While people focus on the flames in a house fire, within hours all signs of the fire disappear, and the residual effects of a fire – smoke – begin to cause problems. If not dealt with properly, smoke could turn a minor fire into an absolute disaster. When a property is damaged by fire, it is not only the flames but also the smoke and soot that cause significant damage to the property. This blog will demystify smoke damage and give insight into how professional restoration companies mitigate smoke damage to a property.
Fire Damage Restoration – Anchorage, Alaska
The Insidious Nature Of Smoke Damage
Smoke is as insidious as it is destructive, as it permeates the structure from the tops of ceilings to the infill of cabinetry and beyond. Long after the flames have been extinguished, smoke continues its process of devastation. Smoke particles released into the air are so minuscule that they can enter every pore and crevice of porous materials. The full process of restoration involves the processes of detection, measurement and remediation of damage that smoke hides inside.
Assessment And Identification Of Smoke Residue
The first step in the professional fire damage restoration process is assessing smoke residues. Restoration experts use advanced techniques to identify the type of smoke damage: whether it is from dry smoke, wet smoke, protein smoke or a combination. Each type has a different approach for removing residues. Some of the tools used in this process are thermal imaging and air quality testing that help to determine areas of smoke residues. These tools give professionals data to develop a restoration plan.
The Multifaceted Restoration Process
There is no universal solution for restoring smoke damage. Instead, restoration jobs are created anew depending on the combination of techniques and technologies. Dry smoke residue can be vacuumed and dry-cleaned, while wet smoke residue from a fire is often best removed using chemicals designed to go after subtle staining and potentially needing dehumidifiers for the process. Deodorizers such as ozone generators and air purifiers are used to mitigate smells, ensuring a restoration that goes beyond the visible surface.
Hidden Dangers: Structural And Health Risks
Not only does this have an obvious aesthetic effect, but smoke also carries with it many hidden dangers: residual smoke can corrupt the structural soundness of a building, especially when combined with water that has been used to fight the fire. And even more worrying is the health of the occupants, since inhaling smoke – or coming into contact with its residue – can cause significant health issues. Restoration is concerned not just with the visible damage, but also with removing the risks that might still exist.
The Importance Of Swift Action
In a fire damage restoration job, especially one involving smoke damage, time truly is of the essence. The longer smoke residue remains in the building, the harder it is to remove, and the higher the chance that damage will become permanent. In addition to being the most effective way to get the job done, quick action is important for pre-empting secondary problems, such as mold growth, corrosion, structural compromise and so on. A professional restoration team will take this fact to heart and make every effort to minimize the long-term effects of smoke damage.
Just as important as putting out the flames is the battle against smoke damage that follows a fire. And the more you understand about the processes that cause smoke damage, the better and more confident both you and your fire-damage restoration professional will be in battling the silent enemy. If fire damage affects you or someone you love, do not despair: contact TCM Restoration. We will use sophisticated technology, specialized knowledge, and a passion for restoring properties to their original condition to turn the tides against fire and smoke damage in your home or business.
