Can Mold Cause Health Problems?

Molds are usually not a problem indoors, unless mold spores land on a wet or damp spot and begin growing. Molds have the potential to cause health problems. Molds produce allergens (substances that can cause allergic reactions), irritants, and in some cases, potentially toxic substances (mycotoxins).

Inhaling or touching mold or mold spores may cause allergic reactions in sensitive individuals. Allergic responses include hay fever-type symptoms, such as sneezing, runny nose, red eyes, and skin rash (dermatitis). Allergic reactions to mold are common. They can be immediate or delayed. Molds can also cause asthma attacks in people with asthma who are allergic to mold. In addition, mold exposure can irritate the eyes, skin, nose, throat, and lungs of both mold-allergic and non-allergic people. Symptoms other than the allergic and irritant types are not commonly reported as a result of inhaling mold. 

 Research on mold and health effects is ongoing. This brochure provides a brief overview; it does not describe all potential health effects related to mold exposure. For more detailed information consult a health professional. You may also wish to consult your state or local health department.

944-748-7876

Northeast Ohio's "Paramedics of Property Damage"

George Cruz, Emilio Soli - Managing Partners

Why is Mold Growing in My Home?

Molds are part of the natural environment. Outdoors, molds play a part in nature by breaking down dead organic matter such as fallen leaves and dead trees, but indoors, mold growth should be avoided. Molds reproduce by means of tiny spores; the spores are invisible to the naked eye and float through outdoor and indoor air. Mold may begin growing indoors when mold spores land on surfaces that are wet. There are many types of mold, and none of them will grow without water or moisture.

866-944-7876

Northeast Ohio's "Paramedics of Property Damage"

George Cruz, Emilio Soli - Managing Partners

Wet Basements in Northeast Ohio - PuroClean To Clean & Dry

Earth is blessed with plenty of water. Water is very essential to everybody’s life. Definitely you can never think about living in this world without water. Water is needed for every purpose.


Overflow of water can takes place without your knowledge at times. This can happen if an underground pipe burst due to heavy snowfall or decrease in temperature. The water will slowly start moving out of the pipe. Gradually it will rise to the ground and can cause damage to your flooring, foundation etc. your carpet will be able to absorb the water up to certain level and at this point you realize about the occurrence of water burst. This is just one incident that can happen to anyone. There are so many such incidents that have already happened in the past. Apart from this water damage cleanup can also cause damages in the means of flood due to heavy rainfall, if the hurricane hits the shores and many more. Such incidents can cause lot of fire & flood restoration and destruction to building. This water can also cause clean fire damage to other machines in the house. You will not be able to stop the incoming water since it is coming from a powerful source.
The best option to get the things done is by calling a clean fire damage service immediately rather than trying to get things done by ourselves. The restoration team will provide the best and speedy service since they have got training for doing all these activities. You can search online to check for a restoration service. fire & flood restoration is one of the emergency team functioning 24 hours a day in order to help the people to fix the problem by cleaning and repairing the damaged parts.
If you have an insurance coverage for household, then you are partly lucky. Still it can cause problem for those who doesn’t have an insurance coverage or the plan doest cover these clean fire damage and the restoration works. The best approach is to try avoiding all the manageable damages by checking and cleaning the entire house on a regular.



Rexriely is a leading service provider for water damage cleanup. You should be getting enough details about flood emergency a prospect to follow up with them instantly and easily.

NE Ohio's "Paramedics of Property Damage"

866-944-7876

Emilio Soli, George Cruz - Managing Partners

PuroClean's George Cruz Named 2010 Cleveland Hispanic Businessman of the Year

George Cruz - Managing Partner

Since launching Cleveland’s PuroClean Professional Services, part of the nation’s fastest growing property emergency franchise, three years ago, co-owner George Cruz has seen business increase by more than 300 percent. Recognizing his impressive start, along with his dedication to the community, the Ohio Hispanic Chambers of Commerce honored Cruz as the 2010 Cleveland Hispanic Businessman of the Year.

Each year, the Ohio Hispanic Chambers of Commerce (through the local chambers in Ohio) recognizes area professionals who exemplify leadership, dedication and commitment to the Hispanic community. This is the second consecutive year Cruz has been honored by the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce. Last year Cruz and his business partner Emilio Soli, were named Male Entrepreneurs of the Year by the Northeast Ohio Hispanic Chamber of Commerce (NEOHCC).

“Having grown up in Northeast Ohio, this award is meaningful on both a personal and professional level,” Cruz said. “It is especially gratifying considering we have only been in business for just under 3 years.”
The mission of the Northeast Ohio Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, part of the Ohio Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, is to educate and provide opportunities to local Hispanic entrepreneurs so their businesses are equipped for growth and success. Services they offer include business plan writing assistance, financial analysis, business start-up counseling and information on contract and bid opportunities.

