Case Study: Fire Restoration on Downtown Toronto Condo Building

Techniques Used: DOFF Cleaning, Media Blasting.

Service: Fire Restoration

The sight of smoke-stained walls and charred surfaces is enough to make any property owner shudder. For a condo building in downtown Toronto, a fire that started in the garbage disposal area quickly spread, leaving a trail of destruction up the west side. The challenge was clear: remove the unsightly damage without causing further disruption to the tightly packed neighbourhood. Wickens Dry Ice Blasting was happy to rise to the challenge.

The Situation

The fire had left its mark on eight stories of the building’s exterior, affecting brick, concrete, metal, numerous glass windows, and balconies. The front of the building, featuring a large wooden façade, cement, and glass, was also heavily stained. Given the building’s location in a courtyard surrounded by other condo buildings, there was a significant emphasis on controlling dust and debris during the cleaning process to avoid affecting neighbouring properties.

The client required a thorough cleaning and restoration solution that would effectively remove the fire damage while minimizing disruption to the residents and neighbouring buildings. This complex task needed careful planning, the right techniques, and a dedicated team to ensure success. The client anticipated that we would use media blasting to remove the smoke and fire residue and also assumed that all the windows of the building that had been affected would have to be replaced.

The Solution

After a careful review of the building, we alleviated many of our client’s concerns. Instead of media blasting, we recommended both a combination of DOFF and media blasting in the dumpster area where damages were the worst and DOFF cleaning on the rest of the building.

To tackle the extensive fire damage, we started in the dumpster area, where the smoke damage was the worst. Using our DOFF blaster and a combination of media and water, we managed to keep the dust down and prevent it from spreading to the surrounding condos. This method was ideal for the tightly packed courtyard, ensuring no debris affected neighbouring properties. This phase took about two weeks, as the damage and buildup in this area required thorough and careful cleaning.

Once we completed the cleanup in the dumpster area and received approval from the engineer, we used scaffolding and swing stages over the majority of the building’s exterior to access its profiles. For the upper floors and more extensive areas, we switched to DOFF cleaning and employed an eco-friendly proprietary cleaner to remove the smoke residue and buildup. This method involved spraying the walls with the proprietary cleaner, rinsing them, and repeating the process for each story. We worked systematically, covering 10-15’ sections at a time. Our team of technicians worked in tandem, with one person handling the proprietary cleaner while another operated the DOFF machine, ensuring that every inch was meticulously cleaned.

Throughout the project, we paused at each phase for inspections, making sure everything was up to standard before moving on.

The Results

Despite the initial estimate of 8-10 weeks, we completed the project in just 6 working weeks, a testament to the efficient and meticulous work of the Wickens team. The exterior surfaces of brick, concrete, metal, and glass were thoroughly cleaned, restoring the building to its former glory. Our water-based cleaning methods ensured that no dust or debris affected the neighbouring buildings, much to the relief of the residents.

By using eco-friendly cleaning solutions and avoiding abrasive techniques, we preserved the building’s original look. The water-based cleaning methods we used not only preserved the building’s colour but also meant we didn’t have to replace the windows, as the client initially feared. This was a significant win, as it kept costs down and minimized further disruption.

The client was highly satisfied with the results, appreciating the effective restoration of their property. The success of this project is a testament to our commitment to quality, efficiency, and environmental responsibility, proving once again why we are a trusted name in the industry.

Wickens Dry Ice Blasting tackles the toughest jobs across Ontario, offering fire restoration, mould remediation, asbestos abatement, lead paint abatement, and more. Contact us today for a consultation or emergency service.