DURACLEAN IS HIRING!

Duraclean Restoration, a leader in property loss restoration, is seeking a rock star marketing representative! 

Our company mission is to help others through a strong focus on client satisfaction. 

We are growing and expanding and are looking for an enthusiastic, loyal, and results driven individual to grow with us.  The winning candidate will share our desire to help others and provide exceptional customer service.

Compensation is a salary plus bonus structure.  Bonus structure is based on percentage of monthly revenue generated.  No limit on the revenue basis -  so the sky is the limit! 

RESPONSIBILITIES:

1)      maintain and further develop existing relationships with current referral sources

2)      prospect and proactively build relationships with new, potential referral sources

3)      maintain and create these relationships primarily through route marketing and face to face relationship building (hitting the pavement!)

4)      organize and attend promotional events with local businesses and the community

5)      attend weekly networking meetings within the marketing territory

6)      maintain detailed records of all interactions and input all data into marketing software program

NECESSARY CHARACTERISTICS:

1)      Positive, enthusiastic attitude.  We work hard but we have a lot of fun doing it.  The ideal candidate will share our positive outlook and carry it throughout all that they do.  Curmudgeons and negative attitudes will not fit in at Duraclean! 

2)      Problem solving skills.  You must be a results driven individual that will do whatever it takes to get the job done.

3)      Dedication.  You must want this to be your career.   The earning potential of this position is phenomenal but it requires a sincere commitment to nurturing existing relationships and cultivating new ones.  If you are looking for a short term position, this is not the job for you! 

REQUIREMENTS:

All applicants must:

1)      Have a valid and clean driver’s license. (no major violations in the last 3 years)

2)      Be drug free.  Pre-employment and random drug testing will be administered.

3)      Have no criminal record. Full background checks are completed. (misdemeanors, depending on the nature of the conviction, may be permissible)

4)      Have reliable transportation to the office.  A company vehicle is provided for all required travel, but the rep. must report to our East Greenville office each morning and at the end of each day.  The rep. does not take the company vehicle home.

5)      Be computer literate. Proficiency in basic computer programs (MS Outlook, MS Word, MS Powerpoint) is required.  The rep. will also be required to utilize and input data into our marketing software program and manage email marketing campaigns through a third party email marketing service.  If you struggle with technology, this may not be the position for you.  We try to improve our efficiency through the use of technology and will continue to add additional technology to our operations moving forward.

APPLICATION AND INTERVIEW PROCESS

To be considered for this position, please do the following:

1)      Submit a cover letter detailing why you want to be a Duraclean marketing representative, and why you feel you would be a good fit for the position.

2)      Submit a resume with all relevant work experience and references.

Please submit all required information to:  info@tristateservicesinc.com

We look forward to hearing from you!

  • Share/Bookmark

RESTORATION NEWS | Water Damage and Mold | Part 4

 
 
The Restoration News series is a valuable source of information for a variety of restoration topics.  This series focuses on mold basics, the dangers of mold exposure, and the proper mold remediation procedures.

  

Factors Affecting Mold Growth

There are seven major factors that affect mold growth. 

These include:

  • Moisture/humidity
  • Food source
  • Temperature
  • pH
  • Time
  • Light
  • Air Movement

 Moisture can come in the form of liquid water or water vapor. 

Either one can contribute to mold growth. In fact, moisture is the #1 factor in causing mold growth.  Mold will simply not grow without moisture. 

Moisture can be measured in terms of relative humidity and water activity.   Relative humidity as first presented in the newsletter:  “Dehumidifiers’ Use in Water Damage is All ‘Relative’ – Part I” (Vol. 1, No. 3) is the percentage of moisture the air can hold at a certain temperature.   Water activity is like the relative humidity measurement at the surface of an object. 

In either case once you reach a certain threshold then mold can grow.  At normal room temperatures (around 70-75o F.) mold will start to grow once relative humidity reaches 60% or more. 

Food source is the next important factor.  Unlike plants which use photosynthesis so  they can produce their own carbohydrates from carbon dioxide and water, mold (fungi) is parasitic in nature.  It needs to feed off of something else in order to survive.   Mold secretes enzymes similar to those in your stomach to digest its food.  In this case, however, the enzymes are sent out into the food source to break down, digest and absorb the food source for its nutrients.

