Fire Restoration

IICRC is currently in the process of developing standard guidelines for the restoration of fire and smoke damaged structures and contents. Until such time, accepted industry standard is the process as outlined in a IICRC approved

Step 1: Inspection and Fire Damage Assessment

Old North State Restoration will carefully inspect and test all areas of a property to determine the extent of the fire, smoke, and soot damage. This step is crucial to developing a plan of action. The type of soot many times heavily influences the approach and complexity of the project.

• Wet Soot
• Oxygen starved, smoldering fires, low heat
• High moisture content
• Plastics, rubber and oils
• Pungent/Acrid odors
• Sticky and smeary residues

• Dry Soot
• Oxygen rich, hot fires
• Natural materials
• Fast-burning and high heat
• Lighter soot particles
• Hotter fires cause more damage to surfaces
• Odor less intense than ‘Wet Smoke’

• Fuel Oil Soot
• Puff backs
• Odor varies from very light to heavy
• Attaches to every surface

• Protein Soot
• Food, typically overcooked meat.
• Extremely pungent and long-lasting odors
• Residue virtually invisible
• Clings to all surfaces
• Requires extensive cleaning to remove residues and achieve deodorization

Step 2: Immediate Board-Up and Roof-Tarp Service

Fire damage can often compromise windows, walls, and roofs. To maintain security and to protect against further damage, Old North State Restoration will board up missing windows and walls and place tarps on damaged roofs.

Step 3: Water Removal and Drying (if water damage is present)

The water removal process begins almost immediately and removes the majority of the water. We will then use dehumidifiers and air movers to remove the remaining water and complete the drying process.

Step 4: Removal of Smoke and Soot from All Surfaces

Old North State Restoration use specialized equipment and techniques to remove smoke and soot from ceilings, walls, and other surfaces.

Step 5: Cleaning and Sanitizing

We will clean all of the restorable items and structures that were damaged by the fire. We use a variety of cleaning techniques to restore belongings to pre-fire condition. We also work to remove odors using industrial air scrubbers and fogging equipment.

Step 6: Restoration

Restoration is the final step—getting the home or business to its pre-fire condition. Restoration may involve minor repairs, such as replacing drywall, painting, and installing new carpet; or it may entail major repairs such as replacing the roof, HVAC components, and the reconstruction of various areas or rooms in a home or business. Fire jobs take from a few months to a year based on the complexity and materials involved.