The World Health Organization (WHO) has this to say on the subject.

“Indoor air pollution is estimated to have caused nearly two million deaths in 2004, including half of pneumonia deaths in 2005, the group noted. Experts from nearly twenty research institutions and universities around the world met to define the scope and boundaries of the planned new WHO indoor air quality guidelines for household fuel combustion. The new guidelines will complement the existing “WHO guidelines for indoor air quality: selected pollutants,” issued in 2010, and covering certain chemicals that may accumulate indoors from unsafe heating systems and poor construction – including carbon monoxide, formaldehyde, benzene, and radon.”

Indoor Environment CONNECTIONS – February 2011

Off gassing with flooring products is a common concern for those with respiratory issues. While for the most part Formaldehyde has been eliminated or lowered to minimal amounts in most modern flooring products, to sensitive individuals it still poses problems.

At a senior facility, a resident had a high level of sensitivity and we were called in to remove the vinyl flooring and install natural linoleum. Linoleum is a natural product made of linseed oil, resins, powdered cork, wood flour, ground limestone, and other natural materials. Mineral pigments provide the color. Linoleum is also naturally anti-bacterial as well as biodegradable.

If you are a property owner and have had complaints about respiratory problems from your tenants, perhaps the flooring is an issue. You may want to consider using natural linoleum.

We at DeepVac are licensed flooring contractors with over 20 years’ experience in dealing with issues just like this. If you live or have property in the San Francisco Bay Area, call us for a free estimate at 415-892-7333 or write us at operations@deepvac.com.

AND… be sure to subscribe to the DeepVac Blog for regular tips for property owners and managers.

Please share your thoughts in the comments box below, we would love to hear what you have to say.

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1. Products made from natural materials that are renewable resources:
   1. Bamboo flooring
   2. Cork flooring
   3. Natural linoleum
   4. Natural stone
   5. Solid wood cabinetry, furniture and doors
   6. Clay and copper roofing tiles
2. Products that do not contain pollutants:
   1. Non-toxic solvent free paints, primers, sealers, and stains
   2. Non-toxic oil, polyurethane finishes and
   3. Non-toxic adhesives
3. Products that reduce environmental impacts during construction, renovation, or demolition:
   1. Formaldehyde free sealers for wood products
   2. Formaldehyde free carpets
4. Products that reduce environmental impacts of building operation:
   1. Energy efficient windows and skylights
   2. Solar attic fans
   3. Energy efficient appliances
   4. Energy efficient lighting
   5. Radiant in-floor heating
   6. Insulating window coverings
   7. Cotton insulation
5. Products that contribute to a safe, healthy indoor environment:
   1. Non-toxic cleaners, sealers, and adhesives
   2. Full spectrum lighting
   3. Cotton insulation
   4. Solar attic fans
   5. All wood cabinetry and doors
   6. Natural flooring

We at DeepVac provide “Green” flooring, paint and wood cabinetry to property owners and managers throughout the San Francisco Bay Area. Call us and go green at 415-892-7333 or write us at operations@deepvac.com.

AND… be sure to subscribe to the DeepVac Blog for regular tips for property owners and managers.

Please share your thoughts in the comments box below, we would love to hear what you have to say.

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Is your vacancy due to an eviction, a hoarder, or was it vacated due to abandonment, illness, or death?

We have dealt with a number of these issues in our 20 years of experience.

In one case, a person contracted a bacterial infection that contaminated the entire apartment. Because of a Department of Public Health Quarantine, a full Biohazard clean up was required. We had to decontaminate and disinfect the entire and we had to dispose of all the furnishings properly. We primed and repainted the entire unit as well.

In another case, we were called to clean a small rental house the property owner had not inspected in years and the tenant had abandoned. We discovered stacks of newspapers waist high throughout the house with narrow pathways to the kitchen, bathroom, and bedroom. The occupant had two dogs that were apparently never let out. Each layer of paper was to cover the pet’s excrement, years of excrement and layers of paper, excrement, paper, excrement, paper, etc! After we removed the debris, we primed and painted, installed new flooring throughout and replaced all the fixtures and appliances.

