Restoration Industry Association -- Educational Programs and Events

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Executive Report

60 Years. . .And a Day

RIA is celebrating 60 years of service to the restoration and cleaning industries. Rather than take any thunder from the celebration featured in the next issue of C&R magazine (coming in two weeks), let's talk about the celebration going on in RIA today.

Associations that have been around for 60 years have a right to be proud. However, many believe that tying themselves to their past is the only way to honor their history and the volunteers who have gone before. Nothing can be more destructive to an organization than relying on its past successes, or even worse, refusing to walk away from past failures.

RIA is not the association that it was 60 years ago. That is easy to see as hindsight is blessed with clarity. However, RIA is not even the same association it was just a year ago. There have been many fundamental changes throughout the past 12 months, some obvious, but most not readily apparent to casual observers. Restructuring headquarters’ operations are pretty obvious. Fundamental changes in governance and strategy are only apparent when the record of organizational achievement is reviewed. If we do our jobs correctly, RIA will be an even different association tomorrow because we are building on the fundamentals put into place over the past year.

Doing our jobs well requires that RIA understand its members, their competitive pressures, and the changes they will face beyond the horizon, despite viewing them from the vantage point of today. Doing it right requires that we be adaptable to changing conditions and be willing to release the honored traditions of the past in order to grasp the opportunities of the future.

And lastly, doing right by our jobs means that a successor to this job will be able to write a commemorative piece for RIA’s 100th anniversary in 2046!

Don Manger

Executive Director

RIA NEWS

Breaking News
RIA Briefs
Toolbox Tips
Marketing Savvy
Product Spotlight
On Press Now

INDUSTRY NEWS

"Flood of Storm-Related Sales Boosts Cleanup Businesses"
"Don't Let Risk Rule"
"P/C Market Continues Softening Trend: MarketScout"
"Anionic, Nonionic, Cationic--What Do They All Mean?"
"If It's Art, Restore With Caution"
"Tropical Storm Ernesto Results in 75,000 Claims"
"There's Something Fishy About Some Air Fresheners"
"A Family Restoration Business"
"Leaks Plague Beaumont Homes"
"Doing the Dirty Work"
"Proposal Submitted for Indoor Air Quality Research Institute in Tyler, Texas"
"Superdome Restoration Offers Inspiration"
"Restoration Success Stories: Advanced Tech: Changing the Image of the Restoration Industry"
"The Total Building Envelope Concept"
"Hardwood Floors--Not Hard to Clean"
"Don't Be Uptight About Uprights"
"U.S. Cat Reinsurance Rates Up 76%: Study"

RIA NEWS

Breaking News

Florida Comp Laws Change

Construction contractors working in Florida need to be aware of some changes to the Workers’ Compensation statutes. According to Florida Statute 440.10, all employers (whether local or out of state) must secure workers’ compensation insurance for workers in Florida either through their comp carrier or a company licensed in the state.

If a contractor sublets any part of a project in Florida, the subcontractors are considered to be employed by the same company as the contractor, and must also provide workers’ comp insurance.

Companies which fail to secure compensation shall be assessed a penalty not to exceed $5,000 for each employee classified to meet the workers’ compensation criteria. Failure to comply with the statute is a second degree felony and can result in jail time and heavy fines for offenders.

Employers can click here for more information on the Florida Statutes.

CSU hurricane team reduces hurricane predictions

Colorado State University’s hurricane forecasting team anticipates lower than average hurricane activity in October and November of this year. The latest prediction is in contrast to the forecast team’s initial prediction of 17 named storms this year.

The CSU team predicted only two more named tropical storms this year, one of which would grow to hurricane strength. This would bring the total number of named storms for 2006 to 11, six of which would be hurricanes. In the beginning of the hurricane season, the team initially predicted 17 named storms, nine of which were predicted would develop into hurricanes.

The CSU team attributes this latest prediction to the developing El Nino conditions in central and eastern Pacific. "We have experienced average hurricane activity through September," said Klotzbach, lead author of the forecast and a member of Colorado State's hurricane forecast team. "August was inactive, but September had above-average activity. We expect October to have below-average activity largely due to developing El Niño conditions in the central and eastern Pacific. November activity in El Niño years is very rare."

Small Business Drives Economy

The Office of Advocacy, a division of the U.S. Small Business Administration, says small business continues to drive the United States economy, according to a recent report. New data showed that in 2005, small businesses represented 99.7 percent of all the nation’s employer businesses.

