FAQS

How do I tell if we have asbestos or not?

If you suspect your home may contain asbestos products, we strongly advise you have it assessed by professionals to see if it may pose a health risk. Testing a sample in an approved analytical laboratory is the only way to find out if a material contains asbestos.

Do we have to remove all asbestos?

If the asbestos is undamaged and left alone, it will not pose a major health hazard. The risk occurs when asbestos materials are drilled, cut, sanded, water-blasted, or broken up, resulting in asbestos fibres being released.

However, professional assessment of an environment that contains asbestos may reveal problems with your air quality, in which case the asbestos in your home will definitely need to be removed.

I have a home due to be refurbished and it contains asbestos – what do I need to do?

You will need to have an asbestos refurbishment and demolition survey carried out before you start this process. The necessary precautions and good work practices are all part of Jani-King Environmental team of expert’s daily life.

All asbestos needs to be removed from any home before or as part of the demolition process. 

Do I need a mould removal expert?

Mould inside of your home can cause many problems. In addition to being unsightly and growing quickly, mould can cause respiratory illnesses among other health issues. DIY mould removal will often not succeed, as the strength of chemicals used to kill the mould spores will generally exceed domestically available materials.

How long does the process take?

At Jani-King Environmental ("JKE"), we pride ourselves in both rapid commencement and completion of jobs. Upon viewing the job, we will be able to give you an estimated time of completion.

Can I use commercially available products to remove mould myself?

Yes. However commercially available cleaners can be hazardous to use, and will require appropriate protective equipment. For professional long-lasting results, it’s best to hire in the experts.

What are some signs I may have hidden mould?

A musty odour that cannot be eliminated is a telltale sign of mould. You may also have a problem with hidden mould if you regularly suffer from allergies or have breathing difficulties that do not respond well to conventional treatment.

General Mold Clean Up Considerations

Prior to initiating clean up, the source of moisture that led to the mold growth should be corrected. Common causes include water leaks, plumbing and HVAC system problems, high humidity and condensation. 

A Warning Regarding Mould and Asbestos

Many houses built between 1940 and 1990 will contain asbestos materials. Dampness and mould can break down asbestos boards and surface treatments such as stipple ceilings. The can cause asbestos fibres to be released, and increases the risk of release when removing wallboards containing asbestos. Always have an asbestos survey prior to invasive mould treatment if your house falls within the asbestos risk period.

How Confidential is the Process?

Jani-King is a widely known and admired cleaning company. We are as discrete as possible when dealing with decontamination sites, and none of our our vehicle signwriting refers to decontamination or biohazard services.

Why is fast response so important?

When it comes to water damage, the first 24 to 48 hours are critical for the prevention of permanent damage and the growth of toxic microbials such as mold and bacteria. In one study, wet gib board that was left untreated for 48 hours already showed evidence of microbial growth.

How Urgent is Flood Remediation?

It is imperative that repair commences urgently. There are three phases of repairing water damage and getting your life back to normal: 1. Water Removal; 2. Dry Out; 3. Water Damage Restoration.

Water removal will generally encompass removal of wet soft furnishings, the use of vacuum water extraction, and could also involve pumping water from under your house.

The dry-out phase can be more invasive, and will generally commence with forced air blowers and ventilation to dehumidify the property. Where there is a risk that water has penetrated walls, we may need to install ventilation holes in the gib-board to allow rapid removal of in-wall moisture. 

The restoration phase will then involve replacing damaged wall linings, repairing ventilation holes, dealing with any evidence of mould, and finally cleaning surfaces prior to redecoration.

How does a fire remediation job get under way?

Our Fire damage cleanup and restoration teams will commence by securing your property, and will then attend to water or dampness issues that may have resulted from fire suppression activities.

What do you do with my possessions?

Your property will contain years of treasured possessions and assets. Our process is to catalogue, remove, clean and securely store your possessions, prior to yourself and the insurer deciding on the retention or disposal of the items.

How do you clean smoke damaged surfaces?

Each fire damaged surface is cleaned by the Jani-King Environmental Smoke and Fire damage restoration professionals with specialized cleaners such as degreasers, soot erasers, and wood restoration cleaners. 

What about more extensive charring?

Charring is the actual burning of the paint.  The Jani-King Environmental Smoke and Fire damage restoration team will first assess the extent of the damage and determine whether cleaning is a reasonable option. Once the the heavy soot is removed from surfaces, it will be easy to prime and re-painting the areas where charring has occurred. 

A Warning Regarding Fire and Asbestos

Many houses built between 1940 and 1990 will contain asbestos materials. Fire can break down asbestos boards and surface treatments such as stipple ceilings. The can cause asbestos fibres to be released, and increases the risk of fibre release when removing wallboards containing asbestos. Always have an asbestos survey prior to invasive fire remediation if your house falls within the asbestos risk period.

Confidentiality

The Jani-King Environmental team will discreetly and quickly remediate this for you. Our sanitizing agents are lab researched and field tested from our 47 years of acquired knowledge in biohazard cleaning. Our staff are very mindful of the stress of your loss and we go out of our way to be respectful during our decontaminations of such a tragic event.