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Hurricane Services

Hurricanes are becoming a common occurrence in Florida and throughout the southeastern US. Since hurricane Andrew in 1992, EnviroHome has been a first responder in dealing with the effects of hurricane related damage assessment and mitigation. EnviroHome conducted thousands of water/moisture entry investigations in the aftermath of the 2004 and 2005 hurricanes. Many of these investigations were performed within 3-4 weeks of the storm and through the use of infrared cameras, moisture meters, and specialized testing, we were able to clearly identify the water entry points and building shell and protection weak points. Through this experience we have become experts in hurricane preparedness and planning. As a result of this work we have developed a detailed program designed to minimize the effects of hurricanes on building structures. The program steps are outlined below.

Hurricane Damage Minimization Audit/Inspections
The hurricane damage minimization audit/inspections are designed to identify and eliminate the weak points in a building’s shell seal before the storm. The weaknesses may consist of un-sealed water/moisture entry points and inadequate waterproofing and storm shutter protection. Condominiums are especially vulnerable to roof top flooding and water entry through improperly sealed flashing and through roof deck vents that may be installed incorrectly. Inadequate balcony drainage and improper door waterproofing are major sources of water entry and associated property damage. Residences with impact glass windows and soffit vents are especially vulnerable to wind driven rain water entry.

The hurricane damage minimization audit is designed to identify the weak points in a building’s shell seal and outline the corrective measures before the storm hits. Through our auditing process we have been able to completely eliminate hurricane and wind driven rain water/moisture entry for many of our clients.

Total Damage Engineering Investigation
Once the hurricane has hit it is imperative that the home/building is inspected for all damage concerns including hidden concerns. This inspection has to be conducted by a building science engineer who is an expert in building construction as well as water entry damage assessment and mold indoor air quality issues. The inspection should be conducted utilizing infrared thermography, moisture meters as well as indoor air quality assessment techniques. The inspection should address all damage concerns including hidden concerns such as wet drywall, insulation, electrical components as well as hidden mold concerns. The insurance adjuster is the last person who should be providing the damage assessment.

In many cases, owners were not even aware of the extent of wind driven rain water/moisture entry into their buildings and homes. These wet areas, if not identified, will become the sites for hidden mold concerns. All of the water damaged areas need to be properly identified and documented for insurance claims. EnviroHome was able to provide complete damage assessments including un-identified water damage, mold concerns, and structural concerns.

Through EnviroHome’s Total Damage Engineering Investigation our clients were able to resolve their claims ahead of everyone else without waiting on the insurance adjusters. The Total Damage Engineering Investigation addresses all structural concerns including electrical, mechanical (HVAC), roofing, and insulation concerns as well as hidden concerns that may be the result of corrosion. The investigation also addresses hidden concerns such as mold growth and include detailed remediation protocols to ensure the safe removal of mold concerns. The final reports must be thorough with all the documentation necessary to go to mediation or court, if required.

Testing and Waterproofing
Testing and water proofing should be performed to ensure that the building’s exterior seal is water tight. We have found that many of the doors and windows installed in the last 15 years have not been inadequately sealed (waterproofing). These windows are subject to wind driven rain water entry. Impact glass windows are especially problematic because storm shutters are not commonly used. The storm shutter is the primary water entry barrier at most door and window openings. Without detailed water proofing, impact glass windows are major water entry points at the frame/stucco seams and at frame to frame seams between double windows.

Detailed water proofing and storm shutters are the primarily barrier against wind driven rain water/moisture entry at the window and door openings. Proper waterproofing requires painstaking attention to details, the selection of right sealant for the specific application and proper preparation of the surfaces to be sealed. It is the attention to details that mandated EnviroHome to establish an in-house waterproofing division.

All waterproofing measures should be inspected and touched up annually. Leak tests should be performed to verify that waterproofing measures are adequate.

Window Leak Test (ASTM 1105E)

Emergency Response/Water Extraction
Water extraction emergency response services are provided by Advanced Micro-Clean (AMC) a CAPRI affiliated contracting company. AMC is an industry leader in the providing of water/moisture extraction services and was instrumental in getting businesses back in business after the hurricanes of 2004 and 2005. AMC maintains a warehouse full of dehumidifiers, water extraction equipment, and HEPA air scrubbers and is able to respond to water extraction jobs of any size.