The Small Business Profiles for the States and Territories uses the latest federal government statistics to detail small business’ contribution to the economy of the states, District of Columbia, the nation, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. territories. Citing a variety of sources, data is updated annually that documents the numbers and types of businesses, ownership demographics including minority and women-owned statistics, employment and financing data, and other business information.

The Office of Advocacy, considered the “small business watchdog” of the federal government, examines the role and status of small business in the economy and independently represents the views of small business to federal agencies, Congress, and the President.

El Niño Conditions Likely into Early 2007

The U.S. Climate Prediction Center, an agency of the National Oceanic Atmosphere Administration, reported typical El Niño effects are likely to develop over North America during the upcoming winter season and will remain until spring 2007.

In the CPC’s monthly report, El Niño is consistent with previous forecasts which predicted warmer conditions in the tropical Pacific through the Northern Hemisphere. Global effects that can be anticipated during November-March include warmer-than-average temperatures over western and central Canada, wetter-than-average conditions over portions of the U.S. Gulf Coast and Florida, and drier-than-average conditions in the Ohio Valley and Pacific Northwest.

El Niño is a major temperature fluctuation in the surface waters of the tropical Eastern Pacific Ocean. El Niño, which means “the little boy,” in Spanish, refers to the Christ child, because the phenomenon is usually noticed around Christmas time in the Pacific Ocean off the west coast of South America. The effects on climate in the southern hemisphere is profound.

Compiled from staff and wire reports.

RIA Briefs

Conference Updates

There are less than two weeks left to register for one or both of RIA’s fall conferences in Denver, Colo.

The Environmental Conference will be held on Nov. 1 and begins with an in-depth report from members of the RIA/ORNL team that traveled to New Orleans after Hurricane Katrina. The conference will also feature sessions on methamphetamine lab cleanups, lead paint removal claims, and a recommended quality control protocol for mold remediation. A new session on noroviruses and vessel sanitation programs has been added to the agenda, and will provide an overview of a cleaning project on a cruise ship.

The Environmental Conference ends with a joint exhibition, as well as a beef and beer party that will kick off RIA’s Restoration Conference, Weathering the Storm 2: Survival, Prosperity & Market Leadership.

In keeping with RIA’s long tradition of bringing in the experts to address key issues, Dr. Barry White from the United Kingdom will provide a scientific approach to mitigation and discuss corrosive residues and their effects on materials. Richard Shaughnessy, Ph.D., from the University of Tulsa will offer the pros and cons of using ozone for restoration, remediation and IAQ applications. One highlight of the conference will be the old-fashioned Canadian Donnybrook which will examine the different drying options available to today’s restorers.

Following the core conference there will be two optional sessions, one focused on marketing with a unique idea exchange session that is open only to RIA members, and an interactive presentation on Xactimate 24.

Both conferences have received approval for continuing education credits from the American Indoor Air Quality Council and the Institute of Inspection, Cleaning & Restoration Certification.

There is still time to register online at http://www.RIA.org/programs/restoration06/index.cfm.

Hotel reservations for the Grand Hyatt in Denver can be made online at http://www.granddenver.hyatt.com/groupbooking/RIA or by calling (303) 295-1234 or (800) 233-1234.

RIA Logo Usage

In case you’ve forgotten, only RIA members are allowed to use the RIA International, RIA Foundation or RIA Associate Member logos on their materials and vehicles or in their advertising. The names and logos are registered trademarks and misuse of either is considered copyright infringement.

The Certified Restorer®, Certified Rug Specialist®, Certified Mold Professional®, Water Loss Specialist®, Certified Mechanical Hygienist® and Certified Fabric Specialist® designations are also considered registered trademarks and may only be used by those individuals who have attained them.

Solutions Heads South

RIA’s Annual Convention and Exhibition will head back to the land of Mickey Mouse for the first time in 10 years. Solutions will be hosted by the Buena Vista Palace in Orlando, Florida, from March 14-16, 2007, with three days of education courses, a golf tournament, industry recognition for leaders and certification designees, two key note sessions and the opportunity to network with professionals from around the world.

Watch your e-mail and snail mail for regular updates.

Claims Magazine Program

RIA has developed a special opportunity for advanced designees to promote their RIA certifications to those in the insurance and risk management fields. The goal is to run four, ¼-page ads in a series that highlights the unique education of these experts. Five RIA designations will be highlighted – Certified Restorer®, Water Loss Specialist®, Certified Mold Professional®, Certified Rug Specialist® and Certified Mechanical Hygienist®. The ads will lead up to a listing of firms participating in the program, organized by state, company name and contact information, and the individuals holding the designations within that firm.

