Monitor Articles

Southeast Michigan Holds Successful Chapter Event

Southeast MI Holds Event

On February 13th, Jerry Szpak and the Southeast Michigan chapter hosted Tom Sherman, SCRT VP of Membership and IICRC Instructor, Mark Violand as they presented The Commercial Carpet Conundrum. 18 attended the event, interested in learning the results of a research project that was started last year by the Northeast Ohio Chapter.

This research was to determine what kind of damage, if any, would occur to carpets by using certain “unapproved” cleaning and maintenance methods. Employing the same procedures most manufacturers use to test cleaning equipment and chemicals,  these unapproved methods were tested on the surface of a sheet of clear acrylic to assess any changes in appearance.

The findings and conclusions of that research were presented at the February 13th meeting. The most interesting and surprising observations were the results when using clean pads with CRI-SOA cleaning products.

Visible dulling of the surface of the acrylic occurred with some of the products and methods. Counter-rotating brush methods seemed to produce the least apparent change to the test surface.

While this research is not conclusive, it does indicate there may be merit to carpet manufacturers’ concerns over certain methods, due to potential undesirable appearance changes in some carpets.

Members also enjoyed networking and a pizza dinner during the 4 hour event. Our special thanks go out to Mark Violand for his expertise and Great Lakes Steamway for use of the meeting room.

Hot Topic Discussed in Indiana

Hot Topic Discussed in Indiana

The Indiana Chapter of the SCRT held its third meeting Tuesday February 8.  The event was a success with SCRT board member Rachel Adams making a quick appearance to tell attendees about the benefits of SCRT Membership.

During the meeting, Kari Cole, then President of the Indiana Chapter announced that she would step down and nominated Mike Watkins as new Chapter President.  The subsequent vote was unanimous, and Mike became the new President of the Indiana Chapter of SCRT.

The remainder of the meeting was an open discussion on heating equipment used in the restoration industry.  Along with the discussion, a spreadsheet Mike Watkins had made from research from the various manufacturers was given to all those attending.  It was a comparison of the various heated drying products most commonly used in the restoration industry.

After the discussion a short trip downstairs enabled those attending to get a little hands-on experience and to understand a few of the various heaters that manufacturers have supplied to the Hydro Lab for use and exposure.

Richard Anderson with Dry Smart was a surprise attendee with his diesel-fired trailer.  Those present were able to see a hands on demonstration of a trailer mounted heating system.  Further discussion around the products concluded a very pleasurable and informative meeting for those who attended.  At least five people drove 2 to 3 hours for the event which was well worth their trip.