Can Electronics Be Cleaned After a Fire?
10/25/2018 (Permalink)
Electronics that are not completely ruined by a fire may benefit from being cleaned. Fire cleanup professionals who specialize in electronics rely on several restoration methods.
Corrosion and Soot Cleanup
Restoration experts can remove electronics from the site of a fire and work on them in a controlled location. There, they may be able to address several results of fire damage such as
- Corrosion of circuits due to the acidity of smoke
- Formation of a black film of smoke or soot over internal components
- Warped electronics that suffered closer exposure to fire
These experts may be able to carefully clean corrosion or black film from the inside of computers, mobile devices, or other electronics exposed to smoke damage. Corrosion or black film can both lead to short-circuiting and put residents at risk of starting another fire.
Data Restoration
Even if a device is no longer functional, it may be possible to retrieve data from a storage medium that would otherwise be lost. Restoring data can be a major step toward resuming normal affairs after a fire cleanup. It may not be possible to retrieve data from electronics that have suffered direct exposure to open flames and have either melted or warped.
Proof of Damage
In the case of devices that are beyond restoration or data retrieval, restoration experts that specialize in electronics can supply owners with proof of loss that may make it easier to file a claim and obtain replacements for damaged electronics. Try to locate and submit receipts to support your claim in order to obtain the full value or an equivalent replacement for appliances, computers, or devices that are incapable of being restored.
When it comes to fire cleanup, it is best to rely on experts with extensive experience restoring electronics. Whether you are dealing with fire or smoke damage, contact a restoration company in Riverview, FL.