Fire remediation often involves a combination of techniques to restore an affected area to its pre-fire condition. Here are some of the options.
Ultrasonics
This specialised technique allows remediation teams to clean and restore salvageable items that have been affected by fire and smoke damage. It works by using high-frequency sound waves that create shockwaves and microscopic bubbles that blast debris such as dirt, soot and oil off objects.
While the process has merit, the Australian Cleaning and Restoration Academy ownerGarry Carroll notes that insurers are often writing off more and more items these days after fires and floods. “The days of Mrs Jones owning that nice mahogany furniture tend to be gone,” he says. “People go to IKEA and get a flat pack, put it together and it’s worth nothing. So, the insurers just write that off. There’s a lot more write-off of products today than 15 to 20 years ago.”
Laser technology
One of the emerging technologies for fire restoration is laser cleaning technology. LITMAS managing and technical development director Dr Claire Bird says laser cleaning can be used to eliminate blemishes, patinas and imperfections from materials, including smoke and soot stains.
This approach is non-abrasive and is typically safer and less messy than older technologies such as sandblasting. “The barrier to entry for laser technology is that it can be expensive to set up and have a difficult learning curve, so it is not suitable for every fire job,” Bird says. “On the upside, it is easily transportable and effective on things like high-end artwork and other sensitive surfaces that cannot be agitated.”
Ozone generators
If the smell of smoke lingers in a property, cleaning and restoration professionals may turn to ozone generators. These portable machines use the process of oxidation to remove odours. Carroll warns that over-exposure to ozone can cause respiratory issues and that it is best-practice to ensure there are no people or animals in rooms when the generators are turned on.
Hydroxyl generators
Carroll favours hydroxyl generators, which use UV radiation, over ozone generators. They operate on the same principle, but use different chemistry. The hydroxyl generators create hydroxyl radicals within indoor spaces and purify the air by neutralising odours, volatile organic compounds and other contaminants associated with fire damage.
“It’s a free radical that breaks apart odours and bacteria and is fantastic for fire damage, and you can run them in conjunction with air cleaners,” Carroll says.
Photo by Cullan Smith on Unsplash
