Restoration logo
search
cart
facebook twitter linkedin youtube
  • Sign In
  • Create Account
  • Sign Out
  • My Account
Restoration logo
  • NEWS
  • PRODUCTS
    • New Products & Technologies
    • Submit Your Product
    • Interactive Product Spotlights
  • EDUCATION
    • KnowHow.
    • Podcasts
    • Trade Shows & Expos
    • Training & Certification
    • Webinars
    • Whitepapers
  • TOPICS
    • Water Damage
    • Fire & Smoke Damage
    • Mold
    • Contamination
    • Odor
    • Contents
    • Architecture
    • Catastrophe
    • Cleaning
  • BUSINESS
    • Managing Your Business
    • Insurance/Legal Matters
  • BUYER'S GUIDE
  • VIDEOS
    • Ask Annissa
    • Ask the Expert
    • Ironclad Marketing Minute
    • TradeTalks
    • Video Channel
  • INFOCENTER
    • Mold and Mycotoxins
  • THE EXPERIENCE
    • Convention & Trade Show
    • R&R Special Issue
  • EMAG
    • eMagazine
    • Archive Issues
    • Contact
    • Advertise
  • SIGN UP
Fire and Smoke Damage RestorationOdor Removal

The Value of Specialty Restoration to Remove the Unseen Damage After a Fire

By Jeff Milligan
smoke damage remediation

Photo credit: venusvi/ iStock / Getty Images Plus via Getty Images

January 3, 2022

According to the National Fire Protection Association, on average, a fire department responded to a fire somewhere in the U.S. every 23 seconds in 2020. In addition to the obvious structural damage, valuable contents are also at risk of being lost. Some of these items are lost for good, but many can be replaced such as home décor, documents, appliances and textiles. 

Once a fire starts, there is a limited amount of time to put out the flames before contents start melting and soot and smoke can begin to permeate objects. Certain types of soot bond can even adhere to the interior of an article requiring complete disassembly of the item to clean and restore the item properly. Did you know, a building can reach over 1,100 degrees Fahrenheit in the first three-and-a-half minutes from the start of a fire?  

Luckily, specialty contents restoration companies have the expertise, tools and experience to bring most items back to life. Homeowners and business owners that carry property insurance have access to restoration companies through their insurance carrier. Restoration companies that repair structure and contents work diligently with the policyholder and the adjuster to return the home or business back to its pre-loss condition as soon as possible.  

At Prism Specialties, we help the insured and the insurance carrier understand what can and should be restored, and what is best replaced. We consider replacement cost, current value, time to restore and supply chain factors such as, how long it will take to get a new kitchen appliance.

After a specialty restoration company packs out the items that have been deemed restorable, the items are shipped back to the workshop or studio for restoration. Specialized teams of artists, electronic technicians or textile restoration personnel are trained to analyze items based on many types of damage: heat, soot, smoke, humidity, breakage and water.

The most elusive damage is from soot. Often not visible, small particles of soot make it behind artwork glasses, appliance mechanics and electronics boards. Short term, lingering soot in items will cause a smoke smell to persist in the room. Medium to longer term, up to six months or a year, these soot particles can cause corrosion in electronics and the item can stop working. Wipe-downs are rarely enough for items that have soot in interior parts of components. That is why it is important to not just wipe down the outside of items and call them “restored.” Just because it looks fixed doesn’t mean that those bits of soot couldn’t ruin the item down the line.

There is another aspect of fire damage where homes, offices and buildings around the fire may not physically be burned down but are greatly affected by soot and smoke. You typically find these situations where a wildfire starts near a residential or commercial area. According to National Interagency Fire Center (NIFC), the total number of wildfires raging in in the U.S. in August was 91.  

People often mistakenly assume that all electronics, appliances, artwork and textiles are unsalvageable. In fact, the opposite is true. Most items can be restored and deodorized through restoration. It is the time and cost of the restoration that most often deems if it should be restored or replaced. What does this mean? If a residential or commercial loss has items in the specialty categories of electronics, appliances, art, collectibles, documents, textiles or anything unique, think about restoration before replacement.


Case Studies

Electronics/Appliances: A fire in a large commercial kitchen attached to a fellowship hall left all kitchen equipment a total loss. Heavy soot affected the audio-visual system, musical instruments, soundboard, speakers and projectors in fellowship hall. A total of 104 items were packed out and 36 items were total losses. The estimated replacement charges for all equipment was $85,000. The restoration cost of restored items was $10,840 for a savings of $74,160.

Textiles:  A relatively small fire in a boutique hotel required the hotel to close due to the smoke and soot damage to all the linens. Prism Specialties was on site within hours, packed out 3,500 pounds of linens, cleaned and returned them within 24 hours, and the hotel was back in business.