We have also had experience with murder, suicide and accidents involving the elderly.

These circumstances can leave your property a mess. It can also be a health hazard. Finding and selecting a company that specializes in trash outs, specialty cleaning, and environmental safety, is not easy. Not only do you want to know the company you hire is capable of performing the work but also, their employees are not at risk.

Google searches are risky. We at DeepVac have  over 20 years experience and we are qualified to work Bio-hazard, Trauma and Crime Scene clean up. Call us for advice or a free estimate at 415-892-7333 or write us at operations@deepvac.com.

AND… be sure to subscribe to the DeepVac Blog for regular tips for property owners and managers.

Please share your thoughts in the comments box below, we would love to hear what you have to say.

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Are you replacing your carpets in your rental units too often due to indelible stains and spills?

Mohawk leads innovation in sustainable flooring with SmartStrand® carpet with DuPont™ Sorona® renewably sourced polymer. In partnership with DuPont, this carpet exclusively offers fiber made with bio-Pdo™ (the key Sorona® ingredient), which is produced from corn sugar. By utilizing this new ingredient, 37% of Sorona® is being made from renewable resources. This marks the first time that a luxuriously soft carpet offers durability, and stain protection while also making less of an environmental impact. The carpet is environmentally smart because:

• The production of Sorona® polymer requires 30% less energy than the production of an equal amount of nylon.
• Greenhouse gas emissions from the production of Sorona® are 63% lower than nylon manufacturing.
• The energy reduction results in approximately one gallon of gasoline saved per every seven square yards of carpet.

The superior stain resistance is engineered into the fiber and will never wear or wash off so the consumer will never need to retreat the carpet after steam cleaning.

This engineered-in stain resistance reaches new levels of protection allowing tough stains such as bleach, mustard, red wine, and soft drinks to be removed simply with warm water and a mild detergent. The fiber even resists discoloration from bleach.

DeepVac property services is a licensed  flooring contractor. We sell and install flooring including environmentally safe carpets, vinyl and wood. Serving Bay Area 415-892-7333 or email operations@deepvac.com

AND.. be sure to subscribe to the DeepVac Blog for regular tips for property owners and managers.

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Mold can be a costly problem for rental property owners. When mold grows in an indoor environment it can damage building materials such as sheet rock, wood, carpet and vinyl. It can also cause harm to occupants in the form of allergies and respiratory problems.

Today’s housing environments have created ideal situations for mold to flourish.

History

Changes in construction have increased the problem of mold in today’s buildings. Older buildings had more natural circulation but building practices have changed to encourage energy efficiency. Today’s buildings are built to minimize heat loss and heat gain and often buildings don’t dry out.

The Causes of Mold

Mold grows in a moist environment usually after a water intrusion such as:

• Water from Fire damage
• Leaks – roof, siding or windows
• Sewer backups
• Plumbing leaks and Broken pipes
• Excessive condensation
• Broken Overhead sprinklers

Failing to thoroughly dry a building can have serious consequences.

Prevention

To prevent the growth of mold in your properties, follow the simple steps below:

• Water intrusion must be taken care of within 24 hours.
• If you don’t already have one, a tenant responsibility agreement for water damage and mold.
• Regularly inspect units for signs of water intrusion.
  • Obvious leaks are known and noticeable.
  • Less obvious are slow water intrusion and condensation problems, but regular inspection can alert you to the problems. Check for mold on windows or window sills.
• Control problems by promptly drying wet or damp building materials
• Remove and replace wet or damp building materials that have visible mold growth.

We would be happy to meet with your maintenance staff to discuss the prevention of mold in your properties.

Feel free to contact us anytime:

Phone:  1-415-892-7333

Email us at: customersatisfaction@deepvac.com

See our website, www.deepvac.com for our complete list of services.

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