Uses For Dry Ice Blasting for Fire Restoration and Historic Restoration

Fire Restoration

Once the fire is out, the real problems of cleaning begin. there are a number of concerns that make dry ice blasting an asset, not just an expense.

Removal of Char, and Smoke Reside

This reduces the burned smell, and also allows for a better evaluation of the damage. Damage hidden by smoke or soot may cause a miscalculation of potential safety.

Mold Remediation

This is important and a serious long term health issue. Using dry ice blasting on previously wetted or saturated surfaces will remove and kill the mold and its spore, and with proper secondary filtration to remove the dust, may proved an environment cleaner than the original.

There will be secondary dust no matter what system is used. However, dry ice blasting itself leaves no residue, so the there is a very small amount of material to remove. Conventional sanding creates large volumes of dust, and cannot get into all areas and is very labor intensive. Conventional sandblasting produces very large amounts of secondary waste to be disposed.

Metal Work & Beams

Dry ice blasting is idea for cleaning smoke coated metal work and framing. This is important after a fire for structural inspection, health and general maintenance. The dry ice blasting can reach even the smallest cracks, creases, and weld joints where wire brushes cannot reach. Dry ice blasting is far less labor intensive, and there is minimal secondary residue. Further, it does not damage the metal or its surfaces.

Historic Restoration and Preservation

Dry ice blasting is an optimal solution for historic restoration and preservation.

Lead Paint

If the property being worked is over 60 years old, there is probably lead paint. this is costly and hard to remove. With the same environmental protections in place, dry ice blasting can remove the paint, in place, even in the smallest details. No toxic chemical, minimal secondary cleanup, and since it can be accomplished in-situ, there is far less chance of damage to moldings, and fancy woodwork or castings. No chemicals to stain or discolor the wood, no gouges, raising of the grain either.
Paint may be removed from, wood, brick, stone or metal without having to stop.

Mold

Dry ice blasting does not introduce water into the area. No chemicals are needed other than the dry ice itself. Will accomplishing other cleaning, mold and its spores are removed, an since water is not required, there is minimal introduction to the cleaned areas.

In Place Cleaning

Items and areas to be cleaned need not be removed when using dry ice blasting. This eliminates costly re-fitting woodwork. there are no chemicals to cause discoloration, warping or other problems associated with chemical cleaning. The secondary dust is minimized, and there is no gouging or marring of the surfaces. It does not matter what type of surface, it's shape of composition. The concern about colors or stains bleeding into porous surfaces because of liquid chemicals or water is gone. There is also the advantage of being able to safely clean around electrical cords, cable , switches and motors without danger or damage to them.

Secondary cleanup

This is always a problem with conventional sand or soda blasting. Using dry ice blasting eliminates that. If you are not creating a a hazardous dust, like lead paint or mold, the small amount of secondary produce is easily cleaned and disposed of.
Exterior work,is simpler and easier, there are no large pile of grit or shells to remove, and not stains or wet Surfaces. Painting or priming may be done immediately.