Technology in Cleaning and Restoration
December 6, 2009
Cleaning and restoration professionals are always searching for equipment and technology to help them do their jobs better and more efficiently. ICS looks at some of the innovations making their way into the marketplace.
Cleaning and restoration professionals are always searching for equipment and technology to help them do their jobs better and more efficiently. For the seventh consecutive year, ICS Cleaning Specialist looks at some of the innovative equipment and technologies making their way into the industry.
As we’ve said all along, this is not a “Best of the Best” list; it is a chance to see and read about some of the innovations available in today’s marketplace.
Principles and long-accepted methodologies need not be shattered in order for something to be innovative. Some may have already seen much this technology at various trade shows and exhibitions, while others are getting their first look at what the cleaning and restoration industries have to say about some of the latest developments as we head into 2010.
Cleaning and restoration professionals are always searching for equipment and technology to help them do their jobs better and more efficiently. For the seventh consecutive year, ICS Cleaning Specialist looks at some of the innovative equipment and technologies making their way into the industry.
As we’ve said all along, this is not a “Best of the Best” list; it is a chance to see and read about some of the innovations available in today’s marketplace.
Principles and long-accepted methodologies need not be shattered in order for something to be innovative. Some may have already seen much this technology at various trade shows and exhibitions, while others are getting their first look at what the cleaning and restoration industries have to say about some of the latest developments as we head into 2010.
Ti32 Thermal Imager from Fluke
The Fluke Ti32 is the first imager on the market to incorporate a powerful 320x240 sensor to provide strikingly crisp, detailed images for under $9,000. Using Fluke’s patented IR-Fusion® technology, users can marry high-precision thermal images with visual (visible light) images in full screen, picture-in-picture or blended views for enhanced problem detection and analysis. IR-Fusion is the only solution available with physical parallax correction, which enables perfect alignment, pixel by pixel, of both infrared and visible images.Restoration Contractor's Kit from Extech
The Extech restoration contractor’s kit provides a complete solution for the restoration contractor. Use the pin and pinless meters to better diagnose the amount of moisture content in buildings. The thermal Hygrometer provides fast, accurate readings of ambient room conditions and GPP calculations. The kit includes: Model MO280 Pinless Moisture Meter; Model MO220 Wood Moisture Meter; Model RH490 Precision Hygro-Thermometer; and the Model RHT10 Humidity/Temperature USB Datalogger. The kit is supplied in a rugged, heavy-duty hard carrying case.Spinergy from Bridgepoint Systems
Bridgepoint Systems announces the availability of an incredible new stone polishing system utilizing specially manufactured pads that virtually eliminate the need for messy honing and polishing chemicals. Spinergy Stone Polishing Pads are meant to be used to remove wear and achieve a wide variety of finishes from dull hone (no shine) to a high polish on marble, travertine or lime¬stone floors, walls or counter tops with little to no lippage and with less mess in less time without the use of harsh chemicals. The pads come in multiple sizes and grits and can be applied with any rotary floor machine.DASH Management Software from Next Gear Solutions
DASH from Next Gear Solutions is “a next-generation project and operations management tool for restoration contractors looking to streamline their operations, cut costs, and enhance reporting standards through use of a single-entry data integration,” the company said. Featuring a completely customizable interface, project managers can see how many open jobs they’re managing and how many are pending sales, WIP, on hold, completed and unpaid, and more.R200 dehumidifier from Phoenix Restoration Equipment
Featuring an enhanced R410A refrigerant system and high-CFM blower, the R200 achieves over 35% more water removal than the R175 while maintaining the same footprint and lightweight. The R200 shares all of the features that made the R175 a favorite among restoration professionals. Like the R175, the R200 is lightweight, has large inset wheels, a sturdy retractable handle, and a chamfered cabinet, making it the most maneuverable dehumidifier on the market. The units’ small footprint and stackable design also help maximize storage space.Thermal Imagers from testo
The testo 875 and 881 thermal imagers are great tools to identify hidden problems in building components and construction. The testo 875 and the testo 881 offer great thermal resolution, and each has a large screen display to bring the thermal images to life. Both imagers meet and exceed the pending BPI/RESNET IR Imaging System standards for building performance testing. A standard wide angle lens, optional motorized focus, telephoto lens, and a protective lens are a few of the useful features that are unique to testo thermal imagers in their class.Rx12 from RxHeat
RxHeat utilizes the precision-controlled power of 40,000 to 1.2 million BTUs to blast moisture-laden air out of a structure and replace it with 100% fresh, hot, outside air. A powerful on-board generator is standard on the RxHeat residential trailer system. It not only powers the unit, but it is also capable of powering up to 22 Force 9 air movers so you can start drying regardless of whether the structure has power or not. Once the job is done, there’s no need to wait for the unit to cool. Simply flip a switch, pack up, and move on to the next job.U-Turn from Centrum Force
U-Turn is a highly efficient and economical alternative to the health and ecological hazards of nonylphenol and butyl solvents. It is harmless to indoor air quality: it contains no VOCs or toxic vapors. It is unscented and will not trigger an allergic reaction. Dirt and grime are defined as layers of fine films made up of fat, oil, grease, bacteria, dust mites and skin etc. These films are bonded to each other and to the fiber surface by amino and fatty acids. U-Turn is a proprietary formula of plant-based ingredients removes these films and acids.The Bear Cave from Kodiak Restoration
A self-contained, non-intrusive wall cavity drying system from Kodiak Restoration, The Bear Cave dries under the sill plate, dries wall cavities and stud walls, and under cabinets. Each Bear Cave is constructed of 15 feet of high-grade vinyl reinforced with 10 primed and painted steel bars, resulting in a lightweight, rigid yet flexible structure that can be daisy-chained with additional units for extended drying coverage.Quick Mold Test from Building Environmental Management Corp.
The Quick Mold Test is a “fast and simple method to accurately determine the presence of mold spores and allergen contaminants on surfaces.” The color-change reaction from green to purple provides a semi-quantifiable result, and allows users to assess the level of biological contamination of surfaces. The results are easily obtained, interpreted and allow for quick decisions and corrective actions to be implemented.Truckmounts from Sapphire Scientific
The 270SS and the 370SS truckmounts both feature a slim profile, yet with the power and features found only on much larger machines. Sapphire truckmounts are significantly smaller than the closest competitors, yet the units have all the heat and vacuum power and other features customers need to expertly clean carpets. Utilizing time-tested components from Gardner Denver, CAT, Briggs & Stratton, Kohler and other industry-leading suppliers, Sapphire truckmounts provide the high performance and reliability that operators count on.FourGuard Carpet Protector from Prochem
Protect one of your customer’s biggest investments, their carpets, with this concentrated protector against soil, stains, spills and oil. Application of FourGuard Carpet Protector helps enhance the carpet’s stain resistance, which is gradually worn by everyday traffic and soil. It also applies a fluorocarbon protector, which resists soil and makes the carpet easier to clean. FourGuard protects against soil, stains, spills, and oil.Triexta from Shaw and Mohawk
In early 2006, Mohawk Industries, Shell Chemical and DuPont jointly petitioned the FTC to establish a new generic fiber subclass name under the existing classification of “polyester” for polytrimethylene terephthalate or PTT. Shaw sells PTT under the Corterra brand name, and Mohawk currently sells PTT under two umbrellas; Smartstrand and SmartStrand with DuPont Sorona renewably sourced polymer. This is the first extension that the FTC has approved for textiles in five years and the first extension for residential carpeting in 50 years, since nylon was established under the Textile Fiber Act in June 1959.