What Does Smoke Damage Do To My Home’s Contents?

A fire in your home, or business, is an unfortunate and devastating event. Not only do the flames damage everything they reach, but there are also major long-lasting effects that linger from the smoke.

What many people don’t realize is that in addition to the obvious damage caused by the flames, smoke, with its ability to travel further and more easily, can devastate parts of the building not even physically touched by the fire. Consequently, it can eat away at your home causing major issues down the road.

Let our expert smoke and fire damage cleanup team share everything you need to know about picking up the pieces to restore and save your remaining property after a fire.

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Smoke Damage in Calgary: What You Need to Know

Even a small fire that is put out promptly in your home or place of business, can still cause extensive damage to your property. What is even more concerning is that remaining smoke particles act similarly to acid and have the ability to eat away at certain materials as time goes on. This could continue to erode a building’s structure, long after the fire is out.

Many people don’t realize this, but there are different types of smoke that have different effects on the items in your home. Smoke causes significant unseen damage by seeping into the cracks and tiny spaces in every part of the building. Without a professional smoke restoration specialist, it may go undetected, leaving an unpleasant smell that can last for a very long time.

For these reasons, cleaning up smoke and soot without delay is your best bet at salvaging as much of your home and as many of your possessions as possible. Do not hesitate to bring in a professional commercial smoke damage specialist to assess the destruction and create a custom mitigation plan to ensure your home is completely clear of fire-related contamination.

After a Fire: Professional Smoke Cleanup

If you have had a fire it is important to properly ventilate the area to allow all smoke particles to disperse and avoid having them settle and spread. Here is how a commercial smoke cleanup professional will restore your space after a fire:

1. Clear the home of debris, and clean every surface with odour neutralizing products to remove the smell and the particles that cause the smell.
2. A smoke restoration team will have tools and techniques that will remove smoke particles from your furniture and other soft surfaces.
3. A regular vacuum can spread the smoke particles and soot around causing further damage. A professional will have access to industrial-grade equipment suitable for fire cleanup.
4. Washing all clothing items can help remove lingering smells, but sometimes a commercial cleaning detergent is necessary depending on how close your articles of clothing were to the fire source.
5. When cleaning furniture you will want to ensure you use the correct cleaners for the type of material the furniture is made of. It is not a one-size-fits-all solution; the incorrect cleaner can strip a wood stain or cause metals to deteriorate and rust. A professional smoke damage restoration specialist will have the knowledge of cleaning agents to ensure they are the right ones for your furniture.

Every home is unique therefore every fire restoration situation requires a one-of-a-kind solution. Our expert team at 24/7 Restoration in Calgary, Alberta will ensure your home or business's smoke cleanup is done correctly to restore every nook of your home back to its pre-fire condition.

Get It Done Right

When it comes to smoke damage it is important to have it cleaned up as quickly as possible to avoid causing more permanent damage. Some materials, such as synthetic fibres and porous materials need to be assessed on day one to be saved and restored to their original state. Many areas of your home such as walls, flooring, and wood need can become irreparable if not addressed quickly. Due to its acidic nature smoke can cause metal surfaces to rust if not actioned in sufficient time.

The longer you wait to bring a professional smoke restoration team into your home or business after a fire, the more time the destructive smoke particles have to cause further damage. To help restore your home or business back to its pre-fire state, be sure to take prompt action and call a professional right away to properly assess the damage, make a plan, and take your house back to your home again. For more information or to get an estimate today call us at 403-247-4365 or fill out our online contact form.

FAQs

Q: Can I stay in my home when it has smoke damage?
A: In a word: No. After a fire, your home is full of lingering smoke and soot which is very dangerous to breathe in. Once in your body, these particles can have negative effects on your health such as eye irritation, respiratory issues, and skin rashes. If you have previous health conditions such as asthma or an autoimmune disease you will be even more at risk of complications.

Q: What should I do after a fire in my home?
A: If you have had a fire in your home (assuming the fire has been put out safely and it is time to deal with the next steps) it is recommended that you contact your home insurance provider to make a claim. Once your home is safe and secure contact an experienced restoration company in Calgary to get started on your fire and smoke cleanup.  

Q: Do I need a commercial smoke cleaning service if the fire was small?
A: In the case of most small fires, trying to clean up the remaining soot and smoke is the most difficult part. Even small fires can do a lot of damage in a short amount of time- leaving behind particles that eat away at the home's structure and unpleasant odours. For the best chance at restoring your home and furniture after a fire, a professional restoration company will have the proper tools and experience to clean up your property and help save your belongings.