Cruz and Soli, former colleagues in the corporate world, decided to open the PuroClean franchise together after losing their jobs in the economic downturn. PuroClean, known as the nation’s “Paramedics of Property Damage,” shows up on the scene of property disasters to take the necessary steps to bring the situation under control and prevent it from becoming worse. PuroClean certified technicians provide emergency services to restore properties damaged by water, fire, smoke, mold, and biohazard events.
“We had one employee when we started and now we have 10,” Cruz said. “We started out in a small storage unit and now we work out of a 4,000-square-foot facility. “There is still so much more room for growth, but this recognition further shows us we’re on the right track.”
PuroClean Professional Services has been a member of the Northeast Ohio Hispanic Chamber of Commerce since early 2008. Since then, Cruz and Soli have made a tremendous impact on the community, working to provide jobs and services to the large Hispanic population in Northeast Ohio. For more information about PuroClean Professional Services, please call 440-748-7876 or visit www.PuroCleanProServices.com

About The Northeast Ohio Hispanic Chamber of Commerce (NEOHCC)

The Northeast Ohio Hispanic Chamber of Commerce has been in existence for over 27 years. The organization’s mission is to promote and support the domestic and international economic development of Hispanic businesses and individuals, and to serve as a link between non-Hispanic entities and the Hispanic market.

 
 
 

www.PuroCleanProServices.com

866-944-7876

NE Ohio's "Paramedics of Property Damage"

5 Dimensions of Customer Service for Any Business

Dimensions of Customer Service

 

Customer service is the lifeblood of any business. You can reduce rates and slash prices to bring in as many new customers as you want, but unless you can retain some of those customers, your business won't be profitable for long.


We would like to share some interesting results from a national poll regarding the five most important elements of customer service.

5 Most Important Dimensions of Customer Service

1. Reliability
a. Do what you say you're going to do.
b. Do it when you say you're going to do it.
c. Do it right the first time.

2. Responsiveness
a. Answer your calls or respond in a timely fashion. But mainly, answer your calls so I can speak to a live person.
b. Speed. Respond quickly so I feel reassured.

3. Valued
a. Make people feel as though they are your most important customer. Don't say or imply you are too busy with anything or anyone else. Make their concern your only priority.

4. Empathy
a. "I'm sorry for your experience.... So that I can help you better, would it be okay if I ask you a few questions?" The sincere use of empathy reassures people you care and puts them at ease.

5. Competency
a. Knowledge and exeperience is a necessity for any reputable business to be taken seriously.

PuroClean Professional Services
NE Ohio's "Paramedics of Property Damage
866-944-7876

Fire Safety For Ohio Property Owners

The National Fire Prevention Association has designated October as Fire Prevention Month. In many parts of the country, October begins the "heating season" - when fires are more common than during the rest of the year. October is also the month ushering in the holiday season (counting Halloween), and the holidays themselves are a season of increased fire risk. For instance, more residential fires occur on Thanksgiving Day, than on any other single day of the year - more than double the daily average!
Candles are always beautiful, and they are especially abundant during the holiday season. The top five days for home candle fires are: Christmas, Christmas Eve, New Year's Day, Halloween and December 23rd. During 2003-2007, U.S. fire departments responded to an average of 15,260 home fires started by candles per year. These fires caused an annual average of 166 deaths, 1,289 injuries, and $450 million in direct property damage. Candles caused 4% of reported home fires, 6% of home fire deaths, 10% of home fire injuries, and 7% of direct property damage during this period. We all love the beauty of candles, but it is important to be careful!
So, as we get ready to enter this season, it is very important to keep safety in mind.
The National Fire Prevention Association recommends:

Cooking/Kitchen Safety:

• Always stay in the kitchen when cooking. If you must leave the kitchen for any reason, turn off the stovetop.
• No matter how you are cooking, check the food regularly. Use a timer to remind you to check the food.
• Wear short, close-fitting sleeves when cooking. Loose clothing can easily catch fire.
• Never use water to extinguish a cooking fire.
• If oil starts to boil, remove it from the heat source. Simply lowering the heat will not reduce the temperature fast enough.
• Be careful not to overfill pots with oil. You need room in the pan to add food. Overflowing oil can easily catch fire. If oil catches fire, use an oven mitt to carefully slide a lid over the pan to smother the fire.
• If oil has overflowed and is burning, get everyone out of the house and call the fire department from outside.
• Keep towels, bags, plastic, and food packaging away from flame and heat.
• Never cook when under the influence of alcohol, drugs, or medication.
Candle Safety:

• Always keep a burning candle within sight - never leave it unattended.
• Never burn a candle near anything that can catch fire.
• Always use a candleholder specifically designed for candles and place on a stable, heat-resistant surface.
• Make sure a candle is completely extinguished and is no longer glowing before leaving it.
• Never use a candle as a night light.

