Moisture mapping is the foundation and core of water damage restoration since all planning for a job is created through and revolves around our understanding of where damage lies. A whopping 97% of restoration companies perform water damage work, and of those companies, 62% consider it their most profitable service, according to our 2019 Restoration Benchmarking Survey Report (found in the July 2019 issue of Cleanfax). We reached out to experts on the skill to get their opinions on the most important ways to be successful in moisture mapping.

1 | Be discerning

“There are different meters for different materials and situations. Understanding which meters are to be used for which material, and the meters’ limitations must be understood by technicians doing this work,” according to Richard Driscoll, an IICRC Master Restorer and industry instructor.

Much of successful moisture mapping comes down to using the right tools in the right situations. The experts say that depending on one type of tool is ineffective, and a collection of tools is needed for the best possible outcomes.

“Thermal imaging cameras are a good tool for quick scanning, but technicians need to remember a thermal imaging camera measures temperature differences, not moisture content,” says Driscoll. “If a surface is wet and evaporation is occurring, then there will be a different temperature on that surface when compared to a dry surface. So, the surface could be wet, but all areas that show temperature differences need to be further evaluated with moisture meters.”

An important tool in moisture mapping is a non-penetrating moisture meter, which uses radio waves to look for moisture.

Driscoll says, “The major advantage of a non-invasive meter is it does not create any damage, so it is the perfect initial inspection meter. This meter is really effective for looking ‘under’ a vinyl floor to determine if the sub-floor is wet.”

However, it’s important to see the limitations of non-invasive meters, according to Driscoll. He points out the possibility of “false positive” readings, “which would indicate wetness, when what the meter is finding is ‘conductivity.’” He says these occur when the meter reads conductivity (of metal) as moisture when there actually is none.

Jeremy Reets, owner and instructor of Reets Drying Academy agrees that restorers need to avoid over relying on non-invasive meters.

“Thorough moisture mapping means finding elevated moisture content wherever it may be hiding in the assemblies we are drying. This is where our industry could use some improvement,” Reets reports. “Too often I see overuse of non-penetrating moisture meters, hammer probes in subfloors, and no moisture readings on the most challenging areas such as sill plates and the subflooring underneath them. This example requires using something to extend the reach of our meters, most often that is stainless steel screws.”

Reets adds, “This strategy for moisture reading has been done for more than 20 years, just not commonly enough. Setting two stainless steel screws to pass through the wet interface between a sill plate and the subfloor is a simple but necessary step in thorough moisture mapping.”

See the “Using penetrating meters” sidebar for more on their use.

2 | Be consistent

If you have multiple meters of the same type, it’s important not to switch between them on a job. Using the same tools throughout is important for successful mapping because different meters won’t necessarily measure in the same way.

“Use the same moisture meters and thermohygrometers throughout the entire loss,” recommends Chuck Dewald III, owner of Dewald Academy of Drying. “All meters are not created equal and most meters have entirely different scales among different brands.”

Reets seconds this need for consistency in equipment use. He says, “Consistent moisture mapping means correctly using the same meters in the same locations to identify clear trends in the drying process from the beginning of the project to the end.”

3 | Monitor continually

Likely the most important aspect of drying is monitoring and adjusting based on continuous moisture monitoring. Moisture mapping doesn’t end after the initial inspection.

“It drives me crazy to hear the stories of restorers setting up the equipment and then coming back in three to four days to pick up everything (whether it is dry or not). We need to stop these habits and change this standardized way of thinking,” Dewald says. “Be there every single day on that loss to record moisture mapping and psychrometric data progress and make changes as needed.”

Driscoll explains the needed monitoring process: “There are two important inspection/monitoring tasks that must be completed on a daily basis, or maybe more frequently depending upon the particulars of the loss: monitoring what is happening with the air (a record of drying conditions) and monitoring what is happening with the actual structural materials that were affected (moisture mapping).”

He adds, “The only way to verify we have accomplished the objective is to measure and record the moisture content in everything that was affected and continue drying until all affected structural materials have been returned to the pre-loss condition.”

And Dewald points to the need for baseline goals (see #5 for more on this). “Measure and record dry standard values for all different types of materials affected for a target baseline. This changes for all materials in different regions and different times of the year.”

4 | Document everything

All too often restorers fail to document their measurements properly, which leads to conflicts with adjusters and problems with payment. No good comes from poor documentation.

“Moisture mapping and even the psychrometric data should tell a thorough and detailed story of the water loss. The quality of this story is directly correlated to the type of information gathered on any loss and, more importantly, the evaluations that can be made with this gathered information or data,” explains Dewald. “The better or more compelling this story is, the greater the interaction will be with the insurance carriers in all areas. Also, more confidence and trust by the insured will be established in your company’s ability and processes.”

