Faqs

If my property experiences fire damage, what should my first steps be?

You have a choice when choosing a company to restore your home or business facility. When an emergency strikes, it is imperative to begin the restoration process as soon as possible to minimize the amount of damage done to your structure and belongings. We recommend that you contact your insurance company, and then a professional restoration company for immediate recovery assistance.

My home or business has just experienced a fire. I’ve called a restoration company and my insurance company. Now, what do I do?

Do not walk on a damaged carpet, or sit on upholstered furniture unless absolutely necessary. Turn off the HVAC system so it won’t distribute soot and odor further throughout your property. Do not attempt to wipe or wash walls or other absorbents/porous surfaces. Do not consume any food items exposed to smoke or excessive heat. Open windows for ventilation. Do not use any electronics or appliances until they have been cleaned and/or checked.

How does BMS CAT restore and clean up fire & smoke damage in my home or office building?

• First, one of our experienced technicians will perform a thorough inspection and assessment of the damaged property, including the presence of odor, soot, and ash. We build an estimate and scope of work to make use of specialized processes and start cleaning the affected areas immediately.
• We use our own proprietary solutions and deodorizers to eliminate traces of odors in the environment.
• Our specialists follow a ceiling to floor pattern for cleaning and restoration.
• We evaluate the feasibility of restoring versus replacing damaged items. It may be more cost-effective to replace items rather than restore them, while others may be restored to their pre-loss condition. All items that can be restored are tagged and identified. While the restoration process is in progress, your valuables can be transported and stored in our secured storage facility for safety.

Learn more about our Fire & Smoke Damage Restoration services.

If my property experiences water damage, what should my first steps be?

You have a choice when choosing a company to restore your home or business facility. When an emergency strikes, it is imperative to begin the restoration process as soon as possible to minimize the amount of damage done to your structure and belongings. We recommend that you contact your insurance company, and then a professional restoration company for immediate recovery assistance.

My home or facility has just experienced water damage. I’ve called a restoration company and my insurance company. Now, what do I do?

If you can’t stop the flow of water, contact a plumber immediately (or call us if you need a reliable recommendation). If possible, keep the indoor temperature below 70 degrees, as this helps prevent microbial growth. Place foil or plastic below furniture legs to prevent rust or furniture stains on flooring. Turn off the electricity to any affected rooms. Place draperies through coat hangers and hang them on the rod to prevent water circles. Be extremely careful on wet, slippery floors. Remove items from the floor in affected closets. Remove breakable items from furniture that will need to be moved. Remove oriental or area rugs from wet carpet. Do not use a vacuum, as this may cause an electrical shock. Try not to walk on wet carpet as this may spread water to unaffected areas.

How does BMS CAT restore and clean up water damage in my home or office building?

• Our skilled technicians will perform a thorough inspection and assessment to determine the extent of the damage. We build an estimate and scope of work to make use of specialized processes and start restoring the affected areas immediately.
• The first step is to remove any traces of standing water. If left unaddressed, the residual moisture, combined with humidity, can lead to mold and mildew growth.
• The moist and damp environment is stabilized by using large air dehumidifiers and air movers to extract moisture that can cause further growth of mold and mildew. Fresh and dry air is used to stabilize and further dry the environment.
• Carpets and flooring are either disinfected or replaced, and all surfaces are cleaned and dried.
• Our construction teams can come in after the restoration process has been completed to make any necessary repairs.

I just noticed some sort of growth on my wall. What should I do?

Mold requires moisture and a food source to grow. Thus, it’s very important to stop the source of water. Do not disturb the growth, or try to remove mold yourself – as this may cause spores to become airborne and spread to unaffected areas. Do not apply direct air movement from fans or your HVAC system to the growth. If you believe your property may be experiencing issues related to mold, contact a professional mold remediation company for further evaluation.

Learn more about our Water Damage Restoration services.

How do I know my air ducts should be cleaned?

It is important to understand that contaminated air ducts may not be the only cause of increased dust deposits or illness. Be sure to explore all possible causes with your doctor and speak to professionals when examining your environment. Below are signs that your air duct system may need to be cleaned:

• Furniture seems to be attracting more dust and dirt than usual.
• Occupants frequently suffer from colds, asthma, allergies, or other symptoms of respiratory illness.
• Possible microbial growth or mildew on parts of your system.
• Ducts are clogged with excessive amounts of dust and debris and/or particles are actually released into the property from your supply registers.

