Extinguishing a house fire does not necessarily mean no more damage can be done. While the flames themselves are the primary threat to you and your home, the resulting smoke and soot can be just as destructive if left untreated.
Smoke damage not only threatens human health; it can also permanently ruin home structures and personal belongings. Here, we’ll discuss all of the potential effects of smoke damage and why professional fire damage restoration always includes smoke and soot cleanup.
Immediate Effects of Smoke Damage
Fire smoke is composed of particles such as soot and ash, along with gases such as carbon monoxide and volatile organic compounds. Caused by incomplete combustion during a fire, smoke can linger long after the fire is put out. It will damage a house’s most vulnerable materials first, including fabrics, wooden furniture, electronic systems, and more.
The form and severity of damage will vary depending on the type of smoke and the extent of the fire. There are a few commonly recognized types of smoke damage:
- Wet Smoke Residue: The thick and sticky residue resulting from fires that include rubber, plastics, or synthetic materials.
- Dry Smoke Residue: The powdery residue resulting from fires fueled by paper, wood, and other natural materials.
- Protein Residue: Residue that smells like sour milk, resulting from the burning of foods and organic materials.
- Fuel Oil Soot: Dense and odorous soot from furnace fumes.
The immediate impacts of smoke damage inside a house may include surface staining and discoloration, difficult-to-remove odors, and damage to directly impacted and vulnerable devices, such as electronics and appliances. The faster the smoke is removed and your home is cleaned, the more likely it is that your home’s structure and personal belongings will be salvaged.
Long-Term Effects of Smoke Damage If Left Untreated
On the other hand, there is a greater chance of danger and irreversible damage if smoke is left untreated. Even materials that resist smoke damage, such as concrete and fire-resistant glass, are still at risk of permanent staining and corrosion in severe cases.
Different types of smoke damage have distinct impacts. Protein residue, for example, can permanently ruin paint and varnishes if it is not addressed quickly. Likewise, untreated fuel oil soot can spread smoke stains and even increase the likelihood of another fire.
For any type of smoke damage, impacted porous materials will have lasting odors that are difficult to remove. Given that there is damage to key structural components of the home, this could decrease property value if not addressed.
Health Effects of Smoke Damage Exposure
Getting to safety is the number-one priority during a house fire. Once the fire is out, the smoke damage should be addressed by a professional restoration team before any residents return inside. The primary reason is that the inhalation of smoke comes with numerous health risks:
- Respiratory infections and side effects that include coughing, shortness of breath, and asthma attacks
- Headaches, dizziness, and fainting
- Lung and lower airway inflammation
- Other serious health complications, particularly if you have a chronic condition or another risk factor
If you suspect you have inhaled fire smoke or have any of the above symptoms after a house fire, seek medical attention as soon as possible.
Why Professional Restoration Is Essential for Smoke Damage Cleanup
The best full-service restoration companies prioritize thorough and comprehensive smoke and soot damage cleanup during fire damage restoration. Not only does smoke removal and cleanup help prevent further structural damage and salvage impacted belongings, but it also could save at-risk residents from dangerous health complications.
For fire damage restoration, Valley Restoration addresses lingering smoke and odor along with thermal injury to belongings and infrastructure, and water damage from extinguishing the fire. Here’s what you can expect from fire and smoke damage restoration:
- Thorough Assessment: As soon as our team receives your call and arrives at your property, we will evaluate and document your home’s fire and smoke damage.
- Secure Property & Store Belongings: Next, we will prepare the property for restoration by coordinating the removal, cleaning, and storage of all necessary belongings. We also may board up any openings caused by the fire.
- Dehumidification & Deodorization: Our technicians will make sure to remove all water from fire extinguishers. We use industry-grade tools for dehumidification and ventilation, ensuring your property is dry and deodorized before moving on to the next sage.
- Removal of Debris: We’ll clean all of your salvageable items and remove anything that cannot be repaired. Permanent structural damage and debris will also be cleaned up.
- Smoke Removal and Monitoring: Our team has thorough treatment plans for every form of smoke damage. Along with clearing out smoke, we will monitor for remaining traces to ensure your air quality is completely restored.
- Reconstruction and Restoration: Finally, if reconstruction is needed, we’ll repair any damaged structural property, returning your home to its original condition.
Get Rid of Smoke Damage For Good With Valley Restoration
For fire and smoke damage restoration near the Wood River Valley, call Valley Restoration for 24/7 service. Our IICRC-certified technicians are professionally trained to tackle every stage of fire damage restoration, from smoke and soot removal to debris cleanup and home reconstruction.
From the initial call to the final cleanup, Valley Restoration leads the recovery process, prioritizes your safety, and ensures your property is left in pristine condition. We proudly serve the following areas:
- Wood River Valley
- Bellevue
- Blaine County
- Hailey
- Carey
- Ketchum
- Sun Valley
- Twin Falls
- Jerome
- Filer
- Buhl
- Hagerman
- Kimberly
- Shoshone
- Wendell
- Gooding
- Burley
- Rupert
- Murtaugh
For reliable 24/7 disaster recovery service, contact Valley Restoration at 208-788-2789.