What is Smoke Damage?

12/20/2019 (Permalink)

Before picture for soot damage in a residential home.

Everyone knows how devastating a house fire can be. It is possible that you will lose many loved belongings in the event of one. However, not many people realize that extinguishing the fire is just the first step in protecting your home. The smoke that fills your house in the event of a fire can be incredibly damaging, as well as leave behind a terrible odor. In some cases, it might even harm you and your house more than the actual flames. Not many people really know what smoke damage is or the negative impact it can have on your life.

Smoke Residue

Smoke residue will seep into your walls, carpet, and furniture, and it won’t go away on its own. The only way to truly get rid of smoke damage is by having professionals come out and clean it. The awful smell it produces is the main way to tell if smoke residue is in your home. In addition, it might cause portions of your walls to appear discolored. While smoke damage is an awful thing to deal with, it is always accompanied by soot, which can sometimes cause even more issues.

Soot

Just like smoke residue, soot will settle into your home after a fire. At times, it can be as easy to see as smoke damage. It is a substance that appears to look like black powder, and typically finds its way into furniture or walls. Soot is actually the byproduct of fossil fuels burning. It typically is comprised of acid, dust, and various chemicals. Smoke residue and soot will cause damage to your house, belongings, and even your health if not properly dealt with. Signs of soot and smoke damage in your house tend to present themselves within a few hours of a fire, but you may not notice anything awry for up to a few days.

The Damage

Smoke damage can cause an extensive list of issues that many people don’t even think about. For one, the damage to your home can be irreversible if left untreated for too long. Ceilings, walls, and floors can become discolored. This can start right after a fire, but discoloration might not appear for a couple of days. Metals appliances can become tarnished and start to rust. Material like marble and granite, which are typically found in countertops, might be permanently discolored.

In addition to interior damage, smoke residue and soot can have a serious impact on your health. This can present itself in skin irritation, respiratory issues, or eye irritation. All three of these problems may be more serious than they appear, and could require medical attention.

To minimize the impact that smoke damage can have on you and your home, reach out to SERVPRO of Ravenswood. Their fast response time and professional restoration process means that you can have smoke damage cleaned up before it becomes too serious. They will clean everything from your clothes to your furniture in order to get rid of any smoke residue. SERVPRO of Ravenswood can help out immensely after a house fire.