Since payment is dependent on successful job completion, verification of that success is of the utmost importance. Says Driscoll, “Moisture mapping is probably the most inspection/monitoring-heavy task technicians perform. The reason it’s so important: The recorded information on properly done moisture maps will show the affected structure is now dry…. At the end of the job, if done properly, documentation proves that the drying job has been successfully completed.”

5 | Strategize

No two jobs are the same, and the planning for them shouldn’t be treated as such. Our experts point to developing a strategy and setting goals as essential to successful moisture mapping and drying.

“Become a professional evaporator! Your chamber conditions (no matter what the size of the chamber) are what’s driving the evaporation rate and moisture content change within the materials. Most restorers have no daily targets they are evaluating within the drying chamber for their psychrometric readings,” says Dewald. “We have daily minimum E3 chamber targets set for each day of the loss for all different types of drying equipment, set ups, and possible outside conditions. This value gives meaning and justification to the psychrometric data and lets you know when specific changes need to be made.

“Know what the numbers mean, and quit recording the data simply for the sake of writing them down.”

Reets suggests planning always begin with the worst areas: “Ask yourself what the most-difficult-to-dry areas will be in your project. Those are the areas you must create a moisture mapping strategy for. If they are the hardest areas to dry, likely they are also going to be the last areas to dry. It’s also the exact areas where your moisture mapping should focus.”

Amanda Hosey is the managing editor of Cleanfax. She has worked as an editor and writer for more than six years, including four years with Cleanfax. Reach her at amandah@issa.com.

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Every 3,000-5,000 miles (or 7,000 if you’re like me and forget) you change the oil on your car to keep the engine running effectively. Your company, too, needs to have a tuneup from time to time to keep things smooth and friction free in all its moving parts.

It’s necessary to occasionally take a step back and look at the company objectively. Do our employees still bring a level of enthusiasm to their work? Are we staying up to date on changing technologies, best practices, and techniques? Are we still setting (and reaching) new goals for ourselves and our companies?

In this issue, we’re looking at ways to keep improving and give your company the tuneup every company needs at times. It is easy to get comfortable, to say, “We’re making money. No one is complaining. This is good enough.” But “good enough” allows a company to become stagnant, and often that leads to a slow decline in sales and customer and employee satisfaction.

In his article on page 24, John Monroe discusses this exact tendency as he explains what meeting a business’ goals versus striving to push beyond them looks like. He lays out ways to always look for and implement improvement for the betterment of a company.

This month’s IICRC article (page 36) from Bob Blochinger examines the differences between workmanship and craftmanship. As he puts it: “Workmanship is the ‘how’ of performing a task, and craftsmanship is ‘why’ it is done a specific way.” It offers a chance to decide whether you’re bringing a level of craftmanship to your work or simply focusing on the workmanship of it.

On page 30, industry consultant Howard Partridge writes the first in a series he’s developed on “failure to implement.” The article points to the all-to-common tendency of owners (and everyone, really) to make goals that are never reached and offers an outline of the ways to overcome this, which will be laid out in subsequent articles.

Commercial carpet maintenance is something most companies have considered getting into. Dane Gregory discusses how to decide if it’s right for you and how to get started on page 16.

And I’ve put forth two articles on restoration. First, I spoke with drying instructors on what they consider the most important aspects of moisture mapping for improved planning and drying on page 10. And on page 20, find a deep dive into commercial drone use on restoration sites, which looks at uses, costs, and expected advancements so you can decide if you should consider the investment.

Keep striving to make your company stronger and keep it running effectively. I’m wishing you great success today and all the days after!

Amanda Hosey is the managing editor of Cleanfax. She has worked as an editor and writer for more than six years, including four years with Cleanfax. Reach her at amandah@issa.com.

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I received a call from a gentleman who had a house fire that was a total loss. After severe smoke and water damage and days sitting out in the snow and ice, we were able to get our hands on this piece, which was the only thing he wanted saved: the owner’s late father’s drill sergeant hat. As a veteran, this hit close to home, and I was able to take care of the cleaning for him free of charge.

Since it was 40-year-old wool, our process involved dry brushing with a horsehair brush; dry solvent cleaning; dry brushing once more; thermal fogging in an air-tight container to remove the smoke odor; and finally performing various touchups with diluted solvents. The leather strap was removed, cleaned, and conditioned until it was no longer stiff, and the brass was shined with Brasso as I was taught to do in boot camp years ago. The gentleman who owns the hat requested that it be returned as soon as possible, and we were able to pick it up and deliver the cleaned piece in less than 24 hours.

For an opportunity to win a gift card worth $250, send your images and a brief 100-word description on how you obtained your results to Amanda Hosey, managing editor, at amandah@issa.com, or submit via Facebook messenger at . Contest rules available by request.

[infobox title=’DID YOU KNOW’][/infobox]

There are generally three reasons why pressure washing doesn’t completely clean a surface: You’re
using the wrong cleaning detergent; you’re using the right detergent incorrectly; or you’ve forgotten the detergent entirely.

Learn more about pressure washing at www.cleanfax.com/high-pressure-cleaning.