Mold Growth

Growth on Various Surfaces

Mold grows on many surfaces.   The surface itself may be the food source such as structural wood or dry wall or the food may be on the surface such as when you see mold in a shower stall.  The soap and bacteria that is present, not the actual shower liner or tile, are supporting the mold growth.

Following is a list of the more common surfaces that can exhibit mold growth:

  • Wood
  • Plaster and gypsum (dry wall)
  • Cellulose fibers
  • Fiberglass
  • Fabrics
  • Flooring
  • HVAC Systems (AC)
  • Wool, skin and hair
  • Humidifiers
  • Cement and concrete
  • Plastic
  • Paper
  • Paint
  • Vinyl wall coverings
  • Rubber
  • Metal
  • Plants and potting soil
  • Starch in wallpaper paste

 Mold Growth

If you suspect that you have mold in your home or business, make sure to contact a certified mold remediation contractor.  Only certified professionals should perform mold removal.

Check back regualry for the next issue in the  Restoration News newsletter series to learn more about mold and the proper mold remediation procedures.

 
If you have questions that you cannot find answers to on the help forum…Give us a call, or send us an email.

We would be happy to talk with you and share our knowledge and experience with you. 

Contact Us:

TRI-STATE SERVICES, INC. – Duraclean Restoration Specialist and  Tri-State Basement Services

www.tristateservicesinc.com

Phone: 215-679-3550

Fax: 215-679-8550

Email: info@tristateservicesinc.com

 

Restoration News – Water Damage and Mold Part 4

  • Share/Bookmark

Duraclean Restoration is Hiring!!

Duraclean Restoration, a leader in property loss restoration, is seeking a rock star marketing representative! 

Our company mission is to help others through a strong focus on client satisfaction. 

We are growing and expanding and are looking for an enthusiastic, loyal, and results driven individual to grow with us.  The winning candidate will share our desire to help others and provide exceptional customer service.

Compensation is a salary plus bonus structure.  Bonus structure is based on percentage of monthly revenue generated.  No limit on the revenue basis -  so the sky is the limit! 

RESPONSIBILITIES:

1)      maintain and further develop existing relationships with current referral sources

2)      prospect and proactively build relationships with new, potential referral sources

3)      maintain and create these relationships primarily through route marketing and face to face relationship building (hitting the pavement!)

4)      organize and attend promotional events with local businesses and the community

5)      attend weekly networking meetings within the marketing territory

6)      maintain detailed records of all interactions and input all data into marketing software program

NECESSARY CHARACTERISTICS:

1)      Positive, enthusiastic attitude.  We work hard but we have a lot of fun doing it.  The ideal candidate will share our positive outlook and carry it throughout all that they do.  Curmudgeons and negative attitudes will not fit in at Duraclean! 

2)      Problem solving skills.  You must be a results driven individual that will do whatever it takes to get the job done.

3)      Dedication.  You must want this to be your career.   The earning potential of this position is phenomenal but it requires a sincere commitment to nurturing existing relationships and cultivating new ones.  If you are looking for a short term position, this is not the job for you! 

REQUIREMENTS:

All applicants must:

1)      Have a valid and clean driver’s license. (no major violations in the last 3 years)

2)      Be drug free.  Pre-employment and random drug testing will be administered.

3)      Have no criminal record. Full background checks are completed. (misdemeanors, depending on the nature of the conviction, may be permissible)

4)      Have reliable transportation to the office.  A company vehicle is provided for all required travel, but the rep. must report to our East Greenville office each morning and at the end of each day.  The rep. does not take the company vehicle home.

5)      Be computer literate. Proficiency in basic computer programs (MS Outlook, MS Word, MS Powerpoint) is required.  The rep. will also be required to utilize and input data into our marketing software program and manage email marketing campaigns through a third party email marketing service.  If you struggle with technology, this may not be the position for you.  We try to improve our efficiency through the use of technology and will continue to add additional technology to our operations moving forward.

