Welcome to our blog!
We primarily service the Greater Houston Area, and we’re here to restore homes after water, mold, and storm damage. Our mission is to educate you on the right way to handle the messy, and often stressful, situations of water and mold damage.
Living in Houston means more than hot summers, great food, and driving 45 minutes to get anywhere – it also means bracing for the unpredictable Texas weather. From the torrential downpours to derechos, water damage is a constant concern for homeowners in our community. However, most water damage to homes isn’t storm-related, and it’s often preventable. And where there’s water, mold is often not far behind, thriving in our humid climate. Bacteria growth is another big concern after a leak, since bacteria can multiply every 15 minutes.
These issues can feel overwhelming, leaving you with a flood of questions and uncertainty. That’s where we come in.
More Than Just a Quick Fix: The Citadel Restoration Standard
At Citadel Restoration, we believe in doing things the right way, the first time. That’s why we’re proud to be an IICRC Certified Firm. But what does that mean for you?
The Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC) is a global non-profit organization that sets the standards for the restoration industry. The IICRC is an ANSI-accredited standards developing organization. However, it’s extremely easy to become IICRC certified, in my opinion, so it’s important to find a company that lives up to the standards rather than just passing a test and forgetting about it. You should expect:
- Highly Knowledgeable: Your restoration contractor should have undergone rigorous training and passed comprehensive exams to prove their expertise in water damage restoration and mold remediation. While not every worker needs to be an expert, the project manager should be highly knowledgeable and oversee the whole project. Aside from basic certifications, continued education, and reading research is essential.
- Up-to-Date on the Latest Techniques: The restoration industry is constantly evolving. The water restoration and mold remediation industries weren’t formalized and standardized until the 1990’s. While science hasn’t evolved that much, best practices are still improving, and new technology keeps us on our toes. However, many contractors have failed to adapt and improve over time. For example, 95%+ of restorers aren’t using their moisture meter according to manufacturer recommendations and best practices.
- Committed to Your Safety: Did you know that asbestos testing is necessary before removing drywall/flooring/etc. – even in brand new houses? Did you know silica exposure is often considered this generation’s asbestos? Have you read about the health effects of respirable dust, endotoxins, and mycotoxins? We’re not doctors, but we do our best to protect our customers and our workers. We can back up our safety procedures as well – it’s not guesswork.
Furthermore, we are a certified EPA Lead-Safe Firm. Many homes in the Houston area built before 1978 may contain lead-based paint. When this paint is disturbed during repairs, it can create hazardous lead dust that poses serious health risks, especially to children and pregnant women.
Your Partner in a Healthy Home
We understand that dealing with water or mold damage can be a disruptive and emotional experience. Our goal is to not only restore your property but also to provide you with the knowledge and peace of mind you deserve. We’ll walk you through every step of the process, explaining what we’re doing and why. We want you to feel confident that your home is not just repaired but truly restored to a safe condition. We’ll also provide detailed documentation for both you and your insurance company.
In the coming months and years, this blog will provide new resources for Houston homeowners related to water and mold damage. Topics will include common causes of water and mold damage, learning how to identify potential problems early, getting practical tips for prevention, and how to know when you need a professional to help.
Is your home showing signs of water damage or do you suspect you might have a mold issue? Don’t wait for the problem to get worse.
Contact Citadel Restoration today for a consultation. Let us show you the right way to bring your home back to normal. Call us or submit your info below to learn more.
P.S. If this blog isn’t active, feel free to reach out and lecture me personally, since it’s my job…