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I’m a generally messy person. It’s one of the characteristics carried over from my youth. Growing up, there was never any doubt about where I sat at the dinner table. All you had to do was look to see where the most food crumbs were after the table had been cleared, and that was my spot.

While I continually strive to improve in this area, it can still drive my wife and the people I work with crazy. I think it’s even possible they’ve decided I’m most comfortable in a messy environment, and this thought occurs in me, too.

Messiness isn’t limited to people. Government can be messy, which probably comes as no surprise to any of us now. But think about the original signers of the Declaration of Independence. Do you think they could have envisioned all the messiness that would be involved in guiding the nation as it grew beyond its original thirteen colonies? There’s no way they could have. The geographic expansion, the population explosion, and the overall complexity of the issues our leaders face in today’s more complex world could not possibly have been fathomed back in 1776.

Businesses, large and small, can be messy, too. When you own or manage a business, it seems like you’re always creating or cleaning up messes—either your own or someone else’s. And the bigger a business grows, the messier the messes seem to get. That’s just part of leading a growing organization and something that can’t be avoided, no matter how hard we might try.

Messiness in business comes in different forms. Sometimes it’s having to make decisions we don’t want to make, ones we may feel we didn’t sign up for when we started our company, and that we may not be emotionally equipped to make now—unpopular decisions that might involve people we care about but that still need to be made because more people are affected by these decisions now that our company is larger.

Messiness can come in the form of complicated relationships with our employees, our customers, and our competitors that were far less complicated when our business was younger. There were fewer moving parts then and clearer expectations for everyone. As our business grows, messiness can be maintaining alignment with the guiding principles upon which the company was founded, even though we may not have realized at the time that we even had guiding principles.

Perhaps, rather than fight the messiness, we should accept that messiness in business is part of growth and change. Without it, we are stagnant. And, although life might be less messy, is that really what we want?

One of the reasons I believe we like to celebrate beginnings or “the good old days” is because they bring back memories of simpler times—times when our focus was clear and our world was less cluttered and seemed full of possibilities. Reminiscing gives us the chance to take a mental break from the messiness of today. Whenever we find ourselves feeling overwhelmed in business, it’s a good idea to hit the pause button, take a deep breath, and reflect on the ideals upon which we started our company, and consider the people, circumstances, and, yes, even the layers of complexity (messiness) added over the years that have led to our success.

Chuck Violand is the founder and principal of Violand Management Associates (VMA), a highly respected consulting company in the restoration and cleaning industries. Through VMA, he works with business owners and companies to develop their people and profits. To reach him, visit
or call 800-360-3513.

The post Embracing the Messiness: Turning Chaos Into Success appeared first on Cleanfax.

PSA is the only “complete” solutions for the cleaning and restoration industry. We are the leader in ERP, providing accounting, job management, CRM, and mobile operations as a one stop shop. Our focus is to help contractors reduce their administrative burdens and eliminate duplication.

PSA provides an integrated environment that connects with industry-required software such as Xactimate, XactAnalysis, Moisture Mapper, and Matterport to streamline workflow, increase staff performance, and maximize profitability.

Our commitment is to provide our customers with unmatched training and support while delivering a
gold-standard experience every day and with every interaction.

For more info: visit | email sales@canamsys.com |call 877-712-2626

View all the companies featured in the Technology Showcase.

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Why settle for less than you really need for efficient AND thorough documentation? Together Legend Brands and Next Gear Solutions are linking industry-leading technologies that will dramatically streamline your job management. Watch for it—coming soon!

To boost LGR dehumidifier performance, Dri-Eaz’s unique Extreme Dewpoint Technology system with upgradable control panel employs high-tech sensors that determine the blower speed, auto-
adjusting air dwell time across the coils to optimize water removal in all conditions. The result? At
least 40% higher low-grain water removal than competitive units.

Legend Brands and Next Gear Solutions are truly advancing restoration!

For more information: visit   |  call 800-932-3030

View all the companies featured in the Technology Showcase.

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In the flooring industry, the correct installation of products is critical for performance and appearance. The word “workmanship” is used in all product installations; however, the word “craftsmanship” is usually associated with the description of the finished appearance of hard surface products like wood, tile, or marble, especially in the area of patterns and designs.

Another way to explain the difference is this: Workmanship is the “how” of performing a task, and craftsmanship is “why” it is done a specific way.

Workmanship

Before a completed project is labeled with the word craftsmanship, the workmanship is reviewed. Workmanship is labeled as poor, bad, good, satisfactory, expert, or excellent, along with a number of other adjectives.

Exterior patio with tile surface damaged by high-psi pressure cleaning that caused efflorescence of concrete and setting materials.

LVT plank separation, caused by installation errors, allows soil and dry wall dust to enter.

VCT adhesive oozes through seams where soil attaches, exacerbated by poor cleaning techniques.

