The behavior of SMOKE

8/3/2016 (Permalink)

There are two different types of smoke -wet and dry. As a result, there are different types of soot residue after a fire.

A fire loss can result in complex damages because of the unique behavior of smoke.  A trained professional should survey the loss site to determine the extent to which fire, smoke, heat and moisture impacted building materials and contents.

SERVPRO Dale City/Lake Ridge Professionals know smoke can penetrate various cavities within the structure, causing hidden damage and odor.  Our crew’s knowledge of building systems helps them investigate how far smoke damage may have spread.  Here are some facts you may not know about smoke:

·         Hot smoke migrates to cooler areas and upper levels of a structure.

·         Smoke flows around plumbing systems, seeping through the holes used by pipes to go from floor to floor.

·         The type of smoke may greatly affect the restoration process.

The different types of Smoke:

Wet Smoke (Plastic and Rubber)

Low heat, smoldering, pungent odor, sticky, smeary.  Smoke webs are more difficult to clean.

Dry Smoke (Paper and Wood)

Fast burning, high temperatures, heat rises therefore smoke rises.

Protein Fire Residue (Produced by evaporation of a material rather than from a fire)

Virtually invisible, discolors paints and varnishes, extreme pungent odor.

Fuel Oil Soot (Furnance Puff Backs)

While “puff backs” can create havoc for homeowners, SERVPRO Dale City/Lake Ridge Professionals can, in most cases, restore the contents and structure quickly.

 Other Types (Tear gas, fingerprint powder and fire extinguisher residue)

Other Types (Tear gas, fingerprint powder and fire extinguisher residue)

Special loss situations require special care.

 SERVPRO Dale City/Lake Ridge Professionals are trained to handle even the toughest losses.  If your home or business sustains fire or smoke damage, contact us at 703-583-8484 to help make it “Like it never even happened.”