Dry Ice Blasting: Effective Cleaning Method for Fire Restoration and Cleaning of Commercial and Industrial Ceilings

Dry Ice Blasting: Effective Cleaning Method for Fire Restoration and Cleaning of Commercial and Industrial Ceilings

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Dry Ice Blasting: Effective Cleaning Method for Fire Restoration and Cleaning of Commercial and Industrial Ceilings

The ceilings of factories and commercial properties are often overlooked in the cleaning process – but ceilings need some attention too.

Dry ice blasting is a particularly effective method for cleaning commercial and industrial ceilings that have corrugated steal decking and trusses.

Dry ice blasting can be done as part of a regular cleaning routine, after a fire, or in instances where paint is flaking off and falling into the production and process areas. It is also a great method for cleaning up production residue, such as grease, oil, and dirt.

For fire restoration, dry ice blasting is the most effective approach for a quick recovery that saves money by restoring instead of replacing the ceiling. It takes care of smoke odor and soot removal, providing better and cleaner results. The need for additional cleanup is also eliminated as dry ice pellets sublimate on contact.

In the case of wood ceilings, dry ice blasting equipment can be used to shave wood surfaces, exposing clean timber and a HEPA vac system is used to contain the particles for transfer.

Here are three things you should know about commercial and industrial high-level cleaning:

Sediment Accumulation Can Turn into a Health Issue

Accumulating dust and sediment on ceilings are more than just an aesthetic problem (though it can make locations look worn out and dull). The dirt and grime can also lead to health issues for employees. Dry ice blasting removes the buildup of grease, dirt, and even paint, to keep facilities as safe – and as clean – as possible. Furthermore, falling dirt and debris can affect machinery and disrupt production lines, ultimately impacting product quality. Therefore, regular cleanings can ensure a more productive workplace, and we can repaint ceilings after cleaning, to further improve the look of the space.

High-level Cleaning Can Be Performed with Limited Downtime

The biggest barrier to commercial and industrial high-level cleaning is usually finding the time to get the job done.  Businesses understandably hesitate to interrupt production, but we are able to minimize factory downtimes. Dry ice blasting is a completely dry method that is able to get into all of the hard to reach nooks and crevices of ceiling decking and trusses. It also produces no secondary waste, other than the residue removed, so the disruption to a business’ production is limited. We also offer the flexibility to schedule the cleaning around specific requirements so as to make the cleaning process as efficient as possible.

Only Work with Professionals

Cleaning at high levels can be dangerous. Therefore, it’s important to ensure that the company carrying out the cleaning has had its employees complete a “working at heights” training program, delivered by a certified training provider, to meet government requirements.  With decades of industrial cleaning experience, we pride ourselves on creating safe work environments for our customers and employees.

If your ceilings could use some TLC, contact Wickens to learn more about high-level cleaning and how we can provide this service in your facility. Our mobile fleet is ready to tackle the toughest jobs in Toronto, Hamilton, Ottawa, London, Burlington, Windsor, Barrie, and Northern Ontario.


Wickens Dry Ice Blasting tackles the toughest jobs across Ontario, offering fire restoration, mould remediation, asbestos abatement, lead paint abatement, and more. Contact us today for a consultation or emergency service!

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Why Fire Restoration and Clean-Up is Best Left to Professionals

Why Fire Restoration and Clean-Up is Best Left to Professionals

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Why Fire Restoration and Clean-Up is Best Left to Professionals

While the damage caused by fire is devastating, the greatest challenge isn’t always the loss of property, but actually lays in the clean-up process.

If you’re considering cleaning up smoke and fire damage by yourself, think again. Walking into a building after a fire could put your life and health in danger. For instance, fire often causes unseen damage that compromises the structure and stability of a building. That’s why police and fire services spent two days assessing the security and safety of Notre Dame Cathedral after a structural fire broke out in April 2019. Toxic fumes can accumulate in the floors and walls, and can go undetected due to the overwhelming smell of fire. In addition to the health risks, cleaning up after fire damage is an incredibly complex process.

Fire Cleaning is a Job for Professionals

You can’t just walk in with general cleaning equipment and expect to clean up after a fire. Fire restoration and cleaning are tasks best left to professionals. A professional restoration company will send out an experienced crew to quickly remove the ash, water, and smoke residue that poses a threat to everything in the building.

Restoration professionals have access to state-of-the-art tools and techniques that get the job done right the first time. They also know exactly how to assess and avoid the potential for harm while repairing damaged and weakened structures.

Dry Ice Blasting is a Superior Fire Cleaning Technique

After a fire, you don’t necessarily need to replace everything in the building. Dry ice blasting is an effective fire restoration technique that helps prevent you from having to replace structural components such as wood and masonry. Dry ice blasting is a gentle, safe, and non-toxic way to remove fire residue from even the smallest and most difficult to reach areas.

We Can Help with Fire Restoration

If you’re facing the aftermath of a fire, contact us for professional cleanup services. Our team of professionals are experienced in cleaning industrial and commercial structures and production and plant equipment, and our work meets the highest industry standards.

Our mobile fleet is ready to tackle the toughest jobs in Toronto, Hamilton, Ottawa, London, Burlington, Windsor, Barrie, and Northern Ontario. Contact us today to see how we can help with your fire restoration needs.


Wickens Dry Ice Blasting tackles the toughest jobs across Ontario, offering fire restoration, mould remediation, asbestos abatement, lead paint abatement, and more. Contact us today for a consultation or emergency service!

