by Walter Lumpp Sandblasting, properly done, can save the property owner and insurance company both time and money in insurance reconstruction. As part of a three-step procedure (sandblasting, odor treatment, resinous sealer), it can also assist in guaranteeing that the odors of a fire will not become a future reminder of the owner's loss. The cleaning of heavy smoke residue and char from structural lumber after a fire can be a time consuming and labor intensive operation. On the other hand, if the smoke and/or fire damage is extensive, and has seeped into cracks and crevices which are difficult to reach by hand, sandblasting might be a better choice. It's important to note, however, that sandblasting is not a cure-all