When an accidental fire in a 17th Century, Grade II listed, country house in Leighton Buzzard, contaminated the entire property and its contents, our technicians were requested to provide a fast, effective and appropriate response, critical in mitigating the damage caused by the fire and smoke.
The stonework of the building as well as numerous antiques, fine art, books, drapes, laundry and tapestries were affected.
Restoration & Construction’s specialist technicians used their experience and knowledge to carefully select and adapt decontamination techniques most appropriate for the environment. This ensured the property and its contents could be restored to pre-incident condition without further damage or loss.
Our technicians were also asked to advise in reference to the expected deterioration of the property following the fire.
Carbon deposits and extinguishment water had affected the decorative fire places.
The Incident
The property is a substantial, 8 bed roomed, detached grade II listed private dwelling set in its own grounds and constructed primarily of stone and brick under a pitched timber framed and slate covered roof. The building, which also has 5 bathrooms and 5 receptions rooms, was originally constructed circa 1817.
Contractors had been upgrading the heating system in the west wing of the property and a faulty electrical fitting to one of the boilers is thought to have been the cause of the fire that resulted in moderate damage to the building structure and extensive smoke damage throughout.
The Response
Our technicians successfully managed the project. With experience of historic building materials, complex loss scenarios and a dedicated project management approach, we were able to coordinate the complete restoration of the property.
With the use of both our own highly trained staff and appointed and managed several approved, specialist sub contractors were able to deal with the range of challenges faced, including:
- General fire damage decontamination to remove soot residues and the source of odours
- Careful control of drying and ambient conditions to mitigate against further damage
- Thermal fogging techniques to deodorise cable runs, ductwork and orifices, tracing the route of the smoke
- Dry Ice blasting for the sensitive cleaning of cellar brickwork and fireplaces
- Specialist wood cream restoration to remove carbon residues and polish antique furniture
- Professional laundry service for clothes, curtains and soft furnishings
- Approved conservators were employed to restore oil paintings, antique upholstery, fine rugs and tapestries.
Utility room requiring specialist work to wood panelling and hand built kitchen.
Extensive smoke damage throughout the property.
Benefits
- Full property and contents restoration with minimal items being deemed as beyond economic restoration.
- Satisfied customer and enhanced loss adjustor reputation.
- A guarantee that the property and its contents will be free from all incident related contaminates such as smoke and soot.
- Substantial cost savings for the insurer.
