Summer in the East Kootenays is short and spectacular. Whether you’re planning a two-week road trip, a long weekend at the lake, or an overseas adventure, one reality applies to every homeowner: an empty house = an at-risk house. Burst pipes, power surges, break-ins, and even simple humidity buildup can turn a carefree vacation into […]
Wildfire season in British Columbia is no longer a once-in-a-decade event—it’s annual, it’s longer than ever, and for residents of Cranbrook and the East Kootenays, the impact is personal. Even when the fires are hundreds of kilometres away, smoke often blankets the entire region. The thick haze rolling down Baker street isn’t just from your […]
Whether you’re planning to update your kitchen, tear out a bathroom, or start gutting an older home in Cranbrook, one thing should come first—asbestos awareness. As of January 1, 2024, WorkSafeBC introduced new licensing requirements that directly impact how, when, and by whom asbestos can be handled. These changes are meant to protect workers, homeowners, […]
Introduction When it comes to property restoration, cleanliness and hygiene are of the utmost importance. A dirty or contaminated environment can lead to a range of health problems, and can also hinder the restoration process itself. This is where ATP (Adenosine Triphosphate) readings come into play. Photo – Molecular Structure of Adenosine Triphosphate In […]
Asbestos abatement is a critical process to ensure the safety and health of individuals in environments where asbestos-containing materials (ACMs) are present. In British Columbia, the asbestos abatement process is governed by strict regulations to protect workers and the public. Below are the six essential steps to abate asbestos in BC, complete with the regulatory […]
Mold air quality testing is essential for maintaining a healthy living and working environment, especially in regions like the Kootenays where hot and dry weather followed by damp conditions can foster mold growth. At Winmar Kootenay, we prioritize the health and safety of our clients by providing both thorough mold air quality testing and mold […]
Asbestos sampling is a critical process in identifying the presence of asbestos-containing materials (ACMs) in your home. While it might seem cost-effective to collect samples yourself, it’s important to understand the regulations and potential risks involved. This guide provides an overview of the process based on the WorksafeBC sampling guideline, sections 6.4 and 20.112, and […]
Introduction If you were to remove the roof of an imaginary home, turn it upside down and shake it, most items that fall out are considered contents. Examples include: Furniture Artwork Clothing Utensils / kitchenware Computers TVs Did you know that many contents that are affected by smoke and soot can be fully restored? While […]
Introduction WINMAR® Kootenay restores properties after many different types of property loss, however, fires are often the most devastating financially, physically, and emotionally. When a structure is affected by direct fire damage, it not only causes physical damage to the surrounding building materials, but the smoke generated by the combustion process travels throughout the structure […]
What is dry ice blasting? Dry ice is used by WINMAR® Kootenay to safely remove contamination or unwanted coatings from surfaces. Forms of contamination may include fire soot, mold root staining, graffiti, grease, rust, etc.) When the rice-sized dry ice pellets are blasted against a surface, they disintegrate and change to carbon dioxide gas through […]