APPLICATION AND INTERVIEW PROCESS

We will be holding interviews for this position on 4/30/12, 5/1/12, 5/2/12, and 5/3/12 between 10:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m.

To be considered for this position, please do the following:

1)      Submit a cover letter detailing why you want to be a Duraclean marketing representative, and why you feel you would be a good fit for the position.

2)      Submit a resume with all relevant work experience and references.

3)      Indicate which day and time you would like to interview (choose from the four days listed above).  We will email you to confirm if your requested interview time is available, and to schedule a different time if it is not. 

 Please submit all required information to:  info@tristateservicesinc.com

We look forward to hearing from you!

  • Share/Bookmark

HURRICANE IRENE

HURRICANE IRENE: MAJOR NORTHEAST THREAT

THE NATIONAL HURRICANE CENTER IS PREDICTING IRENE WILL BECOME A LARGER THAN AVERAGE HURRICANE.

 

 

 
 
 
 
 

Overview of Hurricane Irene

THREATS INCLUDE:
STRONG WINDS
POWER OUTAGES
DOWNED TREES
EXTREME AMOUNTS OF HEAVY RAIN
WIDESPREAD FLOODING

 

 

 

 

 

WE ARE HERE TO HELP!!

 
DURACLEAN  RESTORATION & TRI-STATE  BASEMENT  SERVICES
 
24/7 EMERGENCY SERVICE
 
Flood Pump Outs
Water Extraction
Structural Drying
Contents Drying and Restoration
Sump Pump Installs
Battery-Back Up Pump Installs
Full Reconstruction
We are available 24/7 to serve you and your clients…during this storm…and always
Call for Emergency Service:
215-679-3550
Toll Free: 866-679-3550
  • Share/Bookmark

FLOOD WATCH IN EFFECT

FLOOD WATCH!!

THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE

HAS ISSUED A FLOOD WATCH FOR EASTERN PENNSYLVANIA, INCLUDING:

BERKS, BUCKS, LEHIGH, MONTGOMERY, NORTHAMPTON, AND PHILADELPHIA COUNTIES

EXPERTS ARE PREDICTING TOTAL RAIN FALL OF UP TO 7” IN SOME AREAS!!

CAREFUL OF FLASH FLOODING

WE ARE HERE TO HELP!!

DURACLEAN  RESTORATION SPECIALIST

&

TRI-STATE  BASEMENT  SERVICES

24/7 EMERGENCY SERVICE

Flood Pump Outs

Flood Clean Up

Water Removal

Water Extraction

Structural Drying

Contents Drying and Restoration

Sump Pump Installs

Battery Back-Up Pump Installs

Reconstruction

Call for Emergency Service:

215-679-3550

Toll Free: 866-679-3550

Contact our office with any questions:

Tri-State Basement Services

Phone: 215-679-3040

Fax: 215-679-8550

www.tristateservicesinc.com

Duraclean Restoration Specialist

Phone: 215-679-3550

Fax: 215-679-8550

www.duracleanrestorationspecialist.com

  • Share/Bookmark

RESTORATION NEWS | Fire and Smoke Damage | Part 1

 Restoration News - Fire and Smoke Damage  Part 1
The Restoration News series is a valuable source of information for a variety of restoration topics.  This series focuses on fire and smoke damage - the basics, odor and contamination issues, and proper restoration procedures.

 

“Smoke” Defined

Smoke/soot is the product of incomplete combustion.  It is made visible through the presence of small particles of carbon.

The fire that causes smoke and soot is non-discriminatory in that it will burn anything which can be burned: including your home, your clothing, and all of your personal belongings.  Besides the residue that is created through a fire, when there is a structure that has a variety of different flammable materials such as particle board, wood, plastic laminate, vinyl, etc., the combination of these substances can produce very complex odors.

 fire damage

 

  

Three Categories of Smoke Residue and Odors

Smoke odors can normally be classified into three categories.  These categories also need customized deodorization to restore them:

Protein Odors – These are produced from burned meat, flesh and poultry.

fire - kitchen

The residue is identifiable by a brownish or yellowish color and has a greasy texture. Odor removal and deodorization usually entails a complete cleaning of the affected surfaces.

