24/7 Emergency ServiceSmoke and Soot Restoration Process Guide
5/4/2022 (Permalink)
Restoration experts use dry sponges to scoop up sticky soot particles from the walls and ceilings.
Fire breakouts can be tough on homeowners both emotionally and economically. The devastation after a fire outbreak can be difficult to handle, especially if there's salvageable property. The choking smoke odor and the thick layer of soot make restoration a challenging affair even for seasoned cleanup experts.
If you find yourself in this unfortunate situation, your best bet is to call a licensed fire damage cleanup company. A poor restoration process can create more residential or commercial property problems. Soot and smoke residues can further property deterioration and lower its overall salvage value. It weakens structural components and destroys electrical appliances such as HVACs. Engaging a professional fire cleanup company is the best way to ease stress and reduce further property damage.
Steps before the restoration process
A homeowner can do a few things before the cleanup team arrives at their premises.
Step 1: once the fire has died down and the premises is safe for entry, the homeowner should inspect all rooms to identify salvageable items.
Step 2: Sort out personal belongings and separate ruined items for easy disposal.
Step 3: Move the salvageable items to a safe location as you wait for the professional cleanup team's arrival.
Once the soot removal team arrives, they'll have an easier time inspecting the property for the extent of soot and smoke damage. Smoke and soot restoration
Soot and smoke restoration is a delicate exercise that's best left to experienced fire damage cleanup teams knowledgeable in handling fire disasters. These teams will carefully inspect each room to determine the extent of fire damage and what's salvageable. Some items may be damaged beyond repair and not worth the trouble of restoration. Restoration professionals can also help homeowners make accurate assessments when filing insurance claims.
Dealing with smoke damage
Even a few minutes of smoke exposure can leave large portions of your property clouded with soot. Prolonged smoke exposure can lead to permanent wall staining that is hard to reverse. Furthermore, the corrosive smoke particles can penetrate permeable structural components and weaken them.
• The smoke removal team begins the cleanup by inspecting smoke damage on ceilings, walls, and flooring.
• The team then opens all doors and windows to improve air circulation, which helps eliminate smoke odors.
• Dry cleaning may be necessary to remove smoke particles stuck on windows, ceilings, and wall surfaces.
• Next is a wet cleanup using professional cleaning products. Alternatively, you can use Vinegar, baking soda, and hot water solutions to neutralize the smoke odor.
• The restoration experts then apply a degreasing solution and scrape off stubborn smoke residues using soft-bristled brushes.
• The last step entails rinsing the surfaces with warm water.
Handling soot damage
Soot can be a major respiratory hazard, especially if some family members have preexisting respiratory complications. Poor vacuuming techniques can cause the soot to spread to unaffected surfaces.
• The cleanup team uses specialized vacuuming equipment and protective gear to soak up soot residues on the flooring.
• The restoration experts use dry sponges to scoop up sticky soot particles from the walls and ceilings. The professionals clean the soot using special overlapping techniques to prevent soot streaking.
• After the dry-sponge cleaning, the team applies a degreasing solution to eliminate soot particles from glass surfaces.
• The cleanup concludes with a baking soda and vinegar solution wipe down to neutralize residual odor.
Electronics damage
Soot and smoke particles pose a significant risk to electrical appliances. It's advisable to move quickly when dealing with soot residues if you have expensive electronics on your premises. Many electrical components contain hazardous materials that release toxins when exposed to heat or corrosive smoke particles.
When soot particles settle on electrical appliances, they reduce heat conductivity, raising the risk of overheating and a potential secondary fire breakout. It's essential to leave electrical soot cleanup to professionals to limit further component damage.
Coverwood restoration
Wood finishes tend to absorb smoke particles at a higher rate than many other materials. Coverwood restoration begins with an inspection to determine the best approach for tackling soot residues. Sometimes, applying a sealant is all that's required to neutralize smoke odor and restore the furniture.
In some cases, the restoration team may opt for sanding and refurnishing to remove the soot-coated outer layer. Wood sanding is particularly effective in restoring wooden surfaces to their original state.
Furniture & carpet cleaning
Fabric finishes are notorious for absorbing and retaining odor. While many DIY carpet cleaning options exist, sometimes it's best to go the professional route. With carpets, deep cleaning with a degreasing solution eliminates most of the odor. However, if the fire damage is too extensive or the items are low-value, you are better off replacing them than incurring the cost of salvaging the items.
Why you should hire fire damage experts
SERVPRO of Winter Park is an experienced restoration company specializing in property restoration after damaging fire outbreaks. Our cleanup teams employ sophisticated restoration techniques to lessen the emotional and financial loss of fire damage. Our professional cleanup unit uses specialized restoration equipment to get the job done swiftly and efficiently.
Below are the benefits of working with a certified fire salvage company:
• Specialized soot and smoke odor removal techniques
• Mold control using certified products
• Extensive reconstruction abilities
• Reliability in processing insurance claims