Smoke, Soot Hazards Following A Gainesville Fire

9/14/2020 (Permalink)

Smoke and soot present major health hazards if not cleaned and treated correctly following a fire.

Smoke and soot is very invasive and can penetrate various cavities within your home, causing hidden damage and odor. But not only that, it can also have hazardous health affects if not treated and cleaned properly.

Our smoke damage expertise and experience allow us to inspect and accurately assess the extent of the damage 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 Environmental Protection Agency has a list of the affects of smoke as a health hazard and the National Cancer Institute discusses how soot can affect you.

Different Types of Smoke

There are two different types of smoke–wet and dry. As a result, there are different types of soot residue after a fire. 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.
Protein Fire Residue – Produced by evaporation of material rather than from a fire

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

Our Fire Damage Restoration Services

Since 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, expertise, and experience to restore your fire and smoke damage. We will also treat your family with empathy and respect and your property with care.

If you have questions about fire restoration or smoke and soot removal, call SERVPRO of Gainesville West/Alachua County West today at 352-374-6589.