Services
Fire damage restoration servicesfor Minneapolis homes, one step at a time
Restoring a house after a fire takes several kinds of work. Each page below explains one of them, written for the older houses, basements and winters of Minneapolis. Sources are listed on every page.
All services
ServiceBoard-Up and Tarping
Broken windows, doors and roof openings closed against snow, cold, wind and intruders while the fire claim moves forward.
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ServiceOdor Removal
Smoke smell traced to closets, knee walls, basements and heating systems, removed at the source and sealed before winter.
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ServiceSmoke Damage Cleanup
Smoke film removed from plaster, woodwork, radiators and basements, room by room, before winter heating spreads it further.
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ServiceSoot Removal
Black soot lifted from plaster ceilings, crown molding, brick fireplaces and basement walls without grinding it into old finishes.
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ServiceWater Damage From Firefighting
Hose and sprinkler water pulled out of floors, plaster and basements, dried before it freezes in winter or turns musty in summer.
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Where to begin
Putting the services in the right order
In cold weather the first job is often keeping the house above freezing, so pipes and radiators do not burst. Openings in the roof and windows are covered next, then firefighting water is pumped from the basement and dried. Soot and smoke cleanup follows, starting with dry removal, and odor treatment comes once the residue is gone and the heating system is clean.
If you are unsure what your house needs first, call and describe it. The contractor on the line can help you sort the urgent from the routine.
Each service page lists its public sources at the bottom.
Every restoration service
Pick a service to see how it is done in Minneapolis houses.
- Start here
Board-Up and Tarping
Broken windows, doors and roof openings closed against snow, cold, wind and intruders while the fire claim moves forward.
Learn more
Quick reference
When each service comes in
| Service | Needed when | Usual timing |
|---|---|---|
| Board-up and tarping | Roof cut open, windows broken, doors forced | Same day as the release |
| Water damage from firefighting | Wet floors, plaster, basement | First days, after freeze protection |
| Soot removal | Black residue on plaster, trim, radiators | Once water work is under way |
| Smoke damage cleanup | Grey film and residue throughout | Alongside soot removal |
| Odor removal | Smell lingers or returns with the heat | After residue is removed |
Need help deciding where to start?
Call to talk it through with an independent local restoration contractor on that same call.