Fire and Smoke Damage Restoration

Safety:

The first step restorers take after a flood or fire is to ensure safety. Emergency official-like firefighters or emergency response officers must clear a building for safety before any restoration can begin. Even when the water has cleared or the fire is out, damaged areas can collapse, creating the potential for injury. No one should re-enter a building until the professionals have confirmed its safety.

Soot: Soot results from fire and smoke and creates an oily stain on textiles and surfaces. Water used in cleaning attempts can help the soot stains sink deeper into the surfaces, so restorers must clean the soot away first. For soot stains on solid surfaces, restorers generally use chemical sponges and chemicals like paint thinner to prevent the stains from sinking deeper into the surface.

Smoke Odor: The odor of smoke can linger on textiles and clothing long after other restoration is complete. Depending on the extent of smoke exposure, regular cleaning efforts may not be enough to remove the smell.

Other Techniques: Professional restoration techniques may also include larger restoration processes. For instance, in severely smoke-damaged cases, restorers will use ozone treatments to destroy smoke molecules in the air. This usually involves smoke-damaged materials or areas being concealed in protective tents while an ozone generator / hydroxyl treatment / air scrubber works to destroy smoke.