Cleaning Concrete
Cleaning concrete may require a range of solutions depending on the extent of the damage and can be applied either through pressure washing or industrial scrubbers. Concrete is relatively resilient to fire, but it can easily stain from burns. If the fire is large enough, it can compromise its strength as well.
Soot embedded in concrete can also stain adjacent materials. If the concrete is indoors, the residue can cause health complications. Cleaning these structures is vital in protecting the health of the property’s occupants and the integrity of the building’s foundation.
Cleaning Steel
Cleaning soot from steel surfaces is important as it can be a health hazard when inhaled. What’s more, when exposed to enough heat, steel loses its strength and may deteriorate or buckle, loosening screws or bowing beams that would otherwise be hard to see in a smoke-damaged structure. To return your property to a safe and functional state, it is crucial to address these structural deformities quickly.
Cleaning Wood
Wood is particularly vulnerable to fire and smoke damage, requiring specialized cleaning techniques to remove soot and char. At ATI Restoration, we may use a combination of techniques—including sanding, soda blasting, and chemical treatments—to restore the wood’s integrity and appearance.
When dealing with unfinished wood, extra care is taken to remove surface residues without damaging the natural grain, allowing for a smoother refinishing process down the line. It may also be necessary to seal unfinished beams to fully restore their appearance and integrity.
Cleaning Drywall
Drywall is susceptible to both fire damage and moisture from firefighting efforts. We employ advanced drying techniques, followed by meticulous structural cleaning to remove soot, stains, and odors embedded within the walls. Painting may also be necessary to ensure the most pleasing outcomes.
Cleaning Plaster
Plaster walls and ceilings can absorb smoke odors and may even crack under intense heat. ATI Restoration’s cleaning process involves scrubbing away surface contaminants and assessing for structural soundness. Where necessary, damaged plaster may be removed, replaced, and refinished to ensure the continued safety and integrity of your home.
Cleaning Flooring
Various types of flooring—whether tile, hardwood, or carpet—present unique challenges after a fire. At ATI Restoration, we utilize specialized cleaning agents and equipment tailored to each flooring type. Our crews include licensed carpet and flooring professionals who can repair and replace all types of flooring, including laminate, vinyl, cork, and more.
Safe Removal of Contaminants
Particularly in older buildings, asbestos or lead may have been used in building materials like pipes, paint, flooring, siding, or insulation. These materials are typically safe when encapsulated and undisturbed and can be left in place. When a fire exposes these materials or burns them, causing contaminated soot and other residues, they become an environmental hazard that requires professional remediation as part of structural decontamination. ATI Restoration’s technicians have the certification and experience to safely abate and mitigate these environmental hazards to ensure building occupants will not be at risk.
Reconstruction Services After Fire
The damaging effects of fire can extend far beyond visible signs, often leading to hidden structural issues within smoke-damaged structures. Exposure to high heat can weaken or warp critical support elements like beams and columns, while fire suppression efforts may further stress the structure.
ATI Restoration offers a complete line of reconstruction services, enabling us to address every aspect of damage without having to rely on outside contractors. This, combined with a Fast Track Reconstruction protocol that helps to streamline both the permitting process and the filing of insurance paperwork, works to ensure your home is restored to its former glory in the shortest amount of time possible.
Structural Cleaning & Repairs After Water Damage from Firefighting Efforts
Water, one of the most common fire suppressants, can erode and rust the metal in your home’s frame and foundation. Following significant water damage from firefighting efforts, our disaster recovery team will scan affected surfaces for hidden water and moisture that could reach load-bearing materials (like steel) and cause erosion or rust.
We utilize advanced tools to map the moisture in the building, marking the areas—including the foundation of your home—in need of repair and waterproofing/sealing. Our extensive water extraction and dehumidification processes help to safeguard your property against the lingering effects of water damage.
