Behavior of Smoke
A fire loss can result in complex damages because of the unique behavior of smoke. A trained professional should survey the loss site to determine the extent to which fire, smoke, heat, and moisture impacted building materials and contents.Experienced fire restoration professionals know that smoke can penetrate within cavities of the structure, causing hidden damage and odor. Their knowledge of building systems helps them investigate how far smoke damage may have spread.
Some things you may not know about smoke:
- Hot smoke migrates to cooler areas and upper levels of a structure.
- Smoke flows around plumbing systems, using holes around pipes to go from floor to floor.
- The type of smoke may greatly affect the restoration process.
Types of Smoke
Once at a fire scene, a First Class Professional will test the soot to determine which type of smoke damage occurred. Cleaning procedures will be based on the information identified during pretesting.Types of soot include:
- Wet Smoke Residues - Result from smoldering fires with low heat. Residues are sticky, smeary and with pungent odors. Smoke webs can be difficult to clean.
- Dry Smoke Residues - Result from fast burning fires at high temperatures. Residues are often dry, powdery, small, nonsmeary smoke particles.
- Protein Residues - Virtually invisible residues that discolor paints and varnishes. Extreme pungent odor.
- Fuel Oil Soot - Furnace puff backs distribute fuel oil soot.
- Other Types of Residues - Tear gas, fingerprint powder, and fire extinguisher residues also need cleanup.
Inspection and Pretesting
The First Class Professional pretests while inspecting the property to determine the damages and the scope of needed cleaning, restoration, and repairs.
Pretesting also allows the First Class Professional to focus on saving precious items or keepsakes for you.
Once the mitigation begins, the Franchise Professional will keep you informed and answer your questions, all while working to help make the fire damage “Like it never even happened.”