The campaign is expected to launch in early 2007. Participation is voluntary in the self-funded program and the registration deadline has been extended to October 20^th. For more information, contact Patti Harman at pattih@RIA.org.

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Toolbox Tips

Testing Lab Analysis and Referrals

By Steven M. Spivak, Ph.D.

RIA provides a unique technical service doing testing and analysis for its members. Analyses are conducted by Steve Spivak, Ph.D., Martin King, CR, ASA, and others at little or no cost to RIA members in good standing. Occasionally, however, the uniqueness or complexity of the problem requires additional testing of a highly specialized or intricate manner. This special effort may necessitate the use of additional, independent laboratory testing.

There is much that RIA’s Technical Department can do analytically in problem solving, both qualitatively and quantitatively. But if an outside, highly specialized laboratory is also needed in those rare but critical events, where do you turn?

Enter ASTM International, one of the world’s largest voluntary standards developers and standards management system. Recently available and free-of-charge is “ASTM’s On-line Directory of Testing Laboratories.” It’s readily available on the Internet with a comprehensive database of testing laboratories in the U.S., Canada and worldwide. Laboratories are searchable by name, focus or type of testing, products evaluated by specific ASTM test methods, by geographic area of preference, and much more. The directory is searched by as many as 50,000 buyers monthly.

In addition to RIA’s technical expertise, the Association can help you find a testing laboratory to conduct specialized tests not within the RIA arsenal of capabilities.

One can identify labs by specialization, as well as their certification or accreditation. In legal cases the latter criteria may be important. Examples include detailed carpet and flooring construction analysis for “like kind and quality” insurance replacements; fire safety and flammability testing for compliance with fire tests and codes; chemical and forensic identification of unknown particles or chemical residues; flooring slipperiness and coefficient of wet or dry friction; accelerated light fastness and/or color fastness; exact color or colorimetry measurement; and much more.

For more information, visit ASTM’s on-line lab directory at www.astm.org/LABS (or phone the ASTM staff at 610-832-9611). RIA can guide you through the process of meeting any unusual or unique testing needs, plus assist you in understanding and interpreting the testing data and results.

Dr. Steve Spivak provides invaluable technical expertise to RIA members on a variety of textile and carpeting issues.

Marketing Savvy

10 Easy Ways to Promote Your Company

Newsletters – Use them to educate customers about the industry and your company’s areas of expertise. Low-key way to keep clients informed.
Demonstrations – Another easy way to educate clients and prospects. Use them to bring people to your facility to demonstrate services or introduce them to the company.
Seminars – Offer specific consumer courses such as: home repair and maintenance, carpet cleaning or easy spot removal, etc.
Articles – Submit articles to community newspapers or newsletters. Helps establish your company as an “expert” in a particular area.
Offer coupons – Use to develop new customers, but make sure to monitor the results.
Donations – Donate your time or expertise to local community events or programs.
Networking – Join local business or community associations to meet other leaders and learn from their expertise.
Premiums – Usually small gifts that include your company’s name, phone number and/or website, e.g., pens, mugs, stress balls, key chains. Can be used as “thank you” gifts.
Loyalty Programs – create a program that provides short-term and long-term benefits for customers who utilize your services on a regular basis.
Say “Thanks” – Tell your customers thank you through letters, postcards, verbally, statement stuffers, invoices and receipts.

Source: United States Small Business Administration, http://www.sba.gov/

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Product Spotlight

Tips! On the Care and Maintenance of Your Carpet, Rugs, Drapery, Upholstery

Outlines appropriate care for a variety of furnishing fabrics and addresses many of the frequently asked questions about textiles. This 12-page informational brochure for your customers covers a wide range of topics, including dyes and fading, texture changes, shrinkage and odors. An index of common stains is provided with step-by-step instructions on removing them. RIA can imprint your company's logo in the space provided.

Available to RIA members only

1,000/$225 • 500/$150

Imprinting per 1,000 (black only)

1,000 minimum/$225 additional charge

Order here: Brochures

Emergency Tips. . .Do’s and Don’ts When Disaster Strikes!

