Artwork

Artwork ranges from inexpensive framed pictures to extremely valuable fine art. It can consist of fragile surfaces of pastels, charcoals, and watercolors to canvas paintings with oil pigments and acrylics. Fire-damaged artwork will fall into one of two categories:

• Valuable art requires the skill of a trained art restorer (known as a conservator). The SERVPRO franchise professional will usually subcontract fine art restoration to a conservator.

• Less expensive art does not warrant the costly specialized services of a conservator.

Books

Hardcover books can usually be restored after a fire, though the success of restorative procedures depends on the severity of damage. The SERVPRO franchise professional evaluates several areas when restoring books.

• Type of construction
• Pre-existing damage
• Water damage
• Heat damage
• Smoke residues
• Value of the book(s)

Whether books are stored on a shelf or individually exposed to damage situations, SERVPRO franchisees can restore the books using various methods based on the amount of damage.