Smoke Damage After a Fire

3/27/2019 (Permalink)

Smoke Damage After a Fire

Residential and commercial fires can be devastating. Even a minor fire can cause major damage to a property. What most people may not realize is that the actual flames are only one part of the damage that occurs during a fire. Many times, smoke damage is significantly worse.

Smoke is a byproduct of most fires, leaving your home or business smelling like charcoal. Smoke is visible because it contains tiny particles of carbon and other materials and becomes trapped in fabrics, upholstery, and carpeting.

Oftentimes smoke can cause headaches or make you feel physically ill. For those with asthma, allergies, or chronic lung diseases, odors from smoke and fires can increase your symptoms or cause sudden attacks.

Cleaning and Deodorizing Smoke Damage

While you may be able to clean and deodorize smoke damage on your own, prolonged exposure increases the chances of lingering odors. Since smoke can travel much further than flames, it may be necessary to clean and deodorize several rooms or your entire property.

Smoke restoration is the process of removing smoke odors after a fire. The exact deodorization process will vary depending on the extent of the fire smell and the type of materials involved.

Upholstery and fabrics are often dry cleaned with special chemical deodorizers to neutralize the smell. Carpeting is often treated with deodorizing chemicals, then either steam or dry cleaned. Porous materials like drywall and wood often require ozone treatments to completely remove fire smells.

Smoke odors may persist even after cleaning up soot and fire damage. Successfully deodorizing after a fire requires immediate action. These actions may include treating surfaces with commercial deodorizing chemicals specifically designed to neutralize smoke smells.

For persistent or overwhelming smoky smells, it may be necessary to use an ozone generator. These machines produce ozone (O3) molecules that help to remove fire and smoke odors.

SERVPRO is an experienced smoke damage restoration company. Our crews are experienced in cleaning and deodorizing smoke smells after a fire.

SERVPRO’s technicians use commercial grade equipment to remove smoke odors and clean fire damage. From carpeting and upholstery to walls and cabinets, we will deodorize your home or business after smoke damage.

Let SERVPRO of Port Jefferson give you peace of mind in an emergency. Call 631-476-5300