FAQs

Soil-Away

Why should I use Soil-Away?

We have a commitment to excellence, integrity, and continual improvement. It is very unsettling to experience a property emergency. We are empathetic, we have a high sense of urgency and we communicate with you the homeowner, the insurance adjuster, and the insurance agency.

Soil-Away invests heavily in training, and in the best equipment and technology available. We have developed an excellent reputation which has placed us on most major insurance carriers preferred restoration contractor lists. All of our employees undergo background checks, drug and alcohol testing, and have ID badges.

We are available 24/7/365. We have the equipment and personnel to manage multiple large losses at once; from initial response through expert rebuild services.

What kind of certifications should I look for when hiring a restoration contractor?

Restoration contractors should be certified by the IICRC (Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification ww.iicrc.org). The certifications are in the sciences of structural drying, mold remediation, smoke and odor removal, and fire restoration.

Insurance

Do I have to deal with the insurance company?

We work directly with your insurance company regarding the scope of work and all billing. Any changes of scope or noteworthy occurrences are immediately communicated to the adjuster and property owner.

Should I plan in advance for an emergency?

Advance planning is very important and can limit damage to your property. Experiencing a property loss is traumatic and unnerving. Knowing in advance who you can trust in the event of an emergency will bring you peace of mind. We will get your property back to pre-loss condition as quickly and smoothly as possible.

If I have an emergency, can I choose my own restoration company?

As a policy owner, you have the right to pick your restoration company. We work directly with your insurance company regarding the scope of work and all billing. Any changes of scope or noteworthy occurrences are immediately communicated to the adjuster and property owner.

Water Damage

What are the most common causes of water damage?

The most common sources of water damage are hot water tank leaks or complete failure, toilet feed lines, washing machine lines, ice dams, storm water, improper grading around the foundation. Hidden leaks or hidden chronic moisture can become very serious leading to microbial growth and structural damage.

Can I clean up water damage myself?

Getting the source of the water stopped or fixed is obviously the first step. Secondly here is very real possibility of electrical malfunction and danger from electricity conducting through the water.

Smoke & Odor Damage

What should I do following an oil furnace puff back?

A puff back is a malfunction of your furnace which sends a puff of oily smoke into your home. Depending on the severity, you should first contact your insurance agent notifying them of a potential loss situation. Secondly, don’t try to clean it yourself. Traditional cleaning products will often make the situation worse.

Can cigarette odor be removed from my property?

Yes, Soil-Away can guarantee odor removal. Soil-Away technicians are certified in odor removal technology. Cigarette smoke permeates all surfaces of a home. Clothing, upholstery, carpets, walls etc. Thus all surfaces and permeable contents must be treated.

I’ve had a small fire in my house with lots of smoke; do I need to get rid of all the furniture and other items that were affected by the smoke and flames?

It depends on the severity of the heat and soot residue. However, often we can save upholstery, clothing and other personal items. Soil-Away technicians are certified in upholstery cleaning and in smoke and odor removal.

Mold Removal

What is your mold remediation process?

Firstly, microbial growth is caused by excessive moisture/humidity, a food source (wood, paper etc.), and time. Not only must the mold be removed, but the source or cause must be corrected. Common situations are improperly ventilated attics, ice dams, and hidden or chronic water leakage or high humidity.

Our trained and certified technicians follow the procedures set forth by the IICRC S520 Standard and Reference Guide for Professional Mold Remediation.

Process/Overview:

• Air/Surface sampling
• Pre-evaluation
• Scope definition
• Containment
• Air scrubbing with HEPA filter
• Source Removal
• Post Removal Verification
• Encapsulation