There are several successful restoration processes
utilized on various contents that have been damaged
by water or smoke. First, a decision has to be made
as to whether or not contents can be restored on
location, or if they need to be relocated for
restoration. This is usually determined by how
extensive the stuctural damage is and whether the
location environment would be suitable for restoration.

In the case of water damaged contents, it is important
to get the
contents dry as
soon as possible
in our drying
facility. An
accurate appraisal
of damages and
the restoration
estimate cannot
be completed until
this time.

After restoration work is approved, American
Catastrophe will restore contents, and store them
until structural restoration can be completed.
In severe cases, restoration can include professional
furniture refinishing and appliance painting.
Refinishing fo wood furniture and reupholstery of
cloth covered pieces may also be required.

A pack-out is essentially the same as a household move
except that restorable items are removed from the
premises and stored in an American Catastrophe
facility until the property owner is ready for
delivery. Pack-outs may be required for a number
of reasons:

1. The structure may be heavily damaged and the
contents not damaged at all. The contents will
be packed-out so as to not interfere with
building reconstuction.

2. The structure may not be secure, requiring that
the contents be removed from the premises to
minimize vandalism or theft loss.

3. The contents may be heavily water of smoke
damaged, requiring removal for restoration
purposes.*

When American Catastrophe crews perform a pack-out
each item is carefully inventoried, then wrapped-
and-boxed or tagged.

Contents Location. When the property owner is ready
for contents delivery, American Catastrophe personnel
will place all furnishings in their original location. This
special service is greatly appreciated by the property
owner because it makes settling in easier, faster,
and more convenient.

Reminder: Whether the problem is water, smoke, or
fire damage, prompt, immediate attention to cleaning
and restoration procedures are the key to minimize
claim cost.

*Whenever possible general contents such as small
furniture, decorative accessories, paintings, and
books are cleaned on the premises.

WOOD RESTORATION

There is nothing more heartbreaking than the sight of a
favorite antique that has been smoke and/or water
damaged. But, suprisingly enough, 90% of damaged
wood furnishings can be restored to 'better than
before'condition as long as the wood has not been
severely burned or water has penetrated the surface.

In fact, wood restoration is the most cost effective and
efficient method of bringing a fine piece of furniture
back to life. In the case of antiques, restoration makes
it possible to not only retain the beauty, color, and
luster of the original finish, but the value of the
antique as well.

Once the decision has been made as to whether
furniture will remain on-site, or if it will be
warehoused, the restoration process is the same:

1. If the piece is water damaged, it must first be place
in a drying chamber to guarantee that all moisture is
removed.
2. Once dry, the furniture is carefully cleaned with a
specially formulated wood cleaner which is applied
with the finest grade steel wool. This careful
cleaning removes soot.
3. After cleaning, the furniture is placed in an ozone
chamber for deodorization It will take at least
24-hours to extract any smoke odor trapped in
the wood.
4. Special oils are then applied to restore the wood's
natural beauty and color.
5. To revive the wood's gloss and luster, appropriate
furniture polishes are used. If warehoused, the
restored furniture is then meticulously wrapped
in either paper, plastic, or cloth and stored until
the owner is ready for delivery.

American Catastrophe's wood restoration process will
also restore the beauty of structural wood: paneling,
molding, woodwork and wood trim pieces.