The Problem
A supermarket fire caused significant damage to multiple areas, including the loading bay, CCTV room, and bakery. The aftermath extended beyond these spaces, with smoke damage affecting surrounding areas and standing water left from firefighting efforts complicating the situation further.
Key challenges included:
- Damaged infrastructure: Brickwork, cabling, electrical equipment, and furnishings sustained severe damage.
- Hazardous materials: Industrial refrigeration units containing fluorinated greenhouse gases (CFCs) required safe removal and disposal under UK regulations.
- Preparation for remedial work: Temporary scaffolding, lighting, and generators were necessary to create a safe and efficient working environment.
Smoke Damage in Commercial Properties
Commercial properties like supermarkets are particularly vulnerable to fire incidents, with over 22,000 non-residential fires reported annually in England. Smoke damage can lead to costly repairs, downtime, and the loss of valuable equipment and stock. A professional fire damage response is crucial to mitigate these losses and ensure compliance with safety standards.
The Solution
We were tasked with providing a thorough, efficient, and regulation-compliant restoration service.
Step 1: Risk Assessment and Preparation
- Full risk assessment: Ensured safe access for staff and contractors.
- Water removal and drying: Desiccant dehumidifiers, equipped with advanced remote monitoring, were installed to remove moisture and prepare the site for remediation.
Step 2: Structural Remediation
- Removal of damaged structures: A lean-to outbuilding and a breeze block CCTV room were dismantled and removed. Partition walls and fire-damaged timber were stripped back to bare brick.
- Preparation for restoration: Floors and walls were cleared of damaged materials to provide a clean surface for smoke and soot removal.
Step 3: Smoke and Soot Cleaning
- Soda Blasting: This effective technique uses compressed air and sodium bicarbonate at low pressure to remove smoke stains, soot, and char. It also acts as a mild deodorizer, leaving surfaces clean and free of fire residue.
- Odour sealing: A water-based, solvent-free bonding agent was applied to porous surfaces, creating a permanent barrier against residual smoke odour.
Step 4: Safe Disposal of Hazardous Materials
- Industrial refrigeration units containing CFCs were safely dismantled and disposed of following UK guidelines.
Step 5: Collaboration and Support
- We worked alongside other service providers, ensuring the project remained on schedule and met the client’s three-week timeline.
The Result
Through meticulous planning and execution, our team restored the supermarket to a condition ready for refurbishment, meeting the client’s timeline and quality expectations.
Key Outcomes:
- Complete remediation: All smoke, soot, and odour were removed, leaving the property clean and free of fire residue.
- Hazard compliance: Hazardous materials were safely removed, ensuring adherence to UK regulations.
- Efficient turnaround: The project was completed within three weeks, minimising disruption to the client’s business.
Smoke damage can be devastating for businesses, with lingering odours and soot posing risks to health and property value. Professional restoration not only repairs the physical damage but ensures compliance with environmental and safety standards.
Contact one of the team for expert smoke damage restoration services designed to get your business back on track.
