Disaster? Not for the restorer...
December 1st 2006 To say that one man's disaster can be another's windfall is putting it a bit strongly.
But disaster restoration specialists may beg to differ, says Prochem
Disaster restoration (DR) is a growing business. From humble beginnings extracting water out of soggy carpets, it has turned into a multi-billion pound business. It's not hard to find the reasons why.
Global warming is presenting weather extremes all over the world and flood conditions are just one by-product of this. In the face of growing claims, insurers are seeking to reduce the cost of claims by restoring rather than replacing risks such as damaged homes.
To meet this need, manufacturers have been investing in ever more efficient and fast-acting chemical and technology treatments.
The experience of the US restoration industry where one-man bands have developed into total solutions providers encompassing all types of restoration under one roof is likely to be repeated in the UK.
There are few companies in the UK yet providing this service – but they are coming and there is likely to be tremendous opportunity for existing and entrants to the DR marketplace.
DR is not limited to water damage.Smoke is another offender and claims have to be handled with care with a professional assessment, essential to reparation.Carbon residue settles on carpets and upholstery surfaces while its odour penetrates through the fibres.Restorers need specialist products to counteract the odour and break down the carbon residue.They have to analyse the type of residue and apply the correct product and cleaning method to ensure a satisfactory result.
Fabric has to be returned to the standard it was prior to being affected by the smoke residue.This is often difficult as it is not always possible able to define the pre damage condition.
A good background in carpet and upholstery cleaning methods and systems is required to understand the complete cleaning methods and to accomplish a good final result to save the customer substantial replacement costs.
Disaster restoration requires knowledge of the craft and its tools.
Prochem fields a diverse range of DR-dedicated technology, spanning air movers like the Apache, to deodorising and sanitising fogging units like the FogMister used with A222 Odour Neutraliser solution for smoke contamination, to the humble Dry Chem Sponge for pre-cleaning of smoke damaged surfaces, fabrics and paper.
Chemicals are a speciality at Prochem. An essential in the cleaner's DR emergency pack is solvent free Ultrapac Renovate restoration cleaner for the removal of ingrained soils, carbon, soot, fire residues and rubber on hard and semi-porous surfaces.
Browning Prescription is ideal for treating jute browning and large areas of water damage staining on carpets. Fibrebuff, an acidic powder additive for use with B151 Oxibrite and B105 Fibre Shampoo is another frontline solution when removing 'browning' stains or cleaning water damaged carpet.
Microsan is a multi-surface anti-microbial solution that's been grabbing headlines in the fight against the MRSA superbug. It's a very useful DR solution as it tackles bacteria,mildew, algae, fungi and viruses.
Filter-Out removes air filtration soil lines along walls and doorways, near heating and air conditioning vents.Exclusive Prochem technology defeats the particle charge attraction, allowing soils to be extracted away and it also removes toner spills, carbon, soot and other charged particle soils.
Deep extraction through truck mount machines can accomplish excellent results and Prochem claims to have the largest range on the UK market. Challenge it to prove it.Call the number below or use the free reader enquiry service.
available online at: www.cleaning-matters.co.uk More articles from Prochem Europe Ltd: | 
