Smoke and Fire Impacts to Business-Critical Equipment | The Savvy Adjuster Podcast Ep. 41

In this episode of The Savvy Adjuster Podcast, we’re talking about the effects of smoke and fire damage on business-critical equipment. Host Chris Nichols welcomes back TechLoss Consulting and Restoration Corporate Vice President Bob Karbin and Vice President of Engineering Mikey Minor to discuss concerns about smoke and fire damage claims and the fire damage restoration process. These include corrosive elements in smoke, how extreme heat impacts functionality, and the importance of quickly stabilizing equipment. Listeners will gain insights into how degreed engineers can differentiate between repairable equipment and a total loss, factoring in everything from fire suppression system damage to business interruption. Listen on Apple, Spotify, or your favorite podcast platform.
Discussed in This Episode
- How smoke and fire contamination damages business-critical equipment
- The scientific process of wipe sampling to identify contamination levels
- How damage can also be caused by fire suppression systems and firefighting efforts, introducing water, chemicals, and debris
- Key actions adjusters and insureds should take to evaluate losses
- The importance of timeliness to prevent further equipment deterioration and control costs
- Stories from the field detailing unique and challenging smoke and fire claims, including explosions and widespread corrosion events
Additional Resources About Smoke and Fire Damage Claims:
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Alpine Intel’s content is meant to inform and educate readers using general terms and descriptions. They do not replace expert evaluations that determine facts and details related to each unique claim.
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Related Resources
Assessing Business-Critical Equipment After a Fire Loss Guide
Learn how experts assess commercial electrical equipment after a fire; address smoke, heat, and water damage; and provide recommendations for repairs or replacements.
Kitchen Equipment Fire Case Study
The policyholder and the insurance adjuster handling the claim weren’t sure how the garage fire started and needed conclusive evidence to know why it occurred and how to prevent another one.
Repair or Replace? Deciding on Next Steps for Claims With Business-Critical Equipment Guide
Many factors inform whether repair or replacement is the right solution for claims with business-critical equipment. Download the guide for a list of questions to answer.



