Foley Restoration provides relief to those in need

July 9, 2013 · 0 Comments

By Mark Pavilons

No one wants to think about the worst-case scenario.
Losing your home or business to a tragedy is everyone’s worst fear, but fortunately, there are professionals who make the cleanup process a breeze. Most people only suffer slight damage to their home so they only need a few contractors like Ace Roofing (https://aceroofingtexas.com/) to come in and make repairs. But nobody thinks their whole house is going to be cruelly taken away from them.
Family-run Foley Restoration of Schomberg has been operating since 1991 and owners Mike and Kelly Foley want to help inform the public about their services.
While the company’s expertise lies in response and cleanup services, their trained experts can offer advice, proactive maintenance and cleanups for smaller incidents.
The number one cause for insurance claims in Canada is water damage. From floods, sewer backups to internal leaks (it would be worth searching for a pipe lining company in San Diego or somewhere closer to home if you have a minor sewer or pipe leak), water-soaked basements keep Foley crews busy. If the water damage is ignored and left, consequences such as the growth of mold in your home must be faced. Mold is also something that can impact homes and needs to be dealt with quickly. Unfortunately, mold doesn’t just appear from water damage. Water vapor from outdoors can lead to condensation inside, and subsequently, a growth of mold. Most constructions have air barriers to prevent this nowadays, but if not, it’s worth looking out for any mold around your home or business. In addition to water damage, Mike mentioned that house fires are on the decline and today’s homes are better equipped in terms of natural gas services and electrical wiring.
The company is quick to react and for commercial or industrial clients, the key is to get businesses up and running after an incident. Fires, damage from water leaks, wind storms and hail can put a business in limbo and it’s important to get them back in operation so they don’t lose their client base. You might also want to look for help from a public insurance adjuster if your building has been damaged. They could help with working out rebuilding costs and help you track your insurance payments. Insurance adjusters might be worth contacting if you want some advice about making insurance claims.

However, Foley Restoration addresses consequences from a wide range of scenarios, from the smoke-damaged bunker gear of fire departments to water damage in a privately-owned business to the destruction of a home caused by a fallen tree. A clean-up can take a day to several months to complete.
For individuals, most haven’t filed an insurance claim, and if they do it’s likely to be a big one – the result of a major tragedy.
Most people don’t know what to do when faced with such a dilemma and it’s a very traumatic and emotional time for them. Foley staff are compassionate and efficient, and walk people through the entire process, explaining exactly how they will repair the damage. It is important that all staff be compassionate and sensitive to the needs of the clients.
Technology – drying methods and products to eliminate smoke damage – have come a long way. Mike explained they’ve even brought teddy bears and leather boots back to life after a house fire. They consult with the homeowners and try to rescue the sentimental possessions.
Their main role is stabilizing a structure and eliminating potential problems. It’s largely labour related and Foley has access to staff and sub-trades. They’re on call 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.
Foley serves all of York Region, parts of the GTA and the Barrie area.
Mike said the best part of the job is helping people and making a bad situation better.
They have not only handled the typical incidents, but those involving vehicle impacts –?cars hitting houses or crashing through garages.
Backed by experience, training and association membership, Foley wants to be the go-to resource when it comes to cleanup and restoration services.
All staff is trained on an on-going basis, through the Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC ).
Collaboration and cooperation are key elements in working effectively with the various people and organizations involved in the clean-up, including the client, insurance agents, contractors, and local municipal staff.
“We get to rebuild what they have lost. That is why we do this,” Kelly said.
Every clean-up is different, nothing is ever the same. Calls are taken during regular business hours and a call centre directs after-hours emergency calls to staff, so that a crew is on site within the hour. Additional crews of well-trained people are drawn from Disaster Kleenup Canada. On site, it is important to recognize quickly what is important to the insured individual or organization. The structure of the clean-up process proceeds from there.
Foley also provides Catastrophy Response (Cat Response) to other areas when a disaster happens. Other clean-up sites include locations in Thunder Bay, Peterborough, Kingston, and Windsor. Crews are mobile, with each vehicle having its own standard equipment to assess damage and call in the talent needed to provide the solutions for the restoration.
Mike explained that originally, 80% of projects were based on claims through insurance. This number has dropped to approximately 65%, with the balance of 35% being outside of the connection to the insurance industry. Diversification generated the need for a greater variety of equipment, and a broader spectrum of talent in both the science of the industry and in the specialty trades brought in to work on the various projects. Marketing strategies have included promoting Emergency Preparedness Measures to insurance companies, to local municipalities, and to the general public at home shows and through community organizations.
Foley Restoration focuses attention to customer service as it continues on its path of steady growth due to a quality product, consistency in respectful and reliable services, and effective communication.
Equipment includes hygrometers, moisture metres, and infra-red cameras to assess the moisture damage on a site. Equipment to measure levels of mould and asbestos is also on hand.
Foley Restoration is dedicated to being environmentally responsible and friendly cleaning products are used instead of chemicals. All waste is sorted to redirect any recyclable and compostable materials away from landfill.
Foley is about people and the community. They assist the King Township fire department with its open house and being a good corporate citizen by participating in the events of the local community, like Schomberg’s Main Street Christmas.
If disaster strikes, Foley is on your side. For more, visit foleyrestoration.com.