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Fire & Water - Cleanup & Restoration

Understanding the Smoke And Soot Damage Restoration Process

4/21/2022 (Permalink)

Of all the experiences humans can go through, one of the most terrifying and devastating disasters is that of fire. In moments, it has the power to destroy precious memories, possessions, and entire properties. After assuring the safety and well-being of employees, family members, and/or yourself – and recovering from the shock you will initially face – the recovery process must begin.

Smoke and soot restoration, as well as water restoration and more, will be best executed by a professional fire damage restoration company. This is your first step forward. These people have the know-how and the tools to deal with all the damage caused by fire, including that which may be hidden. After a fire, it is very likely that soot and an intense smoky smell will be present.

Soot and Smoke

In your commercial building or home, ongoing issues can be contributed by soot and smoke. Your property and components within will be further deteriorated by both of these. In a matter of days, walls can turn yellow from smoke. Even if not initially fire damaged, electrical equipment can corrode courtesy of soot.

Soot and smoke damage restoration should be immediately pursued. Your best bet is to call a highly skilled, experienced, reputable, fire/water damage restoration company. Shortly, we’ll introduce you to just such a company.

In the meantime, let's look more closely at soot and smoke restoration.

The Restoration Process

Professionals who deal with property restoration (following a fire) must be familiar with smoke damage, fire, and the facts surrounding them. They have to understand and recognize what is worth replacing and what can be restored or repaired. To both your insurance adjuster and you, the property owner, a restoration company who is reliable will relay any information they discover.

On the floor and other areas affected by the fire, soot will be removed by the restoration crew. They will clean up loose soot by using a professional soot/smoke vacuum and protective gear. For any additional particles, an inspection will be done of the walls, as well. More vacuuming will occur if necessary.

With a chemical sponge or dry-cleaning, the ceilings, windows, and walls will be cleared of smoke. Only on dry surfaces can this work be done. Now the big cleanup can begin. Cleaning solutions of professional grade will be used here. To scrub off soot and oil soluble particles, degreaser will be used. Then, to thoroughly rinse off cleaning products, hot water will be used.

Restorations

For removing smoke odor and damage, a lower success rate applies to unfinished wood. The offensive odor may, indeed, be trapped if a sealant is applied. The restoration company will fill you in on the best course of action.

Carpet and furniture cleaning may be possible but, in many cases, complete replacement may be called for. It's very tricky to get out the odor of smoke because carpets and fabric soak it up so completely. You may choose to go ahead and clean furniture and carpeting, but if the odor persists, you will want to replace it.

Your electronics can be harmed by soot, smoke, and fire byproducts. To have them restored, it's important to act quickly. When metal and plastic are exposed to exceptionally high temperatures, electronics can be damaged by the toxins produced. In fact, various levels of damage can be caused to electronics by a fire. Seriously consider completely replacing electronics that look like they may have been affected.

Call SERVPRO of Hoboken/Union City For Commercial or Residential Fire Restoration

The SERVPRO of Hoboken/Union City team knows the damage and hazards fires routinely cause. We have 24-hour emergency service and are faster to any disaster than our competition.

In addition to fire restoration, we provide cleaning services, residential services, and commercial services that cover the damage done by water, mold, and so much more. 

Call us at 201-656-0035 or contact us through our convenient online form.

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