The devastating power of fire is readily noticeable when it ravages a home and all its contents. However, secondary damage from smoke is frequently taken too lightly. Unlike flames, smoke damage can go unnoticed or cause problems for an extensive period. Find out the three ways smoke might ruin your home and the mitigation steps you can take to get it back in shape once it’s been affected by smoke.
Consequences of Smoke Damage
Smoke has diverse effects on different materials. On top of that, the temperature and type of fire will create varying levels of smoke damage throughout your residential property. Because smoke particles are so subtle, one of the deadliest ways they can inflict harm is by means of slipping into little gaps and cracks.
They can even go undetected for lengthy periods, creating a lingering smoke odor that can last for months. The only way to eradicate the scent from your house is to remove or clean affected items and clean your home’s building components with odor-removing products.
Lingering Odors
If left untreated, the strong smoke scent can penetrate your home and linger for weeks or months. Just like in a smoker’s house, the walls, carpets, and upholstery in your home will absorb the smoke and generate a foul odor that is difficult to eradicate. Smoke’s physical properties allow it to sneak into small cracks and places you wouldn’t expect.
A professional smoke remediation company will perform an evaluation to find the best areas to clean. Materials must be fully cleared away from home in some cases. In other circumstances, a thorough cleaning will eliminate the soot and odors.
Rust and Corrosion
Various compounds and debris can be carried in smoke from a fire. Even if an area is not directly affected by flames, it may be exposed to acidic and hazardous elements that have floated through the air. In addition, smoke’s moisture content can corrode your home’s steel fixtures. Smoke can cause rust or corrosion, which might emerge after a fire.
Because rust can form over time, treating your home as soon as possible after a fire is vital. Rust and corrosion can form on metal furniture, home appliances, and electronics if there is a lot of smoke. Smoke damage doesn’t stop with your home’s exterior; it may also affect items like patio furniture pieces and grills.
Smoke Stains
Smoke stains are an easily noticeable type of damage. Black smoke and soot can leave unsightly discolorations on upholstery, fabrics, and flooring. Smoke can also stain wallpaper, backsplashes, and your home’s ceiling in the kitchen area. Smoke stains are severe and will get worse if left for too long. It is advisable to contact restoration experts for deep cleaning and steam washing to help bring back the home’s more permanent surface areas to their original condition.
Final Thoughts
Time is always crucial when it comes to smoke damage. The sooner you act, the more likely you will prevent permanent damage. The fastest way to identify what remediation options are available for homes that have survived a fire is to have them checked immediately. When in doubt about how to proceed, seek advice from a professional for advice on removing smoke odors and restoring the property to its pre-fire condition.
