Smoke damage can be extremely devastating to your property. Smoke damage can come in many forms and each type can have different levels of impact on your property and require differing methods for restoration.

People often think that if an area was not directly impacted by fire that smoke damage is not present, but this is no true. During a fire, smoke will migrate to cooler areas and upper levels of a structure, so even if you have a minor kitchen fire on the first floor of a building, the upper levels of the property may also require smoke damage restoration.

People will sometimes have the area directly impacted the fire restored and try to mask the odor of smoke in other areas of the structure, but this is not an effective method to getting your property back to its original condition.

Types of Smoke Damage

Soot from fires can come in several forms, including:

• Dry Smoke Residue – Dry smoke residue occurs during fast burning fires that burn at a high temperature. Dry smoke residue is generally dry, powdery, and does not smear much.
• Wet Smoke Residue -Wet smoke residue occurs from smoldering fires with low heat. Dry smoke residue is sticky with strong smoke odors. During cleaning, wet smoke residue can smear, making cleanup more difficult.
• Protein Residue – Protein residue is essentially invisible and it can discolor paints, varnishes, and other finishes. Although this residue is not very visible, it has a very strong smell.
• Fuel / Oil Residue – Fuel oil residue rarely comes from fires unless petroleum products were being stores on site. More commonly fuel and oil residue restoration comes from furnace puff backs that cause a fuel oil soot. This can be relatively sticky and difficult to clean.
• Fire Extinguisher Residue – Fire extinguisher residue is also sometimes necessary. Some types of fire extinguishers do not require clean-up after use, but chemical fire extinguishers. Clean up can vary by the type of fire extinguisher used.

Methods to Clean Smoke Damage

There are three restoration methods to rid your property of smoke damage. They are:

• Cleaning – cleaning is the most cost effective and quickest method, so it is a favorite option for insurance companies and homeowners alike. Restoration companies will use a variety of methods to reduce soot and foreign matters from items that have been damaged by fire.
• Resurfacing – resurfacing is an effective method if a property is not severely damaged by fire or smoke, but the aesthetics of the surfaces in the home are impacted. Resurfacing includes things like painting, re-upholstering, and re-carpeting properties that have been impacted by minimal fire damage.
• Replacement – when items in your property are damaged beyond physically possible or economically feasible repair, replacement is required. Replacement generally has the highest cost because old items are being replaced with something new. This is generally a last choice selection.

Smoke Damage Restoration in the Gulf Coast Region

If you have experienced fire damage at your home or business in the Gulf Coast region and require professional smoke damage restoration, contact Action Restoration today! We will provide you with a comprehensive assessment of the damage that has been done to your property and an estimate of the cost and amount of time it will take to repair. We will assist you with your insurance claims to ensure that everything is filed correctly so your repairs can begin as quickly as possible.