With all projects, part of the workmanship is one’s personal presentation, appearance, and attitude; maintaining safe jobsite conditions; and housekeeping. Workmanship considers questions such as:

• Are all materials, equipment, and tools in a specific area so as not to create hazards? Are they handy to reach for use during installation?
• Is the work area kept clean, and is the jobsite cleaned daily to the condition it was found in at the beginning of the day?
• Has the product to be installed been checked for visual defects?
• Has the substrate been visually reviewed, physically inspected, and tested for acceptable conditions for the floorcovering to be installed?
• Are the correct sundry materials being used: tack strip, adhesives, cement, floor patching materials, transition height materials, hand trowel notch for a given adhesive and product, underlayments as required for sound and crack suppression, etc.?
• Is the proper tool and notch size being utilized? (E.g., using a skill saw when a table saw is required, using a 2-inch level when a 6-inch level is required)
• Are you using the power stretcher, or the mini stretcher and knee kicker? Do you know when to use each tool?
• Does tape quality match carpet construction? (E.g., seaming iron 4-inch or 6-inch tape)
• Is carpet dry laid in place for correct pattern match?
• Are the product acclimation guidelines being followed?

This tile’s grout is actually white.

Workmanship may also include an examination of speed, unlike craftsmanship which requires continuous patience in performance. Some might even define craftsmanship as “workmanship with passion for the trade.”

Craftsmanship

Craftsmanship, unlike workmanship, is rarely explained with an adjective that describes the quality of work. It is commonly understood that, when it is time to discuss and review craftsmanship, the workmanship is always of “superior” quality because craftsmanship is the result of superior workmanship. Superior workmanship is the result of keeping areas clean, using correct tools and quality sundry products, maintaining personal training and ongoing education in the trade, and, finally, taking pride in what is being done.

Poor cleaning techniques, combined with oozing adhesive from concrete moisture emission through seams, ruined this flooring in under a year.

Training is the building block of good workmanship; pride in accomplishment produces the passion of the trade that produces craftsmanship. Normal workmanship can produce future within the trade; however, high-level craftsmanship will ensure repeat business.

Bob Blochinger started out in the flooring industry as a water and fire damage cleaner and restorer. After opening his own installation business, he worked to become an certified flooring inspector in eight separate disciplines. Blochinger currently works as a full-time inspector in addition to owning his own Certified Firm.

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Have you ever been speaking with your insurance agent or insurance company and found yourself completely confused? Don’t worry; you are not alone. Insurance industry jargon can seem like a whole different language, but I’m here to help with an explanation of seven terms you’re likely to hear when planning and handling your company’s insurance policy needs.

1 | Additional insured versus additional named insured

An additional insured applies to a third party for whom you are performing work. This party does not have an insurable interest in your company; however, they do hold liability for the work you perform and may require that they are listed on your insurance policy as an additional insured. For example, if you perform work on a commercial property, the property owner or manager will likely want to be protected against claims resulting from “your work.” (See sidebar for more on this.)

An additional named insured relates to your common ownership in another company and, when used, means you would like the current policy to extend coverage to this other company as well.

The main difference between an additional insured and an additional named insured is made clear by how each can receive coverage under the policy when a claim or lawsuit comes in. For the policy to respond for an additional insured, it and the first named insured on the policy must be named in the suit.

An additional named insured may receive policy coverage if they are named in a suit even without the first named insured being included. Therefore, an additional named insured has slightly broader privileges under the policy when it comes to triggering coverage.

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2 | Aggregate limit

A policy’s aggregate limit is the maximum amount an insurance company will pay out during the designated policy period. This is different from a per-occurrence limit. The aggregate limit is the most the carrier is responsible to pay over the course of one full policy term. Once this limit is reached, they will not pay a cent more even if you have additional claims or expenses during that policy term. The per-occurrence limit listed on the policy is the maximum the carrier will pay for each individual occurrence, loss, or claim until the aggregate limit has been exhausted.

3 | Blanket

This term generally applies to specific wording in the insurance policy or added endorsements related to standard contractual obligations or requirements. Blanket wording essentially grants specific coverage to another party if it is requested or required in a written contract or agreement.

For example, I mentioned that commercial clients may require that you list them as an additional insured. Often, you can add an endorsement on your insurance policy that provides additional insured status on a blanket basis.

In cases like this, when a third party requests to be an additional insured on your policy, they are provided that status “automatically” as long as it is written into your contract with the third party. This simplifies the contractual agreement phase for both yourself and your insurance team.

4 | Declarations page

A declarations page (or dec page) is part of the insurance policy issued to you and is usually found in the beginning of the policy. The declarations page is a snapshot of your insurance policy, usually about two pages long, that will list your entity name (first named insured), address, policy limits, coverage provided, effective and expiration dates of the policy, insurance carrier, all forms and endorsements on the policy, and any retroactive dates. It is a very important tool to efficiently see the insurance coverage offered by your carrier.

