Laser Cleaning Services
Soot & Mold Removal
Dry, chemical-free removal of fire soot, smoke staining and surface mold from brick, stone, wood and metal.
After a fire or a flood, the structure is often sound but the surfaces are not. Soot bonds to brick and concrete, smoke residue soaks into porous stone, and mold colonizes framing and masonry once the water recedes. Gulf South Laser removes these contaminants with a laser instead of soda blasting, pressure washing or chemical treatment. The process is dry, so it does not drive more moisture into a building that has already been wet.
We work with restoration contractors, property managers and owners across Metairie, New Orleans and the surrounding parishes. The mobile unit sets up inside or outside the building and cleans the affected surfaces in place.
What we remove
- Fire soot and carbon deposits
- Smoke staining on masonry and stone
- Surface mold and mildew growth
- Water staining and efflorescence on brick
- Charring on the face of beams and timbers
- Residue from previous cleaning attempts
Surfaces we work on
- Brick, block and mortar
- Poured concrete and cast stone
- Natural stone
- Exposed wood beams, joists and decking
- Structural steel and ductwork
- Equipment and fixtures that survived the event
Why laser instead of blasting or chemicals
Dry process
No water, no soda, no chemicals. Nothing is added to a building that is still drying out.
Reaches into pores
The laser lifts soot and staining from the texture of brick and stone that wiping and washing leave behind.
Preserves original material
Historic brick, old-growth timber and cast stone are cleaned without being sanded or eroded.
Contained
The fume extractor captures what comes off the surface, so soot is not redistributed through the structure.
How a job works
- Site visit to assess the surfaces and the extent of the soot or mold.
- A test spot so you and your adjuster can see the before and after on the actual material.
- Systematic cleaning of the affected areas with extraction running.
- Final walkthrough, and the surfaces are ready for sealing, painting or rebuilding.
Who we serve
Where we work
Mobile service from our Metairie base across the New Orleans metro area and the Gulf South.
Soot & Mold Removal: frequently asked questions
Can a laser remove soot from brick?
Yes. Soot sits in the texture of brick and mortar where washing cannot reach it. Laser cleaning lifts the carbon out of those pores without eroding the brick face, which is why it is used on historic masonry after fires.
Does laser cleaning kill mold or just remove it?
The laser removes the surface growth and the staining it leaves behind. Mold inside wall cavities or behind finishes still has to be dealt with by your remediation contractor. We clean the exposed surfaces as part of that plan.
Is it safe to use inside an occupied building?
The laser is operated by a trained technician with shielding and fume extraction, and the work area is controlled while we are cleaning. We coordinate with the contractor or property manager on access and scheduling.
Can you clean charred wood?
Laser cleaning removes the loose char and soot from the face of beams and timbers and exposes sound wood. Structural evaluation of the member itself is up to your engineer or contractor.
Do you work with insurance claims?
We provide before and after documentation and a written quote that you can submit with your claim.
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Get a quote for soot & mold removal
Send a photo and a rough size and we will quote from it. Most metro-area jobs are scheduled within the week.