in our restoration arsenal. These drying machines typically are used in large loss scenarios or when environmental temperatures require their use. Our desiccant dehumidifiers are capable of removing moisture from air in below freezing temperatures and environments in excess of 100ºF (temperatures at which conventional and LGR dehumidifiers can not perform). SERVPRO’s desiccant dehumidifiers ranging in size from washing machine sized boxes to trailer mounted shipping containers, so no matter what size issue our customer comes to us with, we have the dry solution that is right for the job. *Check out some of SERVPRO’s preferred desiccant dehumidifiers: Phoenix - D850, 1200 Portable, D385 Portable; Arid Dry - MS-600 Desiccant

SERVPRO of Bartow County employees are some of the most well trained technicians and water restoration professionals in the Metro Atlanta area. We pride ourselves on having some of the most highly trained and most experienced team members in the water and fire restoration industry. SERVPRO views training for our team members as essential to our business plan. In our view, investing in our employees by making sure that they are properly trained is tantamount to investing in ourselves. By investing in our employees training program we are able to provide top level services and are able to provide better service, be more thorough, and even more efficient when it comes to cleaning, drying, and restoring our customers property. Our technicians are trained to both IICRC’s S500 standards as well as our own in house training programs standards. This ensures they have the knowledge base and experience to restore your home or business to preloss condition. Don’t take our word for it, just take a look at some of our satisfied customers testimonials.

IICRC Training and Certification

The Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC) certifies and sets the standards for the cleaning and restoration industries. Our Professionals study IICRC standards and best practices in water restoration, fire restoration, mold remediation, carpet and upholstery cleaning, and other cleaning and restoration courses.

Employee Certification Training

The Employee Certification Training is a voluntary, self-paced program designed for SERVPRO Franchise employees. Certification is awarded after successful completion of course materials and an examination. Modules include:

• Crew Training
• Fire Restoration
• Water Restoration
• Carpet & Upholstery Cleaning

Initial Franchise Training

A 15-day hands-on course at the SERVPRO Corporate Training Facility is the foundation of the SERVPRO training program. This course is primarily for new Franchise owners and covers many restoration topics:

• Fire Restoration
• Water Restoration
• Carpet & Upholstery Cleaning
• Mold Mitigation

e-Learnings

All of our staff have access to web-based training. This voluntary program is designed to be an ongoing, self-paced coaching series for a Franchise's employees. Video presentations and support materials are followed by a knowledge test at the end of each module. This keeps our technicians and office staff up to speed on industry standards and the professional quality you expect.

Continuing Education Classes

SERVPRO of Bartow County offers both credit and noncredit courses for insurance agents, insurance adjusters, real estate professionals, and Franchise staff. These programs are designed to improve knowledge of emergency mitigation. Courses include:

• Water Damage Restoration
• Fire Damage Restoration
• Understanding Mold in the Restoration Industry
• Restorative Drying for Loss Control
• Mitigation Awareness Response Seminar (non-credit course)