Provides helpful hints for consumers in dealing with a variety of post-catastrophe situations. Topics include fire, smoke and water damage, as well as vandalism. RIA can imprint your company's logo in the space provided or ship brochures flat for later printing.

Available to RIA members only

1,000/$225 • 500/$150

Imprinting per 1,000 (black only)

1,000 minimum/$200 additional charge

Order here: Brochures

Upholstery Cleaning Manual

Written by the RIA Technical Staff, this training manual takes your employees through the upholstery cleaning process step-by-step. Eight sections cover topics including pre-inspection, dry and wet cleaning techniques, finishing and after care treatments. A special section addresses potential problems such as browning, color bleeding and pile fabrics. Bound in an attractive 3-ring binder, this manual can be a valuable part of your training program

Members: $75 ea

Non-Members: $125 ea

RIA Light-Up Pens
These pens are made to write in low light or dark areas easily, and perfect for taking notes in dark presentations and writing at night. They write like regular pens. Push the button on the top to turn on the blue light, and twist the barrel to use the ballpoint pen. You could even twist off the cap and use it as a mini-flashlight. Batteries are included.

$5 per pen

Order here: http://www.RIA.org/resourcelibrary/marmaterials.cfm#training

These and other RIA products can be found at http://www.RIA.org/resourcelibrary/marmaterials.cfm.

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On Press Now

Here’s a look at what’s coming up in the November issue of Cleaning & Restoration magazine.

A Celebration of 60 Years

From its humble beginnings as the National Institute of Rug Cleaning (NIRC) to its evolution into the Association of Interior Décor Specialists (AIDS) and then ultimately to the Association of Specialists in Cleaning and Restoration, RIA has undergone many changes throughout the years. Get a firsthand perspective from some of the organization’s most prominent members.

RIA’s Technical History: A Brief Perspective

By Steven M. Spivak, Ph.D.

RIA is one of the few organizations in the cleaning and restoration industry to maintain a technical department, provide technical analysis services and provide advisors and consultants as a benefit of membership. Over time, the technical department has proved to be a training ground for many careers within related cleaning and maintenance fields. Join Dr. Steven Spivak in an interesting walk through history.

Decades of Industry Reflection and Change

By Gury Poletajav

With a background that includes military service, ballet, interpreting and soccer, it may be hard to imagine such an individual becoming one of the leaders in the carpet installation, cleaning and maintenance industry, but such is the story of Gury Poletajav.

Drying on the Molecular Level

By Ralph E. Moon, Ph.D., CHMM, CIAQP

The technology of drying can be quite complicated on a chemical level, but no matter what you are drying, the aim remains the same: convert free or absorbed water to the vapor phase. From water molecules to kinetic energy, take a few moments to review the basic rules of drying.

Ten Myths of Association Membership

By Richard Ensman

You may have heard the complaints “Membership costs too much money” or “I’ve already learned what I need to know in my profession.” You may have even believed those statements — but are they really true?

The Benefits of Membership

By Richard Ensman

RIA may be your greatest advocate, representing you before governmental agencies, the business community, and in the court of public opinion. Yet in practical terms, what does advocacy really look like?

Columns

Commentary

RIA Celebrates 60 Years

Technical Topics

That’s My Color? Part 2 – What You See is What You Get

Restoration Corner

What Has Restoration Accomplished?

Environmental Matters

Should You Skip That Mold Test?

Legal Briefs

Employees and Computer Use – Should Big Brother Be Watching? Yes!

Marketing Notes

Thanksgiving – More than a Holiday

Business Briefs

What Have You Done with Your Association Lately?

Not a subscriber? Then visit http://www.RIA.org/buyersguide/index.cfm.

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INDUSTRY NEWS

"Flood of Storm-Related Sales Boosts Cleanup Businesses"
Louisville Business First (10/09/06) Slawsky, Richard

Remediation companies fared well after a storm dumped 10 inches of rain on Sept. 23 in Louisville, Kentucky. About 500 tons of debris was picked up by private waste companies and Louisville Metro government workers after the storm, but remediation companies spent a majority of their time drying out carpets and removing damaged carpets and padding. Since the damage involved runoff water, most carpets had to be pulled out to get the walls and floors dry, note experts. Some businesses reported increases in business up to 25 percent, and homeowners could expect flood clean-ups to cost between $750 and $1,250. Insurance never covers flood damages, unless homeowners purchase separate flood insurance policies or riders, and replacing entire carpets can get expensive for homeowners, particularly when remediation firms cannot salvage them.
(Web Link)
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"Don't Let Risk Rule"
Cleaning & Maintenance Management (10/06) Dunleavey, Brent

