Media Blasting

Media blasting can solve many problems such as mold, wood staining, graffitti, corrosion on pipes, and many other situations.  No, it is not a miracle procedure that removes everything.  Sometimes wood is stained so deeply with mold that we can make the surface look better but not clean, which means that we have to replace the affected wood. 

Dry ice blasting is safe to use on most materials, and the best thing about it is that there is no mess left behind for us to clean up!  The only material left behind after dry ice blasting is what was blasted off during the process.

Sand blasting is also an option for many applications, especially where extra grit is needed to remove the problem. 

Following a fire, much of the wood structure is covered in soot.  This must be removed or you will smell the fire regardless of what else is done in your home or business.  Once the soot is blasted from the wood, it looks like it just came from the lumber yard - essentially looking new.

There are other forms of blasting that can be done including soda blasting.  The method chosen would depend on the job and consultation with our client.

If you think you may have a situation that calls for media blasting, call Advance Restoration and we will be pleased to review the job and recommend a method best suited for remediation.

Soot removal following fire

Pump cleanup

Repairing vandalism

Oil buildup removal



Pressure line cleanup

Graffiti removal

Attic Mold

Before Remediation

After Remediation

Attic mold is still the most frequent call we have.  Usually it comes following the sale of a home, where the building inspector inspects the attic.  The inspectors report to the purchasing family ends up with a demand the mold be removed prior to the new family's occupancy.

If the mold is only surface - not having penetrated into the core of the sheathing or trusses - then it can be an inexpensive remediation.  On the other hand, if the mold has been present for an extended period of time, it may well have compromised the sheathing or trusses to the point they need replacing.  This is easy to check by yourself.  If you can crumble some of the wood from the mold, or even worse, if you can crumble the entire 2x4 in your hands, the trouble is long past surface mold.

Rotted wood found above closet

Both of these cases are easily remedied, but obviously the more extensive one costs substantially more.  The good news is that this situation is avoidable.  You should check your attic every 6 months to be certain to catch any moisture leaks or blocked attic vents in the early stages.  This will keep the repair cost to a minimum.

Advance Restoration can do what is required to remove either the surface mold by sanding and encapsulating, or we can remove the deeper mold by either dry-ice blasting or removal and replacement of the damaged trusses or sheathing.  If dry-ice blasting is used, the boards, once cleaned (blasted) will look like new lumber or sheathing.  Once blasted, we also apply a coat of encapsulant to help prevent further damage from future mold if the problem occurs in the future.

If you decide to check out any mold you see in your attic or elsewhere, please be certain to avoid disturbing the mold.  This will release micotoxins into the air and spread the mold even more.  Also, it is advisable to wear a respirator and goggles. 

If you would prefer not inspecting the mold, Advance Restoration will be pleased to come and do an assessment for you.

If you plan on selling your home, it would be better to have the problem fixed prior to listing, as you are the one controlling the process and costs involved.