Pianotech

  • 1.  Smoke Remediation

    Member
    Posted 01-28-2025 01:31
    Hello All,

    I’m sure you’re all aware of the fires that have ravaged the LA area lately. Now comes the time for assessing the damage. This is an area that I have no experience with, so I thought I’d query the collective knowledge that is the piano tech list. What does one look for when assessing smoke damage? Any advice is welcome, even if it is to point at a source.

    I have been asked if there are piano technicians who specialize in this kind of work or have specialized training or certification, but I’ve honestly never heard of such a thing. Do these even exist?

    Thank you in advance for any wisdom.

    Best,

    Luke Taylor


    Sent from my iPad


  • 2.  RE: Smoke Remediation

    Registered Piano Technician
    Posted 01-28-2025 02:03

    Luke, if you put "smoke damage" in the search window above you'll find many discussions on the topic, opinions vary. I would also consult with businesses that specialize in that type of remediation. I imagine folks in L.A. will become well informed over the coming years. Because there will be so many pianos affected, it would be good to develop some sort of global approach keeping insurance implications in mind. Many pianos in New Orleans had water damage after Katrina, took a long time to sort it out.

    I recall that some people have found that ozone treatment, which is a common practice, can have ill effects on various parts in pianos but I don't know the details. It would be good if your local chapter could establish some sort of policy. 

    Good luck!



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    Steven Rosenthal RPT
    Honolulu HI
    (808) 521-7129
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  • 3.  RE: Smoke Remediation

    Registered Piano Technician
    Posted 01-28-2025 10:53

    You need to contend with a toxic soup of plastics, asbestos, wood, etc as the homes burned were of different ages of construction.  For simple odor you might

    want to try Pooph.  I also like TSP, after complete disassembly.



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    Parker Leigh RPT
    Winchester VA
    (540) 722-3865
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  • 4.  RE: Smoke Remediation

    Registered Piano Technician
    Posted 01-28-2025 14:25

    I would contact David Swartz of Cory Keyboard products. I believe he is a specialist in this field. Dave@corycare.com

    Peter Grey Piano Doctor 



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    Peter Grey
    Stratham NH
    (603) 686-2395
    pianodoctor57@gmail.com
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    Original Message


  • 5.  RE: Smoke Remediation

    Posted 01-28-2025 15:01
    We experienced smoke damage a couple of years ago with a dehumidifier which caught fire. Luckily it was caught in time with smoke damage rather everywhere, and from which we haven't fully recovered.

    Rubber sponges were very good for wiping smoke off walls and ceilings and could help with light things.

    Strong ozone machines were available on ebay and these were invaluable, eliminating the smell of smoke within 36 hours or so of use. Possibly for the outside of a piano, with the lids firmly closed, ozone treatment won't do much harm but it aggressively attacks steel and rust results. Possibly limited exposure of the inside, if affected by smoke, for a couple of hours rather than a full day might help to ameliorate but clearly to be used with care and caution.

    Many losses might well be uninsured so really in many cases it might be a matter of salvage of whatever's possible. 

    Sympathies.

    Best wishes

    David P


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