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5 | Loss run

The loss run is the history of your claims activity with the insurance carrier for the time you held insurance coverage with it.

This report tracks any claim you file with the insurance carrier during that policy term. For each claim, it will show the claimant, date of the loss, a description of the claim, whether the claim is open or closed, the amount of defense or legal fees paid, the amount of indemnity paid to the claimant, and any money set aside by the carrier for anticipated indemnity or defense ( aka “reserves”).

Insurance agents and brokers, as well as underwriters and insurance companies, use loss run reports to judge your risk as a contractor and analyze the risk management processes in your company.

6 | Submission

For insurance professionals, submission refers to the information about your company that is needed to underwrite and quote your insurance.

In general, a submission includes an application, financial statements, resumes of key personnel, a description of your company, a list of vehicles, a list of property and equipment you own or rent, a list of employees with their associated payroll, and loss run reports for the insurance coverage you are looking to purchase.

Submission items needed to quote your insurance vary depending on the insurance carrier and the lines of coverage you are requesting.

7 | Combined form

A combined form is an insurance policy that combines multiple lines of coverage into one policy with one policy number. These lines of coverage often share limits of insurance including the occurrence and aggregate limit.

The liability insurance package available to restoration and remediation contractors that combines your GL insurance with Contractor’s Environmental Liability (aka Contractor’s Pollution Liability) coverage and Professional Liability (aka Errors & Omissions Coverage) is an example of a combined form. Often, these combined form policies also include bailee’s coverage and lost key coverage. In many cases, a combined form is more cost effective and broadens your liability insurance. These policies can be accessed by insurance wholesale brokers specializing in the cleaning and restoration industry.

Kari Dybdahl has more than a decade of experience in the environmental insurance industry assisting clients from carpet cleaners to municipalities. She has received multiple awards and recognition for her work placing compliant insurance for Crawford Contractor Connection members and many others. Dybdahl designs custom insurance programs alongside Dave Dybdahl. Reach out to her with any questions at 608-824-3341 or kari@armr.net.

The post Confusing Insurance Terms appeared first on Cleanfax.

We are all familiar with drones. The small ones are fun to fly around your house and spy on neighbors. The large ones are used in warfare, surveying enemy territory and taking out bad guys. But in there is a middle ground that holds a wealth of benefits for restoration companies that work on large sites, especially commercial buildings.

We aren’t talking about the little quadcopters you can buy for $100 at Best Buy, but rather commercial drones that are larger and smarter—and will cost a good bit more, obviously. The term “commercial” here comes from the FAA, who defines any drone that is used for financial benefit as a commercial drone. You’ll also see terms like unmanned aerial vehicle, which is the drone itself, and unmanned aerial system (UAS), which is a more all-inclusive term for everything involved in flying a drone, including the pilot and ground station.

These types of drones collect data in hard-to-reach places faster than a technician could, while keeping them safe. They can also carry sensors (like thermal imaging, 3D mapping, and measurement) that provide data needed for beginning, maintaining, and documenting a project.

While these devices aren’t for every restoration company, they do provide significant benefits to certain kinds of companies. And they are becoming increasingly popular in the industry.

Safe, fast data collection

One of the most obvious but important benefits of drone use on restoration jobsites is the added safety it provides to the technicians on the ground surveying damage. Protecting your workers is obviously key in any job, but especially in fields like restoration where dangerous situations are more prevalent.

Randy Rapp, associate professor of construction management at Purdue University, considers the extra protection for workers one of the biggest advantages of drones. “They can go places more quickly than people might using a ladder or something of that sort. To get to higher levels in, say a gymnasium or warehouse, with a drone, if you’re operating using the right sensor, you need not climb anything,” Rapp says. “It can be up there very quickly. It’ll have people seeing at higher levels and in places where an elevating device would not allow people to readily go right in.”

With this added safety also comes another major benefit: speed. By removing the physical requirements from surveying damage onsite, restorers are able to gather information more quickly so job planning can begin.

“Using drones can speed up processes while still getting accurate and precise data,” says DroneDeploy Founder Jono Millin. He reports his company, in partnership with Dronetec, mapped 300 buildings in 10 days after Hurricane Irma, which would have taken months without drone technology. Millin explains, “Drone mapping makes it easy to collaborate and also minimizes insurance risk. Each map is geotagged and has a clear record of the date, time, and location so that an insurer is confident that they are paying the right claim.”

Rapp adds the sensors on some drones speed data collection even more and often gather information of higher quality than might otherwise be achieved, which aids a restorer’s planning, allowing the entire job to begin more quickly and accurately.

Documentation and sensing

The added speed and accuracy of data collection offers an obvious benefit to restorers since restorer-insurance relations remain one of the most discussed issues in the industry. With requirements for documentation growing increasingly stringent, the restoration industry seems always to be searching for ways to ease the burdens.

