Let’s face it, we all hope they won’t occur, but natural disasters DO indeed happen and when they do they are just that, a disaster.  There is a lot of work that must be done after a flooding event such as Superstorm Sandy.  Exposure from polluted flood water may result in any number of health problems: stomach and digestion issues, headache, cough, flu-like discomforts, and abdominal cramps just to name a few. This dirty water and all that it contains must be completely drained and thoroughly cleaned and removed from affected houses.  Some of this clean up can be done by the homeowner himself but in most cases he will need professional help.  Water and mold remediation is best handled by a professional cleaning and restoration company.  A Building Contractor can help with repairs and structural damage.  He might also need a Plumber and an Electrical Contractor to help with the HVAC and electrical systems.  Not to be overlooked is the duct work. A homeowner should certainly take immediate steps to drain his ducts, but even if they are drained and dried, they will need to be professionally vacuumed and sanitized.

If you do not thoroughly clean them out, your system will be blowing foul and dusty air throughout your home.  It is also imperative after a flood to sanitize the ducts with the proper chemicals. Metal duct work that has been submerged or exposed to flood waters will eventually dry out. However, even after the water recedes, the contaminants left behind pose health risks.   This dust, debris and microorganisms are a perfect food source for mold.   A homeowner should contact a duct cleaner that follows strict NADCA (National Air Duct Cleaners Association) standards and have the duct work and complete HVAC system vacuumed AND sanitized.  Even after a complete duct cleaning service there is always going to be microscopic enzymes and bacteria left inside the ducts.  Ductwork is constructed from numerous pieces of sheet metal that is bent and folded into either rectangular, square or round pipe pieces.  No matter which shape is formed, there is going to be a significant amount of seams, corners and crevices that result (see diagrams).

Also, when pieces are connected, there is going to be some kind of seam, notch, rivet or dimple where the pieces are melded.  These areas naturally collect dust and dirt, and in the case of flooding, biological materials also.  A powerful vacuum truck will remove most of these particles but proper sanitizing is critical.  A professional duct cleaner will use a strong  yet safe sanitizer manufactured strictly for this purpose.  Advanced Furnace & Air Duct Cleaning applies the sanitizer Oxine directly into the HVAC system blower after the ducts have been thoroughly cleaned. Oxine is an EPA approved sanitizing spray that is completely safe for use in residences and other buildings, even if people are present.  When properly applied it will encroach in all the cracks and creases of the duct work and kill the mold, bacteria, viruses and other harmful organisms that are residing there. If the HVAC system is on, the sanitizer will remain “damp” for up to an hour. If the HVAC system isn’t running, the sanitizer will remain in its liquid state for up to 8 hours. 

After it completes its intended purpose, Oxine will completely break down into the same chemical components as table salt. If your home has flexible duct work in it, and those flexible duct lines have gotten wet, they must be completely removed and replaced.  You cannot safely dry out flexible duct work due to its construction of multiple layers.  There is a thick mylar coating over a helical spring which is insulated in fiberglass. vacuum cleaner best for stairsThe whole piece is then wrapped in a thick protective layer of vinyl.  best vacuum cleaner for bugsOnce the fiberglass insulation layer gets wet it cannot be dried.  cost of cleaning air conditioner coils

The only solution is to remove it and replace it.  This is also true of metal duct work that is lined with fiberglass insulation. If the insulation is INSIDE the duct and the duct gets wet, you must replace the whole affected piece. However, if the insulation is outside of the duct and simply wraps around it, you can remove this insulating layer, discard it, and replace it after the ducts are completely dried out (ideally a month or so later).air duct cleaning basicsThe page you have requested cannot be found.vacuum cleaner best canister Click here to go back and try another link.best vacuum cleaners rainbow You may also click here to go to the Johnston County Home Page.As a trusted leader in the restoration industry, you can depend on SERVPRO Franchise Professionals, whether you need emergency flood damage restoration or your upholstery cleaned.

They have the training, experience, and equipment to make your house feel like home again. Fire, water, and mold restoration are the cornerstones of our business. SERVPRO Franchise Professionals are dedicated to being faster to any sized disaster. Our focus on training ensures we have the expertise and skills needed to promptly restore your property right the first time. Our restoration services include the following:Kids spill drinks, pets have accidents, and homes get dirty. SERVPRO Franchise Professionals offer cleaning services ranging from air duct cleaning to removing biohazard contaminants. Their residential cleaning services will not only ease the burden of the constant maintenance of your home but will also create a safe, clean, and comfortable living environment for your family. Our cleaning services include the following:Residential and Commercial Air Duct Cleaning Air ducts are great collectors of dust, pet dander, and dirt in general. Cleaning your air ducts regularly supports good indoor air quality, and helps to  keep your system running efficiently.

Smoke and Soot Removal Have you experienced a puffback or smoke damage? Or have you had fire damage? Soot and smoke in duct work will be distributed through your home or office, and can cause damage to furniture, paintings, carpets, etc.. Even more importantly, it can affect your health! Smoke and soot removal from ductwork should be done immediately after a puffback or fire, before the the ventilation system is operated! Call 508-520-3183 for a FREE ESTIMATE! Ductwork also tends to collect debris like sawdust and plaster, especially in areas that have undergone construction or remodeling. Have you had the duct work cleaned in the last 6-12 months? If not, your air ducts may be a breeding ground for allergens like mold. In addition, dryer vents can get clogged by years of lint buildup that may have bypassed your dryer’s filter. This, in itself, is a fire hazard. Your ATA technicians thoroughly clean the ductwork so the air you breathe is clean and free of contaminants and allergens.