Risk management programs can prevent facilities from harboring poor safety reputations, but these programs have to not only include insurance coverage, but also prevention tools. One inexpensive tool that can be used is safety signage, but these signals have to be used properly and removed when no longer necessary to prevent complacency among facility tenants. However, some facilities have opted for devices that sense occupants through infrared detectors that trigger voice recordings warning occupants that the floors are wet and slippery and to use caution. These detection and voice messaging devices can be turned on and off remotely, and many are portable and can be operated with batteries. In order to prevent fires or the danger of fires, facilities and risk management professionals should invest in tobacco smoke detection devices, which are more sensitive to smoke than fire alarms. The devices will politely ask that smokers refrain from smoking in smoke-free zones, and some systems will even send notifications to facilities' members. Audible warning systems can help prevent accidents, slips, falls, and other injuries and reduce insurance claims and losses for the facility.
(Web Link)
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"P/C Market Continues Softening Trend: MarketScout"
Business Insurance (10/05/06) Hofmann, Mark A.

MarketScout reported that the commercial property-casualty market saw rates decline 8 percent on average, compared with 2005. Analysts contend that the market will continue to soften given that average rates across 13 lines did not post increases. So long as another catastrophe does not hit the industry, rates will continue to drop, noted MarketScout CEO Richard Kerr. Without another catastrophe, Kerr indicated that the property-casualty industry could see renewed strength in the wind coverage market, which has been hit hard in recent years along the U.S. Gulf Coast.
(Web Link)
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"Anionic, Nonionic, Cationic--What Do They All Mean?"
Cleanfax (10/06) Roach, Timothy J.

Cleaners differ in regards to the surfactants, or surface-active agents, they contain. Surfactants can be anionic, nonionic, cationic, or amphoteric and are distinguished by the electric charge on the molecule's so-called "water-loving," or hydrophilic, end. Most carpet cleaners contain anionic surfactants, with negative charges on the hydrophilic end to create foam when agitated that lifts soils from the carpet fibers. They are powdery and not good oil emulsifiers. Nonionic surfactants lack charges on their hydrophilic ends, generally do not produce much foam, and are strong emulsifiers, which is why they are used in extraction cleaners and pre-sprays. Cationic surfactants--which have positively charged ends--are not found in carpet cleaners because they can ruin protectants applied in the mill. Finally, amphoteric surfactants have a net charge of zero and are used to bind together surfactants, solvents, and other components.
(Web Link)
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"If It's Art, Restore With Caution"
International Herald Tribune (09/16/06) P. 21; Reier, Sharon

London-based art dealer Toby Campbell says paintings are worth more when they are sold as is, regardless of dirt and stains. However, mold, flaking paint, and woodworms are problems that must be addressed immediately, according to professional restorer Eva Schwan. Rather than hire anyone who markets themselves as an art restorer, experts recommend referrals from museums, auction houses, and art dealers. The ideal restorer has an education from a renowned school--such as London's Courtauld Institute of Art or France's Ecole Nationale du Patrimoine--and has a background in art history and chemistry. Schwan says most restorers will suggest as many as three treatments, focusing on the most severe problems first. Restorers generally charge $500 to $2,550 per day, estimates Schwan.
(Web Link)
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"Tropical Storm Ernesto Results in 75,000 Claims"
Claims (09/06)

Tropical Storm Ernesto resulted in about $245 million in insured damages, according to the Insurance Services Office's Property Claim Services unit, with more than 75,000 claims expected to be filed in eight states. Losses totaled $63 million in Virginia, $45.5 million in New York, $44 million in New Jersey, $31.8 million in Maryland, $25 million in North Carolina, $16.5 million in Delaware, $13.5 million in Florida, and $5.8 million in South Carolina. Damage was minimized because Ernesto's winds did not reach hurricane strength in the U.S., and most of the losses are the result of flooding.
(Web Link)
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"There's Something Fishy About Some Air Fresheners"
Seattle Times (10/07/06) P. D14; Watson, Tom

Research indicates that many of the new home fragrances coming on the market pose health hazards. A study of four air fresheners by the University of California, Berkeley found large amounts of terpenes--which create toxic compounds when they come into contact with ozone--in three of them. Other air fresheners have been found to contain paradicholorobenzene, butane, and propane, though ingredients are not usually listed on the product packaging. Experts recommend natural fresheners, such as backing soda, cloves, cinnamon, roses, lavender, and lemon verbena.
(Web Link)
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"A Family Restoration Business"
Cincinnati Enquirer (09/29/06) Guido, Anna

