Resnix, LLC 
The Fire Was Out. The Danger Wasn’t
Your walls look fine. The odor has faded. The insurance company’s adjuster says, “wipe down walls and paint.” Think again.
After a fire, ultrafine soot (often ≲2.5 microns) can hide in HVAC systems, insulation, and wall or ceiling cavities—hundreds to tens of thousands of times smaller than a grain of beach sand. You can’t see it, but you can breathe it. That invisible residue carries toxins and can corrode wiring and metals over time.
About Joseph Colafrancesco
Joseph Colafrancesco is a licensed public adjuster, a Level 3 Xactimate estimator, and the owner of an IICRC-certified restoration firm, holding multiple IICRC certifications personally. With more than a decade of hands-on experience spanning demolition, excavation, turnkey construction, remediation, and restoration—across residential, commercial, storm-damage, and government projects—Joseph brings unmatched real-world expertise to every claim.
Unlike typical adjusters, Joseph has advised contractors on job costing, labor allocation, and post-project profitability reviews, giving him a rare, insider-level understanding of how restoration actually works both inside and outside the insurance world. This perspective enables him to develop detailed, defensible claim packages that accurately reflect actual costs—not insurance minimums.
Connected to top experts, Joseph uncovers hidden contamination, anticipates real-world project costs, and ensures properties are restored to complete, code-compliant condition. For homeowners facing the stress of fire, smoke, soot, or lingering odor claims, he brings the precision, oversight, and advocacy needed to secure the full amount property owners are entitled to—funding complete and proper repairs, not cosmetic patches.
The Situation
A large home suffered a fire-related loss, primarily involving smoke, soot, and odor damage, after an electrical fire in an HVAC unit located in the basement smoldered, spreading smoke into the wall, ceiling, and attic cavities. Because the contaminants traveled through concealed spaces rather than coating surfaces, the interior appeared nearly untouched.
The Invisible Danger of Fire Soot
- Beach sand: 100–2,000 microns
- Soot particles: ≈2.5 microns or smaller (400–80,000× smaller)
- Red blood cell: ≈7 microns
- Dust in a sunbeam: ≈40 microns
Particles this small penetrate deeply into HVAC systems, insulation, and wall and ceiling cavities, where they are invisible without specialized testing. They also enter the human lungs, cross into the bloodstream, and carry toxins, heavy metals, and carcinogens throughout the body.
The Red Flags
Weeks later, the property owner still noticed a persistent odor even after the carrier’s approved repair methods had been completed. They hired a public adjuster who, after becoming concerned about the effectiveness of the repairs, called on Resnix and brought in Joseph Colafrancesco for his expertise.
Resnix’s experts approached the property with a forensic inspection plan that included:
- 3D scans
- Soot sampling
- Moisture readings
- Hands-and-knees inspection of attics, closets, and cavities
While the insurance company’s team spent roughly 30 minutes on site, Joseph conducted over three hours of interior inspection and documentation review. The carrier’s adjuster was influenced by the home’s pristine appearance—recently remodeled with new finishes and even protective covers still on the light fixtures. Yet behind vents, electrical outlets, and tub/shower assemblies, the conditions told a very different story. Smoke and soot had been driven deep into the wall and ceiling cavities, permeating the insulation and framing members. Because the contamination was concealed rather than on exposed surfaces, it posed an even greater risk.
Findings
Resnix’s inspection revealed that nearly 100% of the concealed surfaces were coated in soot despite appearing undamaged to the insurance company and its representatives.
Our Intervention
Armed with comprehensive documentation, Resnix prepared a detailed scope of loss and worked directly with all materially interested parties. Leveraging Joseph’s expertise and data-driven approach, Resnix demonstrated that a wipe-and-paint method would not restore the property to a safe, code-compliant condition.
Result: The carrier approved funding for the complete removal of affected areas, combined with multi-level cleaning and replacement of porous and corrosion-prone materials throughout the property. The homeowner avoided years of hidden contamination and potential health risks while updating and restoring the home correctly. In the end, the contractor and adjuster maintained a positive working relationship with Resnix’s expert because the dispute was resolved through facts, reasonable analysis, and necessary action.
Takeaway for Homeowners
“Looks fine.” ≠ “Safe.” Smoke and soot travel farther than you think.
- Rely on experts—public adjusters and IICRC-trained inspectors—to document hidden damage.
- A proper claim means a truly restored home and full insurance recovery.
If you’ve had a fire or smoke loss, don’t risk your health, safety, or significant financial impacts after it’s too late. Contact Resnix today for a complimentary fire damage claim review.
📞 Call now or click here to request your free fire claim consultation.