Christmas Decoration Safety:

• When decorating, be sure to use only lights rated for indoor use.
• Replace any lights that have worn, frayed, or broken cords.
• Always unplug Christmas tree lights before leaving the home or going to bed.
• Keep live trees moist by watering daily. Do not purchase a tree that is dry.
• Make sure the tree is at least three feet away from any heat source
• Safely dispose of the tree when it begins dropping needles - dried out trees are highly flammable.
• Make sure artificial trees are fire retardant.
• Place the tree near an outlet to avoid running long extension cords.
• Do not burn a Christmas tree in a fireplace. They are practically explosive.

General Fire Safety:

• Install smoke alarms and test them once a month (pick a day, such as the first of each month).
• Change the batteries regularly - many experts recommend changing your smoke alarm batteries twice a year - when you change your clocks for Daylight Saving Time, and back.
• Have a dry or foam fire extinguisher in your kitchen. Check the expiration date to be sure it is current.
• Have an evacuation plan in case of a fire. Practice the plan.
By knowing and using good safety practices, we can help to ensure that everyone has a joyous and safety holiday season. In the event a fire should occur, it is important for property owners to know what to do, what not to do, and who to contact once it is extinguished. PuroClean, known as The Paramedics of Property DamageTM, is a professional mitigation company specializing in property remediation after a home or commercial structure is damaged by fire and smoke. Fire, along with the resulting smoke and soot, can rapidly harm household items - even after the fire has been extinguished. It is imperative to seek help immediately from a professional restoration company such as PuroClean to prevent further damage.
Regardless of the circumstances - dealing with fire/smoke damage, water damage, or mold remediation - call your local PuroClean Professional Services.
866-944-7876

                                                   Emilio Soli, George Cruz - Managing Partners

Drying Walls That Are Affected By Water Damage

Water intrusion and plumbing leaks can leave property owners with wet walls - and insurance professionals with claims. A key question arises: is it necessary to remove the wall?


Traditionally, restoration practices called for the complete removal and replacement of wet drywall or other wet materials from walls. Today’s technology, however, allows restoration professionals many options to save walls - significantly reducing restoration costs.
Factors Affecting Wall Drying
When health and safety are at risk, industry standards require the removal of porous wall materials. This will be the case when sewage or floodwaters have entered the home. In addition, drywall should be removed and replaced when structural integrity is lost. There is no need to spend time and effort to dry those materials. Instead, they should be removed at the beginning to reduce drying times. In most other cases, however, saving the wall is possible. A skilled restorer will apply the appropriate techniques, depending on the construction materials of the wall.

A most common obstruction to effectively drying walls is a vapor barrier. A vapor barrier is any material that impedes the evaporation of moisture from walls or other materials. It can include gloss paint, vinyl wall covering, Tyvek® house wrap, plastic sheeting, or other impermeable materials.

In some situations, simply removing the outer vapor barrier quickly promotes the drying process. Vinyl wall covering, typically used in kitchens and bathrooms, can easily be removed. Perforating gloss or semi-gloss paints helps release moisture from the wall material. If building materials are wet on both sides of an impermeable or semi-permeable material, the only option may be the removal of some or all of the wall components until the remaining materials are able to dry.

Another common impediment to drying is insulation. A wall may contain fiberglass (with or without backing material), spray foam, or blown-in insulation. Each of these materials presents its own special needs in the drying process.

Blown-in fiberglass or cellulosic insulation can compact and move down the wall cavity when it becomes wet. After compression occurs, the insulating properties of the material are lost and cannot be restored. If this is the case, the insulation will need to be removed and then replaced after the wall is dry.

Fiberglass insulation with paper backing can, in most situations, be successfully dried, using air injection or other methods.

Sprayed-in or expanding foam insulation creates a very effective vapor barrier that normally needs to be removed. In some situations it is possible to successfully dry if both sides of an interior wall are accessible, or if an exterior wall is only wet on the interior side.

Plaster walls present a unique challenge. They dry much slower than gypsum drywall, but the price to replace plaster is quite high. Therefore, drying is usually a more cost-effective and better option than removal. Special techniques such as tenting and low-grain dehumidification are used to effectively dry plaster walls. Raising the temperature of the room also speeds the drying process.

A wall built with metal studs presents another challenge. The bottom frame of the wall system is a C-shaped metal channel with the opening facing up. This channel collects and retains water. Excess water will need to be vacuumed out of the channel to expedite drying.

Drying can be hastened by drilling small holes along the bottom of the wall. Injector nozzles are inserted and air is introduced into the wall cavity, greatly reducing drying time. When the drying is complete, these holes are patched or covered by baseboard. This process is faster and less expensive than removing and replacing walls.

PuroClean restoration professionals use principles such as equilibrium drying, capillary action, vapor pressure differentials, grain depression, psychrometrics, laminar airflow, and boundary layer movement to efficiently and effectively dry wet walls. The process may include injection drying to put dry air inside walls, tenting to reduce the amount of wet air in the affected area, or managing the environment to promote effective drying solutions.


866-944-7876 (PURO)

Emilio Soli, George Cruz - Managing Partners