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 Residue

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 spores, and with proper secondary filtration to remove the dust, may provide 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, cannot get into all areas, and is very labor intensive. Conventional sandblasting produces very large amounts of secondary waste for disposal.

Metalwork & Beams

Dry ice blasting is ideal for cleaning smoke-coated metalwork and framing. It's important after a fire for structural inspection, health, and general maintenance. 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, because it removes soil while not harming the substrate.

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 chemicals, 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, or raising of the grain. Paint may be removed from wood, brick, stone or metal without having to stop to change processes.

Mold

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

In-Place Cleaning

Items and areas to be cleaned need not be relocated 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. There is no gouging or marring of the surfaces. It does not matter the type or composition of surface. Concern about colors or stains bleeding into porous surfaces because of liquid chemicals or water is gone. Clean safely around electrical cords, cable , switches and motors without danger or damage to them.

Secondary cleanup

Using dry ice blasting eliminates the cleanup problem with conventional sand or soda blasting. If you are not creating a hazardous dust, like lead paint or mold, the small amount of secondary product is easily cleaned and easily disposed. Exterior work is simpler and easier. No large piles of grit or shells need be removed. No stains or wet surfaces are left. Painting or priming may be done immediately.