How Document Restoration Works After Water or Fire Damage

When the pros receive your documents, they first assess the type and extent of damage. They check for water saturation, mold growth, and soot or smoke residue. This assessment helps them choose the right cleaning and drying methods. They may also document the condition of the documents for your records.

Depending on the damage, the pros may freeze the documents to stop mold and further deterioration. Freezing stabilizes wet paper, allowing time for careful processing. For fire damage, they may use specialized vacuums or dry cleaning soot removal techniques. The goal is to preserve as much original content as possible.

• Separate wet documents with wax paper or parchment paper to prevent sticking.
• Do not use heat to dry documents, as it can cause warping or fix stains.
• Keep wet documents in a cool, dark place until the pros can handle them.
• For fire damage, avoid rubbing soot, as it can grind into the paper.
• Do not attempt to iron or press wrinkled documents yourself.

Water-damaged documents often develop a musty smell from mold and mildew. The pros use ozone or specialized deodorizing agents to neutralize odors. They also apply anti-microbial treatments to prevent mold from returning. This is especially important in humid climates, like the humid subtropical climate with hot summers and spring hail and thunderstorms, where mold grows quickly.

Mold can cause permanent staining and weaken paper fibers. The pros monitor moisture levels and use desiccants to keep documents dry during the process. If mold has already started, they may isolate the affected documents to prevent spreading. After treatment, your documents should be odorless and safe to handle.