Record flooding from hurricane Helene devastated the southeast, leaving stunned survivors mourning homes, loved ones, ways of life, even entire communities. Paul Davis Restoration has been there to help at every stage of the recovery. “As resilient creatures, humans adjust and rebuild, and we’re privileged to partner with them as they do so,” says Mickey McHenry, President, Paul Davis Restoration of South Atlanta, Central Georgia, Northeast Georgia, and Lanier Isles. “Among the meaningful ways we support healing is restoring treasured possessions.”
Returning dad’s World War II uniform – or a favorite stuffy, or an heirloom quilt – seems like a tiny victory amid immense sorrow. Yet the beloved possession is an emotional anchor, returning a glimmer of normalcy to an upended life and sparking hope for the future. As this Q&A shows, Paul Davis Restoration has carefully honed its textile approach to help survivors heal.
What can be restored?
Experts have restored clothing, shoes, linens, leather, stuffed animals, furniture and toys. Many delighted survivors received items in better condition than they were before disaster struck. Others believed items were not salvageable, only to find that, after restoration, it was hard to tell damage had ever occurred.
How does restoration proceed?
Damaged items are carefully packed and transported to a centralized processing facility. Teams first assess type and level of damage. Smoke and soot? Water? They drill down further: if the item was soaked, was it clean or contaminated water? Is the item wholly or partially damaged? Did heat, smoke and char affect an item adjacent to the fire, or was the item in a distant room that filled with smoke? Technicians then tailor restoration methods to suit each affected item, balancing time, temperature and mechanical action as well as cleaning agent type and level.
How has textile restoration science changed?
Contents restoration technology has grown tremendously in sophistication, effectiveness and variety. Dry cleaning, for instance, now uses highly efficient, environmentally smarter solvents than the traditional perchloroethylene. Newer materials and processes are very advanced and include new generation detergents and deodorizers, liquid carbon dioxide, ozone and silicone-based solutions. Methods continue to evolve, too, and now feature high-extraction washing machines, steam cleaning, freeze drying, ultrasonic agitation, blowers and high-tech dehumidifiers.
What is particularly important to consider about textile restoration?
Three considerations are paramount:
- Speed: disasters affect textiles immediately, though they may appear unaffected to the untrained eye. Restoration, to be most effective, should commence as soon as feasible.
- Capabilities: choose a restoration company with extensive experience, continual training, central locations for efficient contents processing, and a commitment to testing/implementing emerging technologies.
- IICRC certification: excellent restoration companies are credentialed by the Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification. Ensure restoration partners are certified.
Do you need help restoring a precious possession damaged by a disaster? Call Paul Davis Restoration at 888-473-7669 to speak with a member of our team.
