What this covers
Wet paper and photographs start to stick, bleed and grow mold within a day or two. Recovery services stabilize them fast, often by freezing, then dry them in a vacuum chamber, clean soot or mud from each item, and separate stuck photographs by hand. Many companies also scan the recovered items so you have a digital copy.
When to call
- Photographs, albums, letters, books or records that got wet or sooty.
- Important papers such as deeds, certificates or tax records affected by water or fire.
- Items that are already sticking together or starting to smell musty.
What to expect
- StabilizeWet items are frozen or kept cold to stop mold and sticking until they can be treated.
- DryVacuum freeze-drying removes the water without further damage.
- Clean and separateSoot and mud are cleaned off. Stuck photographs are separated by hand.
- Return and digitizeItems are returned flat and dry, with scans if you ask for them.
Get a certified company
Look up a certified company by ZIP code. Every company's license, insurance and trades are verified before it is listed, and placement is never paid.
Questions people ask
Should I try to dry photos myself?
Rinse off mud with clean water if they are muddy, then lay them face up in a single layer on a clean surface, or put them in a freezer bag and freeze them until a company can treat them. Do not pull stuck photos apart.
Can burned papers be saved?
Charred edges cannot be restored, but the readable parts can often be cleaned, stabilized and scanned.
How fast do I need to act?
Within a day or two for wet paper. Freezing buys time if the company cannot collect them immediately.
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This page describes what the service involves. The company you hire sets the scope, the schedule and the price, and your contract is with that company. We verify credentials and collect reviews from real jobs. We do not guarantee any company's workmanship. Safety steps are general guidance. When in doubt, leave the home and call 911.