What are IICRC Standards for Water Damage Cleanup?

2/11/2019 (Permalink)

Why SERVPRO? Because we not only have the technology to effectively clean up water damage, we know how to use it.

One of the reasons to choose SERVPRO of North Hollywood is that our technicians are trained and certified to IICRC standards for water damage cleanup and restoration. But you might be wondering what, exactly, are IICRC standards and why does it matter when choosing a water damage restoration company?

What is the IICRC?

IICRC stands for Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration Certification. They are the certification and standard-setting non-profit organization for the inspection, cleaning and restoration industries. As such, much of what SERVPRO of North Hollywood does, from water damage restoration and fire damage repair to mold remediation and trauma and crime scene cleanup is covered by IICRC standards.

What are IICRC Standards?

The IICRC is an ANSI (American National Standards Institute) accredited organization. ANSI accredited organizations set voluntary standards for everything from food and water quality to building and construction materials handling to cutting-edge technologies like the RFID chip in your credit card.

The purpose of these standards is create consensus around the health and safety of consumers and environment while also safeguarding the integrity and effectiveness of the standards. Often, individuals or organizations who are trained to meet these standards are then certified by the governing organization as a testament to their level of education and knowledge of the standards.

Why is Certification to IICRC Standards Important?

By having our technicians trained and certified to meet IICRC standards, SERVPRO of North Hollywood ensures that we are most capable of safely and effectively restoring your damaged property.

For example, knowing how the composition of the damaged materials, be it carpeting or upholstery, wood or corrosive metals, is affected by water helps us determine the best way to dry and restore your water damaged property.

Indeed, every variable, from the type of damaged material, to the duration of water exposure, to the source of the moisture itself (rain water vs sewage, for example) should be properly accounted for when prescribing restoration methods.

Our training to IICRC standards ensures that we are well-versed in all of these variables and that we will select the appropriate technologies, treatments and methods for the specific kind of damage we encounter.

Further, to remain certified, the IICRC requires regular continuing education classes. This ensures that our team is always up-to-date on the latest in restoration techniques and technology.

Ultimately our goal is to make the repair and restoration of your water, fire or mold damaged property as painless and stress free an experience as possible. So when you choose SERVPRO of North Hollywood, you can be confident you are choosing a team of technicians that are true experts in the industry with the technology, experience and knowledge to help make the damage from a disaster "like it never even happened."