RestorAid Disaster Renovation was started by veteran carpet cleaner Keith Desserich in 1997, now boasting offices in Cincinnati and Columbus, Ohio, and Knoxville, Tenn. The company cleans and dries carpets and upholstery and also handles mold remediation and reconstruction projects, charging $4,000 to $8,000 per job on average. RestorAid's customer base jumped to 800 in 2005 from 150 in 1999. The company is hailed by the Cincinnati Better Business Bureau for providing mold remediation and other services to lower-income households at no cost. According to Cincinnati Better Business Bureau President Jocile Ehrlich, "In an industry where kickbacks and price gouging is usually acceptable, this company has set new trends and standards."
(Web Link)
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"Leaks Plague Beaumont Homes"
Lexington Herald-Leader (KY) (09/23/06) P. A1; Fortune, Beverly

Although Atlanta-based Beazer Homes Investments did not build The Enclave of Beaumont, a Lexington subdivision where houses can sell for as much as $240,000, the national company is making massive repairs to homes that have suffered water damage. The water seepage was caused by improperly-fitted windows, not enough space left between the brick siding and insulated foam board, and the absence of moisture-proof wrapping, which has caused real estate prices to plummet and homeowners to face hefty repair bills. Workers are fixing problems caused by water intrusion to 132 of the 148 houses in the subdivision by replacing doors, windows, and brick exteriors, eliminating mold, recarpeting, painting walls, and wrapping houses in water barriers, although, due to the scale of the neighborhood's issues, only 80 homes have been repaired thus far. Residents have been pleased with Beazer, which acquired The Enclave in 1997 after buying out Crossman Communities Inc., the company that built most of the neighborhood. Some responses mentioned by residents include fixing the problem without being forced to, placing homeowners in apartments while work to their houses is completed, and doing thorough repairs instead of quick fixes. Still, even after the repairs are done, some homeowners are still experiencing problems like damp walls, and some complain that the work is taking too long. Beazer is now suing 25 of the original subcontractors, who deny liability for the damages, in Fayette Circuit Court, asking to be reimbursed for the repair costs.
(Web Link)
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"Doing the Dirty Work"
Cincinnati Business Courier (09/11/06) Demeropolis, Tom

Servpro Industries Inc. boasts more than 1,300 franchises nationwide, which offer an array of cleaning services. The franchise owned by Suzanne Lepore-Breidenbach and Chuck Breidenbach, Servpro of East Central Cincinnati, cleans up after fires, construction projects, and storms and also handles raw sewage, mold, and blood. In addition, the Breidenbachs provide basic carpet-cleaning services. Though they have done well enough to have 10 employees and five vans and to relocate to a 12,000-square-foot building in Roselawn, they continue to perform on-site work themselves. They like the franchise system, mainly because the parent company handles marketing and the testing of new products and cleaning techniques.
(Web Link)
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"Proposal Submitted for Indoor Air Quality Research Institute in Tyler, Texas"
Tyler Morning Telegraph (Tx.) (09/17/06) Junek, Greg

The University of Texas at Tyler (UTT) wants to develop a facility called the Texas Allergy, Indoor Environment and Energy (TxAIRE) Institute that would study indoor air quality. The university is hopeful that its $4.99 million proposal submitted to the Texas Emerging Technology Fund (ETF) will bolster the city's status as a technologically advanced center for indoor environmental quality research and development. The center is expected to develop improved filtration devices and sensors for heating, ventilation, and air-conditioning systems. The devices are expected to use not only traditional cleaning data from engineers, who determine how many particles are in the air and what kind of particles they are, but also medical data from doctors to determine which particles are most harmful. Once the devices have been researched and tweaked to be their most efficient, companies that manufacture these systems will be contacted to commercialized the research, which is a requirement of the ETF funds. An ETF Advisory Committee appointed by Texas Gov. Rick Perry has recommended that the state offer $3.75 million toward the creation of the TxAIRE Institute, but the proposal is awaiting official word from the governor.
(Web Link)
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"Superdome Restoration Offers Inspiration"
New Orleans City Business (09/11/06)

