Can Professional Fire Damage Restoration in Salem Return Hardwood to Previous Function and Appearance?

9/30/2021 (Permalink)

Fire damage to your hardwood floor can be salvaged if caught early enough. Let SERVPRO use their fire damage restoration technology.

SERVPRO Salem house fire clean up includes restoring hardwood furnishings and fixtures after smoke damage

The aftermath of the heat and smoke of a household blaze looks grim, and it can be hard to believe that Salem fire damage restoration is even possible. Tear out and repairs or replacement are prohibitively expensive, plus your home risks loss of its unique ambiance, heirlooms, and other treasures.

Can SERVPRO Restore Hardwood Contents Successfully?

Floors, trim, furniture, built-in cabinets, and more are commonly made of hardwood and suffer from varying degrees of smoke and soot damage after a fire in Salem. Our SERVPRO team of Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC)-trained technicians have a wide variety of strategies at their disposal to remove the soiling and odor, permitting successful restoration.

What Are the Challenges of Cleaning Fire and Smoke Damaged Hardwood Contents?

When evaluating hardwood after a fire, the type of finish and the extent of the damage determines restoration success. Here are the things SERVPRO takes into consideration:

• Unfinished Wood

With no protective barrier, porous unfinished wood absorbs smoke odors and residues. Dry cleaning methods are the most effective, including vacuuming, dusting, brushing, and sponging. Using a water-based cleaner risk forcing soot and odors deeper into the cellular structure of the wood. Denatured alcohol is an option if other methods fail.

• Finished Wood

Many substances protect hardwood, including varnish, shellac, lacquer, paint, oils, or waxes. The type of finish impacts the hardwood’s response to heat, soot, moisture, and odors. SERVPRO chooses cleaning products (oil or water-based) and adapts cleaning approaches based on the finish. 

• Severity of Damage

When moderate damage is evident, SERVPRO selects from among the following interventions:

• Low alkali surface cleaners, spray and wipe, for moderate residues
• Wood oil soap, cleaning in the direction of the grain

What Are Options for Badly Damaged Hardwood?

If the hardwood surface is compromised with significant blistering or staining, uncomplicated restoration might be impossible. “Semi-refinishing” of the hardwood can resolve issues, accomplished with solvent-based cleaners that remove a thin layer of the damaged finish. Mild abrasives help but require application by a trained professional to avoid further damage.

Contact SERVPRO of Salem / Peabody / Marblehead for an honest evaluation of hardwood fire damage. Call (978) 586-2884 to schedule an assessment.