Natural Substance Odors – Natural burned substances include paper, wood, jute, cork, feathers, and wool, anything that has a plant or animal hair source.  Identification is made through a gray/black residue that has a dry, powdery consistency.

Synthetic Substance Odors – Synthetic (man-made) burned substances encompass burned plastics and textiles.  Residues from these substances are black in color and smudge easily since they come from petroleum-based sources.  Burned synthetic residue can create smoke webs visible where walls and corners meet the ceiling and in streamers handing from curtain rods.  These smoke webs are called soot tags.

smoke webs

NOTE:  Soot tags are often misidentified as “spider webs” which became visible because of the smoke/soot residue.

 

  

Five Factors Which Influence Smoke

There are five factors which influence smoke and can affect the related surfaces:

1. Heat – Warmed or heated air rises and migrates to cold areas such as outside walls and closets.  Heat causes pores in surfaces to expand which then readily accepts the smoke residue and odor.

2. Pressure – The energy created by the fire produces heat which enables the smoke to penetrate into the most minute cracks and crevices.

3. Impingement – Burned objects can hit another surface with sufficient velocity so that it will impinge (or splatter) and remain on the surface.  Think of candle wax.

4. Magnetism – Smoke is attracted to metal surfaces such as plumbing pipes, nail heads and metal coat hangers.

5. Ionization – Opposites attract so smoke webs may form on structural surfaces.  Plastic bags on clothing from dry cleaners retain electrical charges which attract smoke.  More smoke residue can be found on clothing inside plastic bags in a closet as opposed to unprotected clothing!!!

 
 
 
 
 Check back regularly for the next issue in the Restoration News newsletter series to learn more about fire damage, smoke damage, fire damage clean-up, and smoke damage restoration.
 
If you have questions that you cannot find answers to on the help forum…Give us a call, or send us an email.We would be happy to talk with you and share our knowledge and experience with you. 

Contact Us:

TRI-STATE SERVICES, INC. – Duraclean Restoration Specialist and  Tri-State Basement Services

www.tristateservicesinc.com

Phone: 215-679-3550

Fax: 215-679-8550

Email: info@tristateservicesinc.com

 

 

  • Share/Bookmark

RESTORATION NEWS | Water Damage and Mold | Part 3

 
Restoration News – Water Damage and Mold Part 3
 
The Restoration News series is a valuable source of information for a variety of restoration topics.  This series focuses on mold basics, the dangers of mold exposure, and the proper mold remediation procedures.


Spore Exposure – Health Effects

Some byproducts are produced during the normal life cycle of the mold.  One group is called mycotoxins. (commonly referred to as toxic mold)  A mold may produce one or more of them.  They can be found inside and outside the spore. 

 toxic mold spore 

 Mycotoxins can be toxic, cancer-causing and suppress the immune system.  They are not produced by all mold although mold related to water damaged structures such as stachybotrus chartarum, aspergillus versicolor and tricoderma do produce them.  

Mycotoxin (toxic mold) exposure symptoms may include: 

  • Runny nose
  • Asthma
  • Skin rash
  • Headaches
  • Fatigue
  • Nausea
  • Diarrhea
  • Sore throat
  • Memory loss
  • Lung bleeding
  • Vomiting
  • Fragile blood vessels
  • Muscle pain
  • Joint pain
  • Depression

Infections may also result due to mold exposure.  Following is a foot that has an infection caused by alternaria. 

  

MVOCs 

MVOCs (microbial volatile organic compounds) produced by mold as part of its life cycle is a waste byproduct that is evident through off-gassing. It’s as an indicator of past and present unacceptable indoor air quality (IAQ).  Dirt crawl spaces commonly have MVOCs present. 

Most MVOCs are considered to be irritants that are specific to a certain mold organism and are largely associated with water damage type molds such as penicillium, aspergillus, fusarium and alternaria.  