The New Orleans Superdome was scheduled to reopen for the New Orleans Saints' first game against the Atlanta Falcons, having undergone a $185-million restoration to fix damage caused by Hurricane Katrina. After removing 3.8 million gallons of water and 4,000 tons of debris, the building received 1.6 million square feet of new carpeting, 800,000 square feet of Sheetrock, and a new 440,000-square-foot dome roof. Project managers say the project was finished a year ahead of schedule because it was fast-tracked by Louisiana Gov. Kathleen Babineaux Blanco. The restoration project was overseen by Broadmoor LLC & Subcontractors of Metairie.
(Web Link)
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"Restoration Success Stories: Advanced Tech: Changing the Image of the Restoration Industry"
Claims (09/06) Vol. 54, No. 9, P. 42

It is not uncommon for veteran insurance adjusters to express skepticism about the motives of restoration contractors and the costly tab that their work might generate. This is particularly true in claims involving water damage in large commercial properties. With this in mind, Jerry Provencher of Baltimore-based Provencher & Co. was uncertain about a restoration project to dry out a four-story medical building in Louisiana that suffered water damage during Hurricane Katrina. However, Provencher's skepticism disappeared when restoration expert Steve Vyrostek of Water Out Phoenix explained the process that would be used to restore the building. Vyrostek told Provencher that his company's drying trailers would quickly and efficiently dry the building using heat and rapid air exchanges. Additionally, Vyrostek noted that the trailers consume less power and labor than those used by competitors. Instead of completing the job in 90 days at a cost of $800,000, WaterOut restored the building in just one week for $190,000.
(Web Link)
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"The Total Building Envelope Concept"
Buildings (09/06) Seaverson, Eric J.

The process of weatherproofing a building entails the consideration of each exterior component--including walls, roofs, windows, skylights, and below-grade waterproofing--to ensure that water and air are kept out. Building envelopes are frequently neglected; but without proper design, construction, and maintenance, condensation can occur. Dual-stage envelope systems, such as brick masonry veneer walls, feature a primary barrier and a secondary waterproof membrane. Single-stage systems lack a secondary waterproof membrane, so the building's exterior is the only water barrier. Ongoing maintenance is necessary, as water damage can go undetected, boosting restoration and replacement costs.
(Web Link)
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"Hardwood Floors--Not Hard to Clean"
CMM Online (09/06) Howard, Anita

National Wood Flooring Association (NWFA) executive director Ed Korczak says wood floors are easy to maintain, thanks to new technologies and cleaning products. Anita Howard, NWFA communications director, says wood floors should be swept weekly with soft-bristled brooms or vacuums and waxed periodically. Howard suggests using doormats to keep dirt off the hardwood and floor protector pads on furniture legs to minimize scratches. Additionally, she cautions against waxing floors with urethane finishes and using wet mops, as standing water can cause discoloration. Finally, cleaners should adhere to the manufacturer's maintenance guidelines because different floors have different finishes.
(Web Link)
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"Don't Be Uptight About Uprights"
Cleaning & Maintenance Management (09/06) Rathey, Allen

When purchasing an upright vacuum cleaner, consumers should assess several factors such as durability, how well soil is removed, and ownership costs. The Carpet and Rug Institute (CRI) evaluates soil removal capabilities under its Green Label Vacuum (GLV) Program, looking at performance in different conditions and how much dirt is left behind after vacuuming. CRI also examines filtration, stating that no more than 100 micrograms of dust particles per cubic meter of air should be issued by the vacuum. Experts recommend microfilter bags over single-ply filter bags for their superior dust-removing capabilities. They also suggest two-motor uprights for their ability to clean areas more quickly than single-motor models and vacuums with reinforced bodies for their light weight and durability. In regards to maintenance, experts say filters and motor brushes need to be replaced on a regular basis to maximize the vacuum's motor life.
(Web Link)
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"U.S. Cat Reinsurance Rates Up 76%: Study"
Business Insurance (09/07/06) Hofmann, Mark A.

According to a recent Guy Carpenter & Co. Inc. report, U.S. catastrophe reinsurance rates rose 76 percent on average this year, compared with rates issued in 2005, and Mexican rates rose even higher, with an average increase of 129 percent. In the rest of the world, reinsurance rates only rose an average of 32 percent for the same period, but removing Mexico and the U.S. from the equation reduces that figure to just 2 percent. Guy Carpenter reported that the rate hikes in Mexico and the U.S. reflect the losses absorbed by the industry.
(Web Link)
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October 2006