A fire is one of the most traumatic things your household can go through. It devastates physical property and can affect a family’s mental and physical well-being. There are instances when residents want to return immediately to their homes. However, the damage is not limited to what’s directly charred by the flames. Smoke that lingers can cause even more problems after the fact.
4 Types of Smoke Damage to Deal With
Different circumstances create four common types of smoke damage. Residents may attempt to clean up. However, they may not know the specific ways to treat each kind. It is highly advised that professional restoration companies be hired to deal with these. A quick visit to a restoration company’s homepage can enlighten you about the tasks they can complete efficiently.
Dry Smoke
Dry smoke is caused by high-temperature fires that spread quickly through paper or wood. The residue left is powdery, and its odor is not as strong as the other types. Although it is relatively easy to clean, its composition is its drawback.
If not properly handled, particles can break down and circulate in the air. These can easily fall into wall cracks and cause electrical issues when they reach wires. They can also enter porous materials, like upholstery and carpets. Outer surfaces may look clean, but still, the smoky odor may persist.
Wet Smoke
Plastic and rubber produce this waste when they are burned by low-heat, smoldering flames. These blazes usually have fewer flames but produce foul-smelling, thick, black smoke.
Because wet smoke residue is sticky and dense, it can cover surfaces and often smear during cleaning. The greasiness makes it difficult to remove, and since it is “wet,” it can cause metals to rust and corrode.
Protein Residue
This type is created when organic material burns during a low-heat fire. Most instances of these are found in kitchens where mishaps may happen. This damage leaves no marks, but the smoke damages paint and other finished surfaces.
It may not be alarming to a normal person because it is invisible to the untrained eye. However, the pungent odor can stay if untreated. Also, there is the chance of costly repair work in the future if this smoke damage is ignored.
Fuel or Oil Residue
Fuel/oil residue is possibly the stinkiest and most difficult to clean. Luckily, it isn’t common in home or business places unless petroleum products are present. This type of damage can render any fabric it touches irreparable. Once settled, the thick sticky residue can attach to any surface.
However, fuel residue can also appear due to other factors. A puff back from faulty heating systems, like gas furnaces and boilers, can release smoke and soot in surrounding spaces. It takes professional help to remove this smoke damage.
Dealing With the Damage
Smoke and soot combined can ruin air quality and seriously impact the residents’ health. Also, the acidic compounds in these particles can eat away metal surfaces, weaken structures, and degenerate other surfaces.
Call on the experts to identify the damage. Fire damage restoration companies come equipped with the proper equipment, such as ozone or hydroxyl generators, that can remove volatile particles and odor from the air. They can clean surfaces with industrial-grade cleaning agents that can remove the greasy soot and disinfect on contact.
The Bottomline
Fire damage is difficult to remediate, but smoke damage is rather complex to fix. If you need help, restoration companies can help you 24/7 and can deal with any type of smoke damage. To correctly assess the damage and to resolve current and future issues from the get-go, let the experts do the job.
