Smoke can wreak havoc on your property in a matter of minutes. Swift response and speedy restoration are crucial to preventing long-term damage. Our experts here at STOP Restoration of Charlotte North understand the seriousness of this situation and are available for assistance 24/7.
Whether big or small, fires can cause significant destruction to a property, often leaving behind irreversible consequences. From personal belongings and furniture to the property’s structure and its foundational elements, there are so many things that a fire can harm. However, it isn’t the flame alone that causes this destruction but the consequent smoke.
Smoke is airborne and reaches parts of the property the fire hasn’t even touched. Smoke is a time-sensitive issue that, if left unattended, acts like an acid eating at your property’s structural materials and weakening them beyond repair.
Our team at STOP Restoration of Charlotte North values the integrity of your property and prioritizes its preservation above all else. Here’s what you need to know about the impact of smoke damage:
How Does Smoke Damage Impact Your Home?
Research regarding the full extent of smoke damage is still ongoing. Still, it is proven that the temperature and origin of the fire create different variations of smoke all around the property. Even the makeup of the smoke varies and often contains highly toxic acids like carbon and sulfur, which, if inhaled, can cause permanent lung damage.
The most noticeable effect of smoke is visible on the metalwork within your property. Depending on the type of smoke and the kind of metal, the consequences can range from tarnish to decay and outright corrosion. Small doorknobs, kitchen fittings, appliances, structural materials, and décor, smoke affects all kinds of metal differently. Corrosion often impacts the property’s plumbing system, weakening pipes and causing them to decompose. Corroded pipes eventually burst, leading to massive water leaks.
Smoke is airborne and consists of extremely fine particles that can embed themselves deep within wall cracks and crevices, ceilings, floors, and furniture items. It produces a burning smell that lingers around for ages and can only be eliminated by industrial-grade vacuums and cleaners. Moreover, smoke particles also sneak into porous materials like carpets, rugs, marble countertops and trigger permanent discoloration.
How to Clean Smoke Damage
Start by opening the doors and windows to encourage thorough ventilation. Without wasting time, reach out to a reputable restoration agency and have them come over to assess the damage. In the meantime, wash all porous materials like wood, tiles, marble, and plastic to prevent soot from permanently settling within the cracks. Next, use a kitchen sponge to rub oil on all metal items. The layer of oil acts as a barrier between smoke and metal, slowing down the formation of rust and buying the restoration team a little more time to work their magic.
Don’t try to wash carpets, rugs, walls with wallpaper, or touch anything sooty with your bare hands. Wait for the restoration agency to take over; they have special equipment like HEPA vacuums, alkaline cleaners, and air movers that help them tackle smoke damage safely, efficiently, and swiftly.
Dealing with smoke damage alone can be very intimidating, but STOP Restoration of Charlotte North is here to lend a helping hand. Our educated experts have years of training and experience in managing smoke-damaged homes and restoring their initial charm.