How often should my air ducts be cleaned?

According to NADCA (National Air Duct Cleaners Association):

• Commercial, industrial, and healthcare facilities should have their air ducts and system inspected every year.
• Additionally, it is recommended that new and existing HVAC systems that are part of a construction, retrofit, or remodel project be inspected and verified as clean before the system is permitted to operate.

What cleaning methods does BMS CAT use for air duct cleaning?

Our technicians start by establishing engineering controls, or barriers, that prevent the dust and debris from contaminating the area during the cleaning process. Our team will then access the duct system by removing registers and cutting access holes as needed. We use a combination of source removal and air washing methods to remove contaminants within the system. All of our vacuum equipment utilizes HEPA filtration to ensure a clean and healthy work environment.

Is the air duct cleaning procedure messy?

Not at all. Because dust and dirt particles knocked loose by the dust sweeper are captured and trapped in a high-powered HEPA-filtered vacuum, very little debris, if any, will be exposed into space.

Learn more about our Commercial Air Duct Cleaning services.

What carpet cleaning method does BMS CAT use?

25 out of 27 carpet manufacturers recommend hot water extraction as the best method to keep carpets clean and looking like new. When utilizing this method, water is heated up to a temperature of 190 degrees Fahrenheit. The hot water kills many types of bacteria on contact, while a powerful vacuum sucks out dust, dander, and other allergens hiding deep inside your carpets. We don’t use any harsh shampoos or chemicals in our carpet cleaning services.

Why does BMS CAT use hot water instead of shampoos?

Shampoos can leave behind residues and traces of chemicals that strip the carpet’s natural ability to resist dirt and grime. It’s no different than washing your hair and not rinsing out the shampoo. It leaves your hair oily and it will become dirty quickly. Our hot-water extraction process eliminates any such residues and chemicals and is the safest proven way to get your carpets fresh and clean.

How long do carpets take to dry?

Our drying process takes about three to six hours depending on the humidity and air circulation in the room.

Is carpet cleaning safe for occupants?

Yes! Since we do not use any shampoos or chemicals, your tenants – and their customers – may walk and sit on the carpet once it is dry.

Will carpet cleaning remove stains and odor?

BMS CAT uses a special solution to extract odors out of the carpet as much as possible. If for whatever reason the technician is unable to remove the entire stain, they will communicate the next steps and additional options.

How often should carpets be professionally cleaned?

According to the Carpet and Rug Institute, it is recommended to get carpets professionally cleaned every 12 to 18 months. High traffic areas can be placed on a schedule to be cleaned monthly or quarterly.

How can I extend the life of my carpet?

There are three basic actions you can take to help ensure that your carpet lasts the standard 10 to 15 years: Vacuuming, Spot/Stain Removal, and Professional Cleaning.

How often should I vacuum?

For the best results, it is recommended to vacuum carpet at least once a week. It may be necessary to vacuum high-traffic areas more frequently.

What should I ask before hiring a professional carpet cleaning company?

• How long have you been in business?
• Is your company a corporately-owned company or a franchise?
• Does your company perform background checks and drug tests?
• Are you a member of the Better Business Bureau (BBB)?
• Do you vacuum before cleaning the carpet?
• Are there room size restrictions?
• What type of furniture will you move?

What is the best way to treat a carpet stain?

The first thing to do is act quickly. Blot, do not rub, the spot with a dry towel or paper towel. Try to steer away from cloths with color or prints. Dye or ink from these cloths may transfer to your damp carpet. Once the carpet is barely damp, apply a cleaning product to the stain and blot. Do not rub, scrub, or use brushes. This can damage carpet fibers and cause fraying. If you do not have a carpet cleaning product, try one of these DIY remedies:

• Use plain water. Sometimes water works just as well as a basic household-cleaning product.
• Mix 1/4 teaspoon of a clear, non-bleach dishwashing liquid with one cup of warm water. Never use laundry detergent.
• Mix one cup of white vinegar with one cup of water. Vinegar can break down weak vegetable dyes found in tea and coffee.

My office building doesn’t have carpet. Does your company offer any other type of floor cleaning?

Yes, BMS CAT uses a special cleaning solution combined with a hot water and vacuum system to eliminate dirt and grime from the crevices of tile and grout. Also, we can clean area rugs: oriental/wool and nylon/synthetic.

Learn more about our Commercial Carpet Cleaning services.