The dangers that a fire brings to your home do not stop even after the flames have been extinguished. This is because you will still have to deal with smoke. Contrary to what some people believe, this major product of fire contains hazardous materials that can cause further and irreversible damage if not addressed quickly.
Even when things don’t completely burn, smoke will still be produced. Its unpleasant stench is not only irritating, it can also cause health problems, especially if the smoke comes into contact with harmful substances. When this is the case, it can make fire damage restoration more difficult and dangerous.
Among the health hazards that smoke can bring, the following are the most common:
- Breathing difficulties
- Bronchitis
- Stroke
- Cancer
- Asthma
- Premature death
Smoke damage refers to the physical ruin that smoke, as produced by a fire, can bring to your home. Strictly speaking, however, smoke itself does not destroy anything the way fire does. However, it does cover items with smell and soot, and this is where the danger begins.
Smoke has a complex composition, but its layer is somewhat greasy, and this is why it can be difficult to remove. In all cases, smoke will always want to move to cooler areas, including ducts, pipes, vents, crevices, and places that are hardly visited and difficult to reach. It may appear to dissipate fast, but as its particles cool down, smoke will leave behind a distinct smell that can easily penetrate the different areas of your house.
How Smoke From Fire Can Affect Your Home
Apart from health issues, deepwaterco.com said that smoke can remain in and around the house long after a fire has been put out because its strong odor will cling to a variety of items. This can cause the following conditions:
The sticky residue that forms from low heat and slow-burning fires is called wet smoke. This spreads easily and will usually leave smears which are quite difficult to remove. Only professional smoke smell removal experts can handle them since they are equipped with the best smoke and soot removing equipment and tools. Removing wet smoke on your own could make things worse.
Smoke odor is difficult to ignore because its particles will stick to clothing, carpets, upholstery, and other home items. The consequent damage is usually visible only after a few days, so it’s crucial that you take action immediately by hiring restoration professionals who will work on deodorizing your home.They normally have special and highly-advanced equipment that can effectively get rid of smoke particles.
Soot is a powdery substance which sticks to surfaces and is usually the result when a fire doesn’t fully burn. It can find its way to your HVAC system and eventually enter your lungs when you turn on the unit.
Smoke is an invisible enemy, so you might not notice the damage it can cause until it is too late. Smoke particles can permanently stain metal surfaces, marble, wood, and granite countertops if they aren’t cleaned up properly.
Smoke can also lead to skin irritation and can happen if you wear clothing that has been partly damaged by fire. Washing them won’t really work if you just use the regular detergents. Fire damage restoration companies are in a better position to do this since they are known to use a unique formulation when it comes to cleaning your clothes and other fabrics. Meanwhile, skin irritations that have become so severe may need medical attention.
Smoke, and particularly soot, can corrode metal surfaces such as pipes, fixtures, and doorknobs. A temporary solution would be to wipe the surfaces with cooking oil, but if you want to remove smoke smell permanently, the best option is to contact a fire damage restoration company.
The HVAC system in your home can also become susceptible to corrosion after a fire. The typical air conditioning unit has many metal parts that could end up rusty once smoke enters the ventilation system and stays there. When corrosion sets in, it can adversely affect the functionality of the HVAC system and might even end up as a fire hazard.
Smoke damage can begin immediately after a fire has been extinguished. If not addressed immediately, the smell of smoke will remain inside any damaged property where it can cause further destruction like corrosion and discoloration of furniture and appliances. Other than that, personal health is also placed at risk, especially when smoke is inhaled and when the skin gets irritated after wearing smoke-infused clothing.
It is important to resolve issues about smoke and the hazards it brings after a fire as soon as possible. While there are DIY jobs about this, it’s much better to rely on the expertise of professionals who are both skilled and knowledgeable and can efficiently deal with smoke and fire damage.
