ENVIRONMENTAL
 MAINTENANCE
  ENGINEERS, INC.     

February 2006

ICE DAMMING

This is the season for snow and ice buildups on roofs and gutters. Here is what happens as the ice builds up. During the freeze and thaw cycle of ice and snow on a roof, shingles are lifted allowing moisture to back up and enter your attic space. Moisture enters the attic and soaks wood sheathing, insulation, drywall and/or plaster.

Things To Stop or Prevent Ice Damming:

• Install roof and gutter ice/snow melting cables.

• Toss Ice melt chemical pellets on iced up roof area- not rock salt as that will damage your roofing.

• Maintain your gutters to keep them free of any debris that will stop the flow of water.

Things Not To Do:

• Do not try to chop of chisel the ice off as it will damage your roofing and plywood decking.

• If you do get an ice dam that leaks into your home or building, go into the attic in that area. Remove any wet insulation material from the affected area plus 1-2 additional feet. Get some air movement in that area to accelerate drying. If needed, remove damage and/or wet drywall to allow better drying before mold growth starts. Mold can start growing in 24-48 hours.

If you do have extensive mold growth, remember EME is just a phone call away at 313.791.2600 to help with all your remediation needs!

EME SUPER BOWL NEWS!

Jeff Cheney, Joey Harrington, Peter Coors

It's a once in a lifetime experience to go to the Super Bowl in your hometown - FOR FREE! But that is just what happened to Jeff Cheney, Environmental Maintenance Engineers' supervisor on Friday, February 3rd, two days before the big game. Jeff and a friend were attending the NFL Experience at Cobo Hall and filled out an entry form for FREE SUPER BOWL tickets at the Coors Booth. The Coors' promotion was emphasizing the need for designated drivers. Jeff threw his name in the hat as he is a non-drinker as well as a good driver.

As fate would have it, Jeff's name was pulled from the barrel that day. He received two tickets to the big game, an autographed football and an invite to the Coors Celebrity Party at the Roostertail Saturday night. There he met the owner of Coors Brewery, Peter Coors and had a chance to talk to Lion's Quarterback, Joey Harrington.

The party was hot and the game was big. It was an event Jeff will never forget!

MOLD IN THE NEWS

Woodhaven, MI

A downriver woman was recently awarded $925,000, the highest ever in Michigan for personal injury damages, resulting from mold exposure. This event could ultimately force a new standard of liability on property owners and landlords. The jury found the management of Maple Creek Apartments negligent in following industry guidelines in cleaning up the damp, moldy conditions. As a result, the tenant was hospitalized three times for severe asthma attacks.

The jury, speaking through its verdict, told the manager of the apartment complex that it should have done more than send in a “handy-man” to rip out drywall when faced with signs of visible mold. The apartment manager never bothered to investigate the appropriate protocol - neglecting his duties to the paying tenant to provide a safe and habitable living space.

Environmental Maintenance Engineers, Inc.
 Asbestos - Mold - Lead Based Paint
25851 Trowbridge St., Inkster, MI  48141 - Voice:  313.791.2600  Fax:  313.791.2601

Be sure to visit our website at:
www.environmentalmaintenance.com