“The key benefit here is the ability for fast, accurate documentation of damage, which then leads to quicker cycle times to have claims settled…With the right software, these systems/technologies could also provide roof measurements and other data analysis to assist in the review of data (i.e., automated damage detection using artificial intelligence),” Kevin Wunder, vice president of marketing and product for Loveland Innovations, says. “We are seeing more and more insurance carriers both using drones themselves and accepting drone data as part of the claims settlement process.”

According to Wunder, insurance carriers’ teams are using data from commercial drones to settle claims, while restoration contractors are submitting data captured with their drones to homeowners’ adjusters. He says, “In both scenarios, the inspectors are looking to drones to provide high-resolution data that can lead to accurate and fair claims settlements. And they’re looking for it to occur in a rapid and safe manner.”

Important to data collection in restoration scenarios is the sensors drones carry. There are a number of sensors being added to commercial drones to provide the data needed for advancing a restoration job, and there is really something for every situation.

Rapp says, “There are a lot of different sensors. What you add depends on what you’re looking for. It might be ultraviolet or infrared. You can have one for low-light situations. There’s LIDAR, laser, and even AM radio waves.”

Here are a few that are being used with success in the industry:

LIDAR

Light detection and ranging (LIDAR) provides a collection of impressive tools including 3D mapping and measurement. It does this by sending out light pulses and measuring using the time it takes for the light to return.

“It’s able to plot in great detail the surfaces of things inside a room, let’s say. And that is helpful in a number of ways,” says Rapp. “For example, once a week, at a given time, they might send out the drone, and it can see the amount of work that has been done in the past week. They can tell one week versus the next week and show the difference that’s been made.”

Infrared and thermal

The ability to fly drones carrying thermal imaging sensors into large-scale restoration sites and see areas with potential moisture is beneficial for obvious reasons. As Millin puts it, “This is one of the most expensive issues to detect and is a huge value driver for commercial building insurance.”

While these sensors are not widespread yet, they are becoming popular. However, it’s important to remember use of thermal imaging with drones still requires the same trainiknowhow needed with a hand-held device.

“Unless someone is leveraging a thermal camera, most drone inspections are done in the visual spectrum. Thermal inspections are growing but remain a smaller percentage of inspections performed with drones,” Wunder notes. “This is mostly due to the skill and expertise involved and the expense of an appropriate setup for aerial thermal inspections.”

Orthomosaic

These can be used to create maps of an area by sewing together many images. Orthomosaic maps are detailed with the ability to zoom and examine, things. They can be used interactively to leave notes on important points, noting updates on job progress.

Drawbacks of drone use

For the most part, adding a drone to your restoration toolbox has few drawbacks—since they’re relatively affordable, require little training, and offer a host of benefits—as long as you’re the right target market.

Not for everyone

Commercial drones, simply put, are not for every company or situation.

It is important to understand where and in what cases drones are best used. Instances where there needs to be a visual examination and documentation of damage done in a rapid way is a prime scenario for drone use.

For those considering buying a commercial drone, it’s important to consider the scale of company operations. How much would you use it? Are you doing the right types of jobs for it? Even if you might benefit from drone use, subcontracting drone inspections might be more cost effective.

Rapp explains, “If you’ve primarily got your restorers taking care of a home after toilets overflow, you hardly need a drone. However, if you’re going into a gymnasium or a warehouse, to be able to fly a drone around both outside and inside might be very helpful. You can put it over the building, and with a thermal-type detector, you can potentially see where there are differences in temperature, which might be indicative of water damage.”

Financial investment

While commercial drones are not outrageously expensive, especially compared to some of the equipment required in restoration work, they also are not especially cheap. On the low end, a commercial-quality drone with elements needed in restoration work could go as low as $1,000, and on the high end, prices reach up to $10,000 (or more, depending on additions). And different sensors can be added, increasing the cost.

“They’re not extremely cheap to get one that provides that kind of information that restores would expect and would make them worth having in the first place—we’d be looking at probably a few thousand dollars at least to have the kind of sensors needed, the capability, enough battery life to be able to fly for 20 minutes at least before bringing it back,” Rapp says.

Some commercial drones come prepackaged with thermal imaging or other sensors needed in this industry, while in other cases, buyers purchase these separately. According to Rapp, a six-bladed drone in his department (which came packaged with thermal imaging) that was purchased two years ago, cost upwards of $6,000.

Rapp adds, “That has come down a bit in price, but you’re going to spend near that kind of money to get a drone that you would find useful, maybe with an extra battery, sensors, etc.”

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Training and certification

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) requires anyone flying a drone for commercial purposes to hold a Part 107 certification. It’s a fairly simple and inexpensive process ($5 registration fee, $150 testing fee), but it is yet another training and certification requirement for a company.

It basically certifies that a user understands the basics of airspace regulation and drone operations and is equipped and committed to safe operations. This is a knowledge-based test (not in-field testing) that can be taken at FAA-approved testing centers around the country.

