>
>As a piano technician, I call upon my skills as a former cabinet maker,
>studies in metallurgy, a smattering of knowledge about felt, some geometry
>and physics, and a bunch of other stuff that I have forgotten till I need it.
>
>
>A little information on a common malady (fires and smoke) is most in order
>IMHO.
>
>Dave Stocker, RPT
>firtree@aol.com
>Tumwater, WA
>
Hi Gang,
For those unfortunate individuals who do not have access to web
sites, please allow me post this rather long document that may address some
intial questions. Should you have the capabilities to visit a web site, via
web browser, here is the address:
http://www.prairienet.org/arts/ptg/homepage.html/ptg/smoke.htm
Smoke Damage Restoration for Pianos
Smoke damage to the piano has long since been a devastating
problem for the owner, technician, and insurance adjuster alike.
Majestic Piano Company, LLC, has effectively addressed this age
old problem. The following topics are included to define the
perils of smoke regarding the piano as well as offer insightful
information on successful avenues for complete odor removal.
Please keep in mind that the corrosive nature of smoke makes it
essential to have your piano restored as soon as possible.
Understanding Smoke
Smoke is the product of incomplete combustion made visible by
the presence of small particles of carbon. All burnable
substances involved in the fire create complex odors. Burnt
plastics, fabric, meat, carpet and draperies provide an
acceptable analogy of complex odors. Smoke generally
dissipates quickly after the fire leaving residue. Rapid
cooling particles of the incomplete combustion will leave a
difficult film and odor on and in the entire piano. Smoke is
acidic causing discoloration, corrosion and overall damage to
the instrument.
Types of Smoke and Resultant Odors
We generally refer to smoke as either driven or free floating.
Driven smoke is pressurized having force behind it. Vertical
surfaces are the most commonplace for finding driven smoke.
Free floating smoke originated as driven smoke but has lost the
active energy. Horizontal surfaces are the recipients of this
type of smoke. Driven smoke found within the piano interior
brings with it numerous odors. We refer to these odors in three
primary categories; Synthetic, Natural, and Protein.
Synthetic odors consist of plastics, and synthetic textiles.
This form of residue in chiefly black in color and will smudge
easily. Natural odors tally from burnt wood, cotton or paper
products. The residue from natural odors are gray and black in
color and usually form a powdery substance. Protein odors
result from meat, flesh, grease as most kitchen fires promote.
The residue from protein fires is greasy in nature and is
yellowish to brown in color. Several processes and techniques
are required for thorough odor removal to insure your piano will
not project future ill aromas.
Low and High oxygen fires attribute to the severity of damage
realized within your piano. A low oxygen fire is the
smoldering type and leaves a wet smoky residue. A high oxygen
fire produces a dryer residue and sometimes is easier to remove.
How the Piano is Affected by Smoke Damage
The piano consists of assorted woods, metals, steel, felts,
and plastics. Humidity fluctuations even on a low scale
represent instability in tuning, tonal qualities, and overall
consistency. In the event of a fire, intense dry heat is
present. As the flames are extinguished, the hot, humid
smoldering effect takes place. It is not uncommon to witness a
relative humidity factor as low as 2% at the course of a fire.
The extinguishing process could easily exert the humidity level
upwards of 150% or more. As the humidity level increases, the
woods found in the piano expand. The pores within the wood
collect or adsorb the various malodors. Should the piano exist
in the path of the air currents of driven smoke, the odors will
then be driven deeper into the wood than that of free floating
smoke.
Other substances within the piano are porous and highly
susceptible as they adsorb odor bearing particles. The piano
action for instance is greatly affected . The felts of the
action serve as natural wicks for odor, the metal parts corrode
quickly due to the acidic nature of smoke. The glues used are
broken down making many of the action parts weak, disaligned, or
completely unfunctional. Should rubber parts exist, they will
become hard and brittle.
Oxidation found on the piano's strings is not uncommon. The
soundboard and ribs have been known to separate as well as
develop cracks and pressure ridges. Structural damages
partnered with offensive residue creates undesirable
ramifications.
What to Do with a Smoke Damaged Piano
Do not touch the piano with bare hands. The smoke is toxic and
may impinge the touched surfaces as your finger oils react with
the residue. If you must touch the piano, wear latex surgical
gloves. Do not attempt to wipe and clean the instrument. Using
the incorrect product(s) can and will leave undesirable results.
Contact your piano technician making him or her aware of the
nature and condition regarding your piano. Proper assessment of
the damages will help your piano professionals serve you in an
expedient manner. Survey the damages and provide the following
information according to this check list:
Your name, address and telephone number
Piano's Manufactured name and age (a serial number would be
helpful)
Time and date of the fire
Location of the fire: i.e....kitchen, bedroom, basement, etc.
Location of the piano at time of fire
Insurance Company name and adjuster's name with phone number
Your piano technicians name and telephone number
Whether or not the piano was touched by flame
To the Piano Technician
ALWAYS WEAR LATEX GLOVES WHEN ENGAGING A SMOKE DAMAGED PIANO
A comprehensive check-off worksheet is available for the asking
. Properly evaluate the piano's condition and record your
findings:
Case parts (overall condition of finish) (determine
poly-laquer-stain etc.)
Strings: (rusty, light corrosion, or filmy)
Tuning pins: (rusty, light corrosion or filmy) (size-torque)
Pinblock (give best visual assessment)
Plate, aliquots, hitch pins
Action (remove action-wear surgical gloves) (hammers, shanks,
do swing tests)
Keys (Key bushings)
Pedals (lyre)
Humidity Control System (whether or not it exists and/or
sustained damages)
Underside or backside (beams, ribs, soundboard)
Dampers & damper felts (grand)
Name & Serial number of piano
Customer information
Insurance information (adjuster's name, #, company
name)
Restoration Company information (should one be involved with
piano handling)
Could I do some of the cleaning myself?
Smoke damage restoration consists of numerous processes
involving detoxification and odor counteractant techniques.
Simple products such as bleach, baking soda, and grocery store
cleaners are never effective in the successful removal of smoke
damaging odors. It is not wise to attempt a cleaning such as
this. The very nature of complex residues and odors may at
times react unfavorably to inappropriate methods and or
products. Should you encounter a smoked damaged piano, call us
immediately that we may be of service to benefit both you and
your client.
Contact: by phone, mail, fax, or E-mail
Copyright David Swartz 1996
Dave Swartz, RPT <dms2000@pioneerplanet.infi.net.>
Majestic Piano Company, LLC
5-7th Avenue North
Hopkins, Minnesota 55343
(612) 939-0997 Shop
(612) 939-0997 Fax
(612) 953-3150 Home Office
A little about Majestic Piano Company, LLC
Majestic Piano Company is a pioneer and authority regarding
smoke damaged pianos. Numerous classes, experimentation,
product testing, grouped with comprehensive research brought
together pertinent information for your damaged instrument. We
are a full service piano rebuilding and restoration facility,
located in Hopkins, Minnesota. We offer nationwide piano
transportation and guaranteed smoke odor removal for pianos and
organs. Complete written estimates, appraisals, limited verbal
evaluations, prompt service, and complete customer satisfaction
are the standards that set us apart from all others. Our
dedicated staff believes in continual education which translates
to the highest quality craftsmanship for your peace of mind.
Sorry for the advertisement (it's part of the document)
Dave Swartz,RPT
dms2000@pioneerplanet.infi.net
This PTG archive page provided courtesy of Moy Piano Service, LLC