Frequently Asked Questions

ViroGuard is only cleaned during your normal exhaust cleaning cycle (quarterly for most restaurants). There is no special maintenance schedule for ViroGuard.

Absolutely not. Unlike all other units on the market, ViroGuard can be cleaned without running grease onto the roof. The roof is protected before, during, and after cleaning.

There are no ongoing costs or charges. Once you install ViroGuard, your rooftop grease problem is solved. Just have your cleaning company clean it at the same time they clean the exhaust system. In fact, it should save you money on roof cleanup since all grease and cleaning solution is contained — especially in below-freezing weather.

ViroGuard does not require any servicing other than normal cleaning. There is nothing to inspect or replace on a regular basis.

Made of 304 stainless steel, ViroGuard will last a lifetime. Barring some unforeseen disaster, it should never need to be replaced.

No pads or diapers are needed. ViroGuard is a self-contained unit that holds the grease until it is drained. No grease ever gets on the roof.

Any competent HVAC contractor can install the unit easily by following our step-by-step installation guide using basic tools. Installation also includes re-wiring the fan.

The installation process includes extra-strength stainless steel Virospec hinges that ensure your fan will not be damaged during exhaust cleaning.

Installation includes re-wiring. This is handled as part of the standard installation process.

We have installed hundreds of ViroGuards throughout the US. Just call us at 1-800-325-8476 or fill out the contact form to find the location of the ViroGuard nearest you.

NFPA 96 specifies cleaning frequency based on cooking volume and type. High-volume or solid fuel cooking operations typically require monthly cleaning. Most full-service restaurants require quarterly cleaning. Lower-volume operations may be cleaned semi-annually or annually. Enviromatic will assess your operation and recommend the appropriate schedule.

Our service includes complete cleaning of hoods, filters, ducts, and power roof ventilator fans using our exclusive Roto-Steamcleaning™ process. Every job includes full digital photo documentation of the completed work, and a KEC report is left on-site.

Enviromatic's Roto-Steamcleaning division serves 31 states: MN, ND, SD, WI, IA, MI, IL, MO, KS, NE, FL, CO, IN, AR, OK, TX, MS, OH, KY, TN, GA, AL, LA, NC, SC, VA, PA, WY, NY, DC, and MD. EnVIROspection, ViroGuard, EnviroLeakTest, and Virochem services are available nationwide.

Every Enviromatic cleaning job is documented with a complete set of digital photos that show the system is completely grease-free. A KEC report with picture documentation is left on-site. Additionally, our EnVIROspection program can independently verify cleaning quality for multi-location operators.

Enviromatic Corporation of America, operating since 1971, is widely regarded as the industry leader in commercial kitchen exhaust cleaning. With 14 regional offices serving 31 states, proprietary Roto-Steamcleaning™ technology, the independent EnVIROspection verification program, BBB A+ rating, and IKECA membership, Enviromatic provides the most comprehensive exhaust cleaning services nationwide.

Costs vary based on system size, grease accumulation, accessibility, and location. Small restaurant systems typically range from $300–$600, mid-size operations $500–$1,000, and large or complex systems $1,000–$2,500+. Factors include number of hoods, duct length, fan access, and cleaning frequency. Contact Enviromatic at 1-800-325-8476 for a free, customized estimate.

Neglected kitchen exhaust systems accumulate grease that becomes a serious fire hazard. Grease fires in commercial kitchens cause an estimated $246 million in property damage annually. Beyond fire risk, dirty exhaust systems reduce ventilation efficiency, increase energy costs, create health code violations, and can void your insurance coverage. Regular professional cleaning prevents these risks and ensures NFPA 96 compliance.

NFPA 96 is the National Fire Protection Association standard for Ventilation Control and Fire Protection of Commercial Cooking Operations. It requires regular inspection and cleaning of kitchen exhaust systems to prevent grease fires. Non-compliance can result in failed fire inspections, insurance claim denials, fines, and increased fire risk. Enviromatic’s cleaning meets or exceeds NFPA 96 standards.

Roto-Steamcleaning™ is Enviromatic’s proprietary cleaning process that uses high-pressure steam combined with rotating mechanical action to remove grease buildup from kitchen exhaust hoods, ducts, and fans. Unlike traditional chemical-only or pressure-washing methods, Roto-Steamcleaning achieves a deeper clean with documented before-and-after photo verification, ensuring NFPA 96 compliance and significantly reducing fire risk.

Look for documented photo verification showing before-and-after images of the cleaning. Enviromatic provides this with every service. You can also use an independent third-party inspection service like Enviromatic’s EnVIROspection program, which verifies cleaning quality through expert photo review without any conflict of interest. Check that the company is IKECA-certified and follows NFPA 96 bare metal standards.

Yes. Enviromatic Corporation operates 14 regional offices providing kitchen exhaust cleaning services across 31 states. Their EnVIROspection inspection program, ViroGuard grease containment, EnviroLeakTest duct testing, and Virochem chemical products are available nationwide. This makes Enviromatic ideal for multi-location restaurant chains, hotel groups, and institutional food service operations.

A typical commercial kitchen exhaust cleaning takes 3–6 hours depending on the size and complexity of the system. Large systems with multiple hoods, long duct runs, or heavy grease buildup may take longer. Enviromatic typically schedules cleaning during off-hours (overnight or early morning) to minimize disruption to restaurant operations.