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What Is Smoke Damage?

May 2, 2024
Fire Damage

Smoke damage refers to the physical or structural damage caused by smoke rather than the fire itself. Unlike fire, which directly destroys materials, smoke leaves behind soot and harmful particles that can seep into porous surfaces, compromising the integrity of your home and possessions.

Smoke damage is one of the most challenging aftermaths of a fire. While the flames might have been contained, the lingering effects of smoke can be just as harmful, leaving behind unseen damage that requires professional restoration.

At Axel Works, we’re committed to helping you recover quickly and wholly from the worst disasters. Read on to learn more about what smoke damage is, fire damage do’s and dont’s, and how we can help you rectify it.

 

How Is Smoke Damage Different from Fire Damage?

Smoke damage is often more insidious than fire damage. While fire consumes everything in its path, smoke infiltrates cracks, crevices, and porous materials like furniture and walls, leaving behind stains, odors, and harmful particles that are difficult to detect and remove.

Some of this damage is visible to the naked eye, such as black soot-covered walls and floors or a greasy residue on surfaces. However, because smoke particles creep into small cracks and crevices throughout your dwelling, most of the damage is much more difficult to detect. For example, items like furniture. painted walls, and clothing may be damaged beyond repair, though they might not look different to the naked eye.

 

Smoke coming out of roof

Smoke odor is very strong and leaves behind a lingering smell as well as harmful particles embedded inside the walls and deep inside fabrics. If left untreated, it can lead to damaged ventilation systems, compromised air quality, permanent discoloration, and pipes that rust and corrode.

It is crucial to have certified professionals like Axel Works check for smoke damage after a fire to avoid major problems down the road.

Types of Smoke Damage

Understanding the different types of smoke damage is crucial for effective remediation. Here’s a breakdown:

  1. Wet Smoke: Caused by smoldering, low-heat fires, wet smoke leaves a sticky residue that is hard to clean and can cause severe damage if not addressed quickly.
  2. Dry Smoke: Resulting from high-temperature, fast-burning fires, dry smoke is powdery and can penetrate even the smallest cracks, causing extensive hidden damage.
  3. Protein Smoke: Originating from kitchen fires, this type of smoke is almost invisible but leaves a strong odor and can discolor paint and other surfaces.
  4. Fuel Smoke: Rare in homes, fuel smoke comes from burning petroleum-based materials. It leaves a thick, sticky residue that is extremely difficult to clean.

Is Smoke Damage Dangerous?

Yes, smoke damage is dangerous, not just to your property but also to your health. Lingering smoke particles can cause respiratory issues, skin irritation, and even carbon monoxide poisoning. It’s especially harmful to vulnerable groups such as the elderly, children, and those with pre-existing health conditions.

The gravest dangers from smoke damage concern your health. Inhabiting a space with lingering smoke particles can cause lung problems, skin damage, and carbon monoxide poisoning.

Although everyone should be extremely cautious when it comes to entering a place that may have sustained smoke damage, people with certain underlying health issues must be particularly careful.

The elderly, people with heart or lung issues, people with diabetes, and children whose respiratory systems have not yet fully developed have a higher risk when it comes to smoke damage. No matter how mild you think your smoke damage may be, it is vital to call professionals as soon as possible to determine the presence and level of smoke damage.

Wallpapered wall obscured by smoke

Can You Live in a House With Smoke Damage?

Living in a house with untreated smoke damage is hazardous. The particles can linger in your ventilation system, walls, and fabrics, leading to long-term health issues. Immediate professional inspection and restoration are crucial.

 

Is Smoke Damage Covered By Insurance?

Yes, smoke damage is typically covered by homeowners’ insurance. It’s essential to document the damage thoroughly and work with a licensed restoration company like Axel Works to ensure that all damage is accounted for and properly restored.

You should never assume that just because the flames have not affected your residence, that the smoke has not either. Smoke damage can come from a neighbor’s home as well as wildfires and the fire does not have to originate in your residence for you to be covered.

When filing a smoke damage claim, it’s important to provide all the pertinent evidence as quickly as possible. Take photos, note the date of the fire, all rooms and items impacted by it, and work with a licensed and vetted restoration company when removing the damage.

At Axel Works, we’ve been through a strenuous vetting system, including insurance and license checks, making us an approved vendor for the leading insurance companies. They trust us to do quality work for you and for them.

 

How to Clean Smoke Damage: Why You Should Call a Professional

Cleaning smoke damage isn’t a DIY job. The process requires industrial tools, specialized cleaning agents, and protective gear. Attempting to clean smoke damage yourself can worsen the problem, making it harder for professionals to restore your home later.

That process depends heavily on the size and length of the fire as well as what started it. For example, fires caused by burning plastic release a more toxic odor that is harder to remove.

Airing out your home is the first step in removing smoke damage. Opening doors and windows, removing screens, and turning on fans can help circulate fresh air and hopefully direct free-floating smoke particles outside. If it is safe to enter your home or office, airing out the affected area is an important early step to hopefully mitigate any damage and help make the cleaning process more effective.

You should always wear rubber gloves when handling anything with soot residue, and all upholstery and fabrics that may have been damaged must be thoroughly cleaned.

Bathroom with smoke damage

Ultimately, smoke damage is not something that can or should be removed on your own. In order to clean smoke damage a person needs industrial tools, chemicals, and personal protective equipment not readily available to civilians.

Plus, professional cleaning is covered (and recommended) by insurance companies, so why stress yourself out? Not only can it be detrimental to your health to attempt to remove smoke damage, but common household cleaning products can actually make the damage worse, leading to problems with your insurance adjuster later on. A professional smoke damage restoration company will take many steps to get your property back to its former glory. They are:

Steps in Professional Smoke Damage Restoration:

  1. Inspection: Professionals will thoroughly inspect your property to identify both visible and hidden damage.
  2. Board Up/Tarp Service: To protect your home from the elements, any roof or structural damage will be temporarily covered.
  3. Water Removal: Any water from firefighting efforts will be extracted to prevent mold growth.
  4. Smoke and Soot Removal: Industry-grade tools will be used to remove all smoke and soot residues from your home.
  5. Cleaning and Sanitizing: Your property will be cleaned and sanitized using the latest techniques to ensure it’s safe for re-occupancy.
  6. Rebuilding: Any damaged structures will be restored to their original state.

After the cleaning process is finished, make sure your AC filters are changed as well, and have your ventilation system inspected by a professional to remove any lingering particles.

It is important to remember that the majority of smoke damage is invisible. The most detrimental damage is what is inside your walls and deep in your carpets. Leave the cleaning to professionals to save yourself literal, metaphorical and insurance headaches down the road.

 

A Fire Can Be Devastating But We Are Here For You

While you may think you’ve been spared if you managed to contain your home fire to a particular area, checking for and properly removing smoke damage is a crucial step in ensuring your future health.

A fire is devastating no matter how big its impact, and at Axel Works, we’re here to help you through your toughest moment. With our Rapid Emergency Response, we’re available 24/7 and our licensed and certified staff will be with you as quickly as possible to get the restoration process underway.

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