Benefits of Mold 

When we said in bulletin No.1 of this series that “mold has been around forever…it’s part of everyday life and our environment,” it’s more than just the damage and health effects that it can cause.  It can also have positive benefits as well.  It’s used to produce food items such as mushrooms, soy sauce, yeast bread, cheese beer and wine. 

Mold can also be made into antibiotics such as penicillin, cyclosporine A and anti-cancer drugs.  Mold is instrumental in degrading waste in landfills and compost.

mold - benefits

If you suspect that you have mold in your home or business, make sure to contact a certified mold remediation contractor.  Only certified professionals should perform mold removal.
 
 

Check back regualry for the next issue in the  Restoration News newsletter series to learn more about mold and the proper mold remediation procedures.

 
If you have questions that you cannot find answers to on the help forum…Give us a call, or send us an email.

We would be happy to talk with you and share our knowledge and experience with you. 

Contact Us:

TRI-STATE SERVICES, INC. – Duraclean Restoration Specialist and  Tri-State Basement Services

www.tristateservicesinc.com

Phone: 215-679-3550

Fax: 215-679-8550

Email: info@tristateservicesinc.com

  • Share/Bookmark

RESTORATION NEWS | Water Damage and Mold | Part 2

 
Restoration News – Water Damage and Mold Part 2
 
The Restoration News series is a valuable source of information for a variety of restoration topics.  This series focuses on mold basics, the dangers of mold exposure, and the proper mold remediation procedures.

 

 What are Fungi? (contd.)

Newsletter No. 1 ended with conditions that are contributors to the growth of mold.  The free water that was introduced often shows up in the liquid form as in water damage and it doesn’t take a lot of water to start mold.

 

  

  

  

  

  

  

Fungi Exposure

Personal fungi exposure may be from a variety of mold components including:

  • Cell fragments
  • Spores
  • Other cell-related products

 They may be allergenic, infectious or toxic.  Every person will react differently to mold.  Some will suffer next to no symptoms from exposure, where others show immediate and severe signs of exposure.  Children and the elderly are especially susceptible to the health problems caused by mold.  Mold is systemic and opportunistic and can affect the entire body.  Molds of different types can also grow together, and when they do, they magnify toxicity.  This is a function that is called synergism.

 What is Mold and Mildew?
 
“Mold” is a simple class of fungi.  It’s often used as the term to describe any fuzzy growth seen on surfaces.

The terms “mold” and “fungi” are used interchangeably.  “Mold,” however, is more commonly used to describe these kinds of growth.

The term “mildew” is often used interchangeably with “mold” and “fungi” although mildew is actually fungi that causes plant disease.

 

 

 

 

Spores

Spores are the reproductive structures (just like seeds) that allow mold to spread to other areas.  They are small and light (half a million spores can fit on a penny) and are easily transported through the air. 

 

Spores can remain dormant for longer than 20 years until the right conditions are present for growth.  The good news is that only about 20% of spores are viable (able to produce more fungi) but whether or not the spores are literally dead or alive they can still produce allergens and may even be toxic to people!

 
 
 
 
 
  Check back regualry for the next issue in the  Restoration News newsletter series to learn more about mold and the proper mold remediation procedures.

 
If you have questions that you cannot find answers to on the help forum…Give us a call, or send us an email.

We would be happy to talk with you and share our knowledge and experience with you. 

Contact Us:

TRI-STATE SERVICES, INC. – Duraclean Restoration Specialist and  Tri-State Basement Services

www.tristateservicesinc.com

Phone: 215-679-3550

Fax: 215-679-8550

Email: info@tristateservicesinc.com

     

 
 
  
  
  
  
  
  • Share/Bookmark

RESTORATION NEWS | Water Damage and Mold | Part 1

Restoration News – Water Damage and Mold Part 1
 
The Restoration News series is a valuable source of information for a variety of restoration topics.  This series focuses on mold basics, the dangers of mold exposure, and the proper mold remediation procedures.
 
Being Aware!

Mold has been around forever.  It’s part of everyday life and our environment.  We are aware of the structural damage that it can cause.  Another related important issue that has arisen is mold exposure and potential health risks.  How serious can this be?!

