How to Handle Smoke and Soot Damage Properly


Posted July 16, 2019 by servicemaster01

Smoke rises and spreads extensively so even if a structure is not totally destroyed by fire, there are other areas that would need smoke damage restoration.

 
When there is fire, there's smoke. Smoke damage can be present even in areas not directly impacted by the fire. Smoke rises and spreads extensively so even if a structure is not totally destroyed by fire, there are other areas that would need smoke damage restoration.

After a fire, soot damage is quite common. Soot forms due to incomplete combustion and these black powdery or flaky substances can cling to surfaces and are sometimes impossible to remove. Soot and smoke damage needs to be addressed immediately and adequately because not only are they unsightly, it is a lingering hazard and can further damage your belongings at home or in your place of business. They can also be dangerous to live around because ash and soot may contain chemicals that are harmful to your health. It is essential to clean a smoke-damaged property entirely because it can contain unpleasant odors and particles that are hazardous to breathe. Soot damage restoration for areas that is a direct result of fire damage is best left in the hands of experts. Even a minor fire that does not cause a lot of fire damage can still cause soot damage. Some soot damage to areas not directly impacted by the fire can be tough to clean, so it's also recommended that restoration efforts are handled by the professionals at Service Master by Wright.

There are 5 types of smoke damage.

1. Dry Smoke Residue – This type of residue occurs during fast-burning fires that burn at a high temperature. The residue is dry, powdery, and does not smear much.

2. Wet Smoke Residue – This type of residue occurs from slow smoldering fires with low heat. This residue is typically sticky with strong odors and can smear and be difficult to clean.

3. Protein Residue – This type of residue is invisible, and it can discolor paints, varnishes, and other finishes. It has a very strong odor.

4. Fuel and Oil Residue – This type of residue rarely comes from fires unless petroleum products have been stored on site. Most commonly, fuel and oil residue comes from furnace puff backs that cause a fuel oil soot. This is sticky and difficult to clean.

5. Fire Extinguisher Residue – This residue is also sometimes a necessity. Some types of fire extinguishers do not necessarily require clean-up after use, but chemical fire extinguishers do. Clean-up can vary by the type of fire extinguisher used.

Evaluating the extent of the damage must be done immediately after a fire, and specially trained experts should be called in to handle it properly. Certified techniques and state-of-the-art equipment might be needed for proper restoration.

Cleaning, resurfacing, and replacing are the most common solutions to smoke and soot damage. With over 40 years of experience, the experts at Service Master by Wright can assess fire and soot damage and outline the best plan of action for you.

Our qualified and professional team is here to serve you. Contact us at 866-676-7761 for a quicker response or simply visit https://www.servicemasterrestorations.com/ for more details. We serve businesses and homeowners located in Southwest Florida and nearby Counties.
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Issued By ServiceMaster by Wright
Phone 866-676-7761
Business Address 6451 Arc Way Fort Myers, Florida 33966
Country United States
Categories Home , Human Resources , Services
Tags florida smoke damage , florida smoke damage restoration , florida soot damage , florida soot damage restoration , smoke damage , smoke damage restoration , soot damage , soot damage restoration
Last Updated July 16, 2019