There are a number of flight regulations that might conflict with restoration work—no night flight, no flight above 400 feet, no allowing the drone to leave direct sight, no indoor flight, etc. These rules, however, can be circumvented by applying for exemptions for your work.

For more on FAA certification requirements and flight regulations, see the sidebars in this story, and stay up to date on changing regulations by visiting .

Growth in restoration

Drones are everywhere in recreational, government, and commercial use. More and more companies in a multitude of industries are finding uses for drones that revolutionize work. And the time is now for restoration companies who perform large-scale jobs to add commercial drones to their arsenal.

“There are many industries and companies using drones in everyday operations, so one could argue it’s already becoming commonplace. We’re currently seeing prolific drone use by restoration NGOs,” Millin says. “We’re rapidly reaching the point in most of the world where you’re more likely to see a drone involved…than not.”

Much of the insurance industry has implemented drones into their inspection process with success. Wunder reports national and regional insurance carriers are using commercial drones, and his company alone has major insurance company names using its drones in inspections.

“I think [drones in restoration] is growing to become more commonplace today, but we’re not at a place where it is the norm. There is still a great amount of adoption required for it to become the norm, but within the next 2-3 years I believe you’ll see drones being used more often than not,” Wunder says.

[/one_half]

[one_half_last][infobox title=’FAA UAS CERTIFICATION PROCESS:’]

• Anyone operating a drone (weighing less than 55 lbs.) for finan-cial gain must receive a remote pilot certificate under Part 107.
• Each drone must be registered ($5) and available for FAA inspection.
• Pilots must be over 16.
• Pass an aeronautical knowledge test at an FAA-approved center ($150). (There are many training courses online to help with this.)
• Pass a Transportation Security Administration background check.
• Renew testing every two years.

[/infobox][infobox title=’FAA UAS OPERATING REQUIREMENTS:’]

• Avoid manned aircrafts.
• Keep drones within sight, or have a visual observer.
• Only be responsible for one drone at a time.
• Fly only in daylight and no faster than 100 mph.
• Fly no more than 400 feet high and no more than 3 miles from the control station.
• Do not fly over people, under a covered structure, or inside/from a vehicle.
• You can request a waiver for most restrictions provided you can perform the operation safely.

[/infobox][/one_half_last]

As advancements are made to drones and sensors, we can expect to see them in the air on most larger restoration sites. A few specific improvements the experts see contributing to their popularity in restoration are:

Improved batteries

Battery life can be a problem on these medium-sized drones, and a 20-minute battery life is currently superior. As technology improves, extended battery life is expected. Rapp says, “Being able to raise a drone up and leave it up for a long time without bringing it back to have a battery recharged or exchanged is very important.”

Improved sensors

The sensors that exist relevant to the restoration industry are highly beneficial to the work, but they can be heavy and often expensive. With the advancement of technology, those burdens should lighten.

“This is one thing we’re generally expecting to improve: sensors becoming less costly. For example, the LIDAR sensors, which are particularly advantageous, can be fairly costly, and they’re also heavier,” Rapp explains. “As technologies get better, they’ll become less costly and won’t weigh as much. You won’t need as big a drone to lift one. It just opens up the possibility for less money, less hassle. You can get better information quicker, and that is something we all know is a big step in the right direction.”

Continuous advancements to night vision, LIDAR, and computer vision (which aids navigation in tight spaces), and thermal imaging, as well as other sensors, can all be expected.

Automation

As with most things in our world these days, drone technology is moving toward more automated functions. Wunder reports in the near future, “Using drones will be so simple that they will be in the hands of nearly anyone performing [inspections]. Robust automated capabilities exist today, and they are only getting better. As constituent technologies improve, like improved onboard sensors and more precise location tracking, you’ll see drone flight become more and more simple.”

Semi-autonomous flight-path planning currently exists in which a drone pilot can set the path using GPS and send it on flights without someone flying by remote. Rapp says a company might even employ several drones at once on preprogrammed paths to get information more quickly.

And autonomous flight isn’t too far in the future, especially as computer vision advances, giving a drone the ability to “see” obstructions and adjust its path. That automation will extend into other aspects of drones, too. “You’re going to begin seeing more data analysis happening at the edge, meaning that more decisions and data analysis (like automated damage detection and measuring with a drone) will begin happening in real-time.”

As more and more restoration companies use commercial drones in their work, we will be able to better see their value and other ways to use them on a jobsite. And as their use in the industry grows, we will, no doubt, begin to see more advancements in sensors that relate directly to restoration work, increasing their value even more.

Amanda Hosey is the managing editor of Cleanfax. She has worked as an editor and writer for more than six years, including four years with Cleanfax. Reach her at 
amandah@issa.com.

The post Flying Into Restoration Sites appeared first on Cleanfax.

Years ago, while speaking to a group of business owners, I was discussing how many people have ideas but never act on them, and, therefore, their visions never become reality. I heard my friend Kirby Lammers, who sat on the front row mutter “F.T.I.”

“What does that mean?” I asked.