Health Studies

Studies have been conducted in several countries by WHO (the World Health Organization).  They found that 1 in 3 homes have mold that is noticeable and that 1 in 10 homes have a serious mold problem.  

An Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) survey says that 70 million Americans work indoors.  One-third of them are quartered in buildings that are breeding grounds for contamination.

Contamination sources found in buildings include:

  • Molds
  • Bacteria
  • Volatile Organic Compounds (like formaldehyde used in building materials like particle board)

Water damaged buildings with mold growth and exposure impact the three parties that form what is called the “insurance triangle.” 

All have to work and communicate together to solve the problem at hand.

Basic Health-related Terms

Some basic mold health-related terms should be understood as part of this series on water damage and mold.  These encompass:

  • Allergenic – Refers to something that is capable of causing an allergic reaction.
  • Infectious – Something that can cause an infection.
  • Toxic – Describes something that is poisonous in regard to causing an adverse reaction but not necessarily a fatal one.

What are Fungi?

Fungi are a large category that encompasses molds, mildew, yeasts and mushrooms.  It’s found everywhere.  It just needs the proper conditions in order to grow.  It reproduces when it’s dried as spores and is released into the environment.  It requires free water either as a liquid or vapor (as in high humidity) to grow.   Indoor environments can be a source of mold although the outside conditions won’t support it.

Some outdoor conditions are much more likely to be able to produce mold growth.

Check back regualry for the next issue in the  Restoration News newsletter series to learn more about mold and the proper mold remediation procedures.

 
If you have questions that you cannot find answers to on the help forum…Give us a call, or send us an email.

We would be happy to talk with you and share our knowledge and experience with you. 

Contact Us:

TRI-STATE SERVICES, INC. – Duraclean Restoration Specialist and  Tri-State Basement Services

www.tristateservicesinc.com

Phone: 215-679-3550

Fax: 215-679-8550

Email: info@tristateservicesinc.com

  • Share/Bookmark

Choosing a Sump Pump

Why is the Pump so Important?

No matter how good a drainage system is, the basement will get wet if the pump installed is not effective.  The sump pump is at the heart of any waterproofing system.  The drainage system merely directs the water to the pump.  It is the pump that has the important job of actually expelling the water from the home.

In some cases, home owners can even avoid the cost of a complete drainage system altogether with the installation of the proper pump. 

There are a lot of pump options out there, and it is very important to make the right choice. 

We use the ProSeries line of pumps, and recommend them to anyone who is investigating their pump options.       

Why the Pro Series Pumps?

The Dual Float Switch

Until now there have been three varieties of float switches:

  • Vertical  
  • Tethered  
  • Pressure

Unfortunately, all three of these switches are subject to various forms of failure.

The ProSeries pumps utilize a float with redundant switches to eliminate these problems. The ProSeries Dual Float has not one, but two floats mounted within a protective cage.

Should one float fail to operate, the second float is available and ready to activate the pump. The protective cage prevents debris or other wires from interfering with movement of the floats. The result is the most reliable float switch on the market.

Dual Float Switch

The Dual Float Electronic Controller

The ProSeries Electronic controller monitors pump and power conditions and sounds an alarm if a problem is detected.  In addition, it begins the pumping cycle when either float rises ¼”, and runs the pump an additional 10 seconds after the float returns to its original position.The electronic controller takes the guess work out of pump operation. 

 float switch controller

The combination of the dual float switch and electronic controller is unbeatable. 

We believe that ProSeries pumps are the best on the market.   The full line of pumps are built for continuous duty: 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 day a year. They are strong and dependable and come with 3-5 year manufacturer’s warranties.

Check back regulary for new articles about basement waterproofing, crawlspace waterproofing, sump pumps, dehumidifiers, and other related topics.

 

If you have questions that you cannot find answers to on the help forum…Give us a call, or send us an email.

We would be happy to talk with you and share our knowledge and experience with you. 

Contact Us:

TRI-STATE SERVICES, INC. – Duraclean Restoration Specialist and  Tri-State Basement Services

www.tristateservicesinc.com

Phone: 215-679-3550

Fax: 215-679-8550

Email: info@tristateservicesinc.com

  • Share/Bookmark