Shedding Light On Fire Damage

5/14/2020 (Permalink)

Have questions about fire, smoke, or soot damage? Call SERVPRO of East York!

DAMAGE BEYOND THE FLAMES:

Fire damages go beyond the fire itself! Smoke and soot damage are common, and are very invasive. Smoke and soot can penetrate various cavities within your home, causing hidden damage and odor. SERVPRO of East York's smoke damage expertise allows us to accurately assess the extent of the damages to develop a comprehensive plan of action.  

SMOKE AND SOOT FACTS:

• Hot smoke migrates to cooler areas and upper levels of a structure.
• Smoke flows around plumbing systems, seeping through the holes used by pipes to go from floor to floor.
• The type of smoke may greatly affect the restoration process.
• Smoke and soot can continue to cause damage and corrosion after a fire is out.
• Odors from smoke will stay in a room or a home long after the fire, and continue to cause problems if they are not removed.
• In just a few minutes, walls and other surfaces can become discolored.
• Smoke causes etching in glass after just a short time, and smoke will tarnish metal quickly.

NOT ALL FIRE DAMAGE IS THE SAME:

There are two different types of smoke – wet and dry. As a result, there are different types of soot residue after a fire. Before restoration begins, SERVPRO of East York will test the soot to determine which type of smoke damage occurred. The cleaning procedures will then be based on the information identified during pretesting. Here is some additional information:

Wet Smoke: Plastic and Rubber

• Low heat, smoldering, pungent odor, sticky, smeary. Smoke webs are more difficult to clean.

Dry Smoke: Paper and Wood

• Fast burning, high temperatures, heat rises therefore smoke rises more quickly.

Protein Fire Residue: Produced by evaporation of material 

• Virtually invisible, discolors paints and varnishes, extreme pungent odor. 

DON'T DO IT ALONE: WE'RE HERE TO HELP!

Residue left behind from a fire is bio-hazardous and can cause health complications if not taken care of correctly. Attempting to clean fire damage on your own may cause additional damage, and can be quite costly. Only trained professionals, with the right training and equipment, can ensure that the job is done properly.

What NOT to do:

• Do not use electrical appliances until they have been checked
• Do not touch anything with your bare hands. Oil from your hands can cause additional damage
• Do not wash walls or attempt to clean carpets and upholstered furniture

OUR FIRE DAMAGE EXPERTISE:

Because each smoke and fire damage situation is a little different, each one requires a unique solution, tailored for the specific conditions.  We have the equipment and experience to restore your home or business after fire and smoke damage. 

Have questions about fire, smoke, or soot damage? Call SERVPRO of East York today at 717-665-1270!