“Failure to implement,” he explained.

Over the years, I’ve come to realize that the number one reason people don’t grow to the next level in their lives, careers, or business is F.T.I.

Most would agree there are things they could do to:

• Have a more successful business,
• Be more successful financially,
• Be healthier,
• Have stronger relationships,
• Have more peace of mind,
• Have more hope for the future,
• Have less stress.

Most would also agree that many times they simply don’t do those things, and most don’t do things they know they should do—even when they know what to do and how to do it. Of course, these same owners would also like to be more productive, perform at the highest level possible, and reach their biggest dreams and goals in life and business. If you can relate, if you’re not reaching your biggest dreams and goals because of failure to implement, and even if you are reaching big goals, you surely want to perform better!

In this series of articles, I’ll guide you through ten powerful principles that will help you have the business, career, and life you’ve always wanted.

The tools

One of the most important things I have discovered about F.T.I. is that information alone doesn’t create implementation. In addition to information, you need four more things to consistently implement:

• Inspiration. Would you agree that if you woke up every day excited and inspired, you would implement more? This series will provide you inspiration.
• Organization. Would you agree that if you were more organized, you would get more of the right things done at the right time? In this series, I’ll share some of the things I’ve learned about staying focused and organized over the past 35 years.
• Training. Would you agree that, when you are thoroughly trained in something, you move forward with more confidence and control? In this series, I’ll demonstrate how to leverage training for yourself and your team.
• Community. Would you agree that you would implement more when you surround yourself with the right people who provide the support, encouragement, and accountability to do the things you already know you should do? In this series, I’ll challenge you to connect and share how to build and surround yourself with a support network.

The principles

You can expect to come away from the series (as well as each individual article) with a greater understanding of how to accomplish what you set out to do. Here’s an outline of the 10 principles we will cover:

• The Potential Principle: Understanding your potential impacts performance. “Who do you think you are?” All humans suffer from a poor self-image to one degree or another. Who you think you are and whose you think you are will determine whether you act on your goals.
• The Picture Principle: A compelling picture imagines performance. “Where are you going?” Human beings do what human beings see in their minds. This can be positive or negative. If you can’t see yourself doing something, you won’t even try, but when you have a clear picture in your mind and believe it, you will take the steps to get there. You have to first see yourself reaching your goals in your mind.
• The Purpose Principle: Knowing your purpose inspires performance. “Why do you do what you do?” Man was created for a purpose, but most never find out that purpose. Many live a life that is meaningless, just getting through the stress of the day. Knowing your purpose gives you a new level of energy and passion.
• The People Principle: The right people influence performance. “Who do you have around you?” The people around you will either keep you from being productive or promote your potential and purpose. Your closest friends, family, and associates heavily influence you, whether you admit it or not. Having the right people around you will help you understand your potential, see a more meaningful picture, and embrace your purpose.
• The Planning Principle: Proper, focused planning initiates performance. “How will you get there?” You can’t go somewhere you’ve never been on without a map. When you have the right directions, you can get where you are going faster and easier.
• The Priority Principle: Living by priority ignites performance. “What’s important now?” Life offers many opportunities, both good and bad. That’s why it is so easy to get distracted. Staying focused on what’s truly important every day is key to long-term implementation.
• The Process Principle: A simple process improves performance. “What systems will you use?” Implementing simple systems into your life and business makes production more predictable and precise, which saves you time, energy, and money.
• The Productivity Principle: Consistent, persistent productivity ensures outstanding performance. “What action are you taking?” We all know we need to be more productive to reach goals we have not reached before, but the kind of action we take each day is critical. We need to take focused action that will take us closer to the goal every day. How you use your time each day is vital to performance.
• The Progress Principle: Tracking your progress illuminates performance. “How are you tracking?” Just like tracking your progress on a trip, you need to track your performance, so you’ll know how you are progressing. Are we early? Late? Right on time? Tracking your success reveals your performance, good or bad.
• The Patience Principle: Exercising great patience increases performance. “What will you give?” Reaching high-level performance doesn’t happen overnight; it happens over time. The Patience Principle helps you live these principles for the long haul. Diligence over time brings huge rewards.

Stay tuned for the rest of the articles in this series. In them, we will go deeper into these 10 principles so you can avoid failure to implement and achieve phenomenal performance in every area of life.

started his cleaning business from the trunk of his car 35 years ago and built it up to over $3 million per year. For two decades, Partridge has coached cleaning and restoration companies, teaching them to have phenomenal success. He is the exclusive small business coach for Ziglar Inc., the world’s first Ziglar Legacy Trainer, the founding member of the John Maxwell Coaching Team, a DISC Certified Trainer, a ONE THING Certified Trainer. a Certified StoryBrand Guide, and No. 1 bestselling author of eight books including his latest: F.T.I. (Failure To Implement).

The post The Reason You’re Not Reaching Your Goals: Part one in a series appeared first on Cleanfax.