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Check out Our New Case Study: Toronto Condo Fire Restoration

Check out Our New Case Study: Toronto Condo Fire Restoration

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Check out Our New Case Study: Toronto Condo Fire Restoration

before and after condo fire restorationA fire in a Toronto condo building displaced residents from their homes and caused damage to both the interior unit and the building exterior, even affecting nearby balconies with smoke damage. The restoration company in charge of the project called in the professionals at Wickens Dry Ice Blasting to deal with the extensive fire damage.

Wickens was able to restore the condominium building with a quick turnaround, allowing residents to return home and removing all evidence of the fire from the interior and exterior.

Read the full case study here to learn more about the fire restoration process and results.


Wickens Dry Ice Blasting tackles the toughest jobs across Ontario, offering fire restoration, mould remediation, asbestos abatement, lead paint abatement, and more. Contact us today for a consultation or emergency service!

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Check out Our New Case Study: Subway Restaurant Fire Restoration

Check out Our New Case Study: Subway Restaurant Fire Restoration

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Check out Our New Case Study: Subway Restaurant Fire Restoration

When a fire leaves a business unable to function, it’s crucial to call in the experts to restore the damaged areas and get back to serving customers as quickly as possible. That’s why a restoration company called the professionals at Wickens after a Subway restaurant in Burlington experienced serious fire damage.

A light dry ice blasting was performed on the walls, followed by a spray application of smoke seal with BIN white shellac primer.

Read the full case study here to learn more about the fire restoration process and results.


Wickens Dry Ice Blasting tackles the toughest jobs across Ontario, offering fire restoration, mould remediation, asbestos abatement, lead paint abatement, and more. Contact us today for a consultation or emergency service!

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Check out Our New Case Study: Via Rail Fire Restoration & Prevention

Check out Our New Case Study: Via Rail Fire Restoration & Prevention

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Check out Our New Case Study: Via Rail Fire Restoration & Prevention

Inside the Via Rail maintenance centre in Toronto.Via Rail connects Canada from coast to coast—so it’s crucial to keep trains running safely and efficiently. After an incident involving an exhaust vent that caught fire, Via Rail called in the professionals at Wickens Dry Ice Blasting to restore the area and provide preventive cleaning to avoid similar issues in the future.

Wickens was able to mobilize quickly with multiple crews and equipment, providing fire restoration and preventive cleaning with minimal downtime.

Here are some of the key takeaways from this fire restoration project:

  1. Conditions giving rise to catastrophes can be mitigated by regular maintenance cleaning.
  2. Ongoing maintenance prevents unscheduled costly shutdowns.
  3. Secondary waste is a serious consideration on every job. Knowledge of how to contain, capture and properly dispose is of the utmost importance.
  4. Contractors have to safely work around the site without compromising lighting, movement, fire suppression, ingress, and egress.
  5. Failure to comply with M.O.E and risk management policies puts companies at peril.
  6. Competent technicians working at heights on aerial platforms and in confined spaces are required to ensure a thorough job is completed.

Read the full case study here to learn more.


Wickens Dry Ice Blasting tackles the toughest jobs across Ontario, offering fire restoration, mould remediation, asbestos abatement, lead paint abatement, and more. Contact us today for a consultation or emergency service!

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Fire Damage? The Clock Is Ticking

Fire Damage? The Clock Is Ticking

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Fire Damage? The Clock Is Ticking

Dealing with smoke and fire damage is something you hope to never go through. Once the fire has been extinguished, it’s important to start the cleanup process as quickly as possible. Whether it’s a residential or industrial environment, the damage caused by a fire starts to set in immediately and only gets worse if left untouched.

A Timeline of Fire Damage

Here’s a quick guide outlining what can happen after a fire:

  • Within Minutes: Soot starts to turn plastic yellow, porous materials like marble and alabaster can become permanently discoloured, small appliances that were close to the fire become discoloured.
  • Within Hours: Uncoated metals can tarnish, countertops can yellow, soot residue stains grout in bathrooms, fiberglass bath fixtures can yellow, furniture finishes can become discoloured, and finishes on appliances such as fridges can yellow.
  • Within Days: Acidic soot residue causes wall paint to become permanently yellowed, wood furniture will require refinishing, clothing becomes stained with soot, upholstery becomes permanently stained, vinyl flooring requires refinishing or replacement, and metal can corrode, pit, and rust.
  • Within Weeks: After weeks have passed and the damage has set in, the cost of fire restoration rises significantly. Silver becomes permanently corroded, synthetic carpeting can yellow or become permanently discoloured, and glass, china, and crystal may be severely etched and pitted due to the acidic soot residue.

Following a fire, acting quickly will help to reduce the damage and associated costs, and provide the best chance for a successful restoration.

Why Use Dry Ice Blasting for Fire Damage?

For quick recovery from fire damage or smoke damage, dry ice blasting is the most effective approach. It provides a rapid turnaround, saving you money by restoring instead of replacing. Restoring indoor brick, outdoor stone, and even brick paint removal is accomplished with this safe and non-toxic cleaning solution.

Fire restoration services can include:

  • De-charring/Blast Cleaning
  • Dry ice blasting
  • Soda blasting
  • Media blasting
  • Manual clean up
  • Vacuuming
  • Fogging
  • Deodorizing
  • Smoke seal

Leave it to the Professionals

Don’t try to deal with smoke and fire damage on your own. Call experienced fire restoration professionals who can respond quickly to minimize the damage and get the structure back to its original condition.


Wickens Dry Ice Blasting tackles the toughest jobs across Ontario, offering fire restoration, mould remediation, asbestos abatement, lead paint abatement, and more. Contact us today for a consultation or emergency service!

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Roger White