When disaster strikes—whether from fire, flood or another catastrophe—homeowners face extensive property damage and expensive electronics are no exception. For homeowners who experience any type of disaster, it is not uncommon to find a smartphone, tablet or other electronic device physically damaged and unable to function normally.

The cost of replacing these items can quickly compound but fortunately, replacement is not always required. Through the contents restoration process, it is often possible for homeowners to see their devices revitalized, cleaned up and made ready for continued use. This is often the most cost-effective option for homeowners and for insurers alike.

Through his work as the Training Manager, David Gavilanes has developed detailed knowledge of electronics restoration. He explains how the process works and what homeowners should know about restoring their valuable devices.

Q: For homeowners who experience fire, floods or other types of disaster, the thought of replacing costly electronic devices can be overwhelming. What encouragement would you offer to these homeowners?

A: Even when phones, computers, printers and similar devices are damaged by fire or water, they can often be used again. Enlisting an experienced contents restoration company can often eliminate the need to replace high-priced items.

More specifically, the electronics restoration process involves checking, testing, decontaminating and cleaning items that have been damaged by smoke, fire, water or corrosion—with the ultimate goal of restoring the hardware to its pre-loss condition.

Items that have been hit directly with a fire extinguisher or thoroughly doused by a sprinkler can sometimes be restored, depending on the extent of the damage. While electronics restoration is not foolproof and some items really may be damaged beyond repair, homeowners may be surprised by how often these electronics can be made good-as-new by a skilled restoration specialist.

Q: Tell us specifically about water damage. What are some of the factors that can determine whether a water-damaged electronic device can be recovered?

A: It really just depends on how long the item is exposed to water. Even a little bit of water may damage a phone, tablet, computer or printer, but by unplugging these devices as soon as it is safe to do so—and before trying to use them— homeowners may be able to limit the damage done.

Q: How common is it for electronic devices to recover from fire damage?

A: Being exposed to high temperatures for an extended period of time may lead to hardware damage that’s difficult to reverse—however, if memory chips and drive-seals remain intact, the data contained on these devices can often be salvaged, which means precious files can be retrieved and moved over to a new device.

Q: What should homeowners and insurance claims adjusters understand about the typical electronics restoration process?

A: First and foremost, it’s crucial to have electronics and other valuable items transported out of the home, ensuring there is no ongoing exposure to smoke or other contaminants. For insurance claims adjusters, this means coordinating a packout service as promptly as possible.

Once they are safely transported off-site, electronics will be carefully inspected, allowing the restoration specialist to gauge the level of damage done.

Assuming the device is deemed salvageable, the restoration specialist will then move into the decontamination phase, removing black soot, dirt and debris that may be caked onto the device, helping prevent ongoing damage.

From there, the restoration specialist will disassemble the parts of the device. Individual components will need to be methodically cleaned using special detergents and demineralized water, then dried thoroughly. Ultrasonic technology is sometimes used to enhance the cleaning process, for example, cleaning plastic covers like the back of a TV.

The restoration specialist will then repair any components with visible damage, when possible, before reassembling the device and running it through various tests. Sometimes, this testing will reveal that the device simply cannot be properly rehabilitated, but often, it will lead to the desired outcome and can be returned to the owner for continued use.

Q: What should homeowners know about the cost of electronics restoration?

A: First, when an item can be restored, it usually costs around a third of what it would cost to replace the item altogether, meaning electronics restoration can be a very cost-effective option.

Of course, the insurance company will often foot the bill for electronics restoration, which is another reason why these cost savings are so important. By choosing affordable electronics restoration over item replacement, homeowners may be able to reduce the overall cost of their claim significantly and, in the process, prevent major upticks in the price of their insurance premiums.

Q: Costs aside, what are some other advantages to the electronics restoration process?

A: On the insurer’s side, coordinating with a reputable packout service or electronics restoration specialist can be a straightforward way of returning claimants to some sense of normalcy. And for homeowners, there is significant convenience and peace of mind that comes with having their data transferred back to them quickly and their prized electronics put back into their rightful place within the home.