When choosing a specialty restoration partner, make sure they have the expertise, knowledge and experience to restore the items properly. Another important factor to consider is a warranty or work guarantee, which will provide you and the insured peace of mind on the restored items. Smoke and soot can continue to cause damage even after the fire is put out. Cleaning smoke and soot damage from electronics, art, textiles, and documents require learned skillsets, professional cleaning products and techniques to do the job right. Partnering with the right professional will ensure the items are handled and restored properly, reducing safety risks and potential long-term health risks.

KEYWORDS: contents cleaning deodorization odor control odor remediation soot removal

Share This Story

Looking for a reprint of this article?
From high-res PDFs to custom plaques, order your copy today!

Jeff milligan headshot

Jeff Milligan was the second franchisee to join Prism Specialties nine years ago. Milligan serves the entire state of North Carolina with three locations. His teams have expertise in art and collectibles, textiles, and electronics. Milligan plans to open another full-service location in the Charlotte area to better serve his growing customer base.

Recommended Content

JOIN TODAY
To unlock your recommendations.

Already have an account? Sign In

  • mold remediation

    Fighting Mold and Bacteria Damage

    Successful mold remediation can be multidisciplinary,...
    Mold Remediation
    By: Josh Woolen
  • certifications and licenses for restoration professionals

    Certifications and Licenses Every Restoration Company Needs

    Restoration companies need to make sure they have the...
    Restoration Training/Education
    By: Sharon Elzarat
  • a wall covered in moss and fungus

    Zero Tolerance for Toxic Molds: Essential Steps for Successful Remediation

    Understanding the importance of zero tolerance for toxic...
    Mold Remediation
    By: Michael A. Pinto CSP, SMS, CMP, RTPE, FLS, ERS and Kendra Seymour
You must login or register in order to post a comment.

Report Abusive Comment

Manage My Account
  • eNewsletter
  • Online Registration
  • Subscription Customer Service
  • Manage My Preferences

More Videos

Popular Stories

water on basement floor

How Much Water Causes Water Damage?

hurricane

To CAT or not to CAT? Who Should Stay Home

flooded living room

Baseboard Water Damage - Causes, Repair and Prevention

Submit Your New Product/Technology to R&R!

Would you like to promote a new restoration, remediation or cleaning product/technology with Restoration & Remediation? Fill out the question below to start your submission:

Events

September 3, 2025

The Experience Convention and Trade Show

The Experience Convention & Trade Show logoJoin us in Las Vegas for The Experience Convention & Trade Show, the leading event for cleaning, restoration, and remediation pros, packed with hands-on demos, expert speakers, and high-impact networking. Happening September 3–5, 2025 at Caesars Forum—this is where the industry comes to learn, connect, and grow!

View All Submit An Event

Poll

Doffing PPE

When you are doffing your PPE, do you sanitize between every step?
View Results Poll Archive

Products

The Cleaning, Restoration, Inspection, and Safety Glossary

The Cleaning, Restoration, Inspection, and Safety Glossary

The Cleaning, Restoration, Inspection, and Safety Glossary.

See More Products
Prepare for CATASTROPHE with R&R!

Related Articles

  • hand holding

    Handling the Emotional Side of a Fire Damage Pack-Out: How to Successfully Navigate The Most Important Part of the Job

    See More
  • wildfire safety

    The Damage Isn’t Done: Restoration Safety Tips After a Wildfire

    See More
  • navigating restoration business challenges.

    The Value of Working With a Restoration Coach

    See More

Related Products

See More Products
  • After-The-Smoke-Clears.gif

    After The Smoke Clears...

  • secrets-of-insurance-game.jpg

    Secrets of the Insurance Game

See More Products

Related Directories

  • Rytech Restoration of the Midlands

    No one plans for the destruction caused by water, fire or mold, but when it happens, the team at Rytech Restoration of The Midlands is here to help. Our certified specialists provide 24/7 emergency service to get you and your Columbia SC home or business back to normal as quickly as possible. From residential homes to commercial buildings, we specialize in mold remediation, water damage restoration, and fire and smoke damage cleanup. Our live specialists are ready to answer your questions and dispatch a local specialist to your door. Schedule a free inspection and estimate today!
×

Stay ahead of the curve with our eNewsletters.

Get the latest industry updates tailored your way.

JOIN TODAY!
  • RESOURCES
    • Advertise
    • Contact Us
    • Directories
    • Store
    • Want More
    • Submit a Press Release
  • SIGN UP TODAY
    • Create Account
    • eNewsletters
    • Customer Service
    • Manage Preferences
  • SERVICES
    • Reprints
    • Marketing Services
    • Market Research
    • List Rental
    • Survey/Respondent Access
  • STAY CONNECTED
    • LinkedIn
    • Facebook
    • YouTube
    • X (Twitter)
  • PRIVACY
    • PRIVACY POLICY
    • TERMS & CONDITIONS
    • DO NOT SELL MY PERSONAL INFORMATION
    • PRIVACY REQUEST
    • ACCESSIBILITY

Copyright ©2025. All Rights Reserved BNP Media.

Design, CMS, Hosting & Web Development :: ePublishing