The Behavior of Smoke

10/20/2017 (Permalink)

The damage to your property following a fire can often be complicated due to the unique behavior of smoke. There are two different types of smoke--Wet and dry. As a result, there are different types of soot residue after a fire. 

SERVPRO is thoroughly trained in fire cleanup and restoration and know the different types of smoke and their behavior patterns. Knowing this information is vital to proper restoration. Before restoration begins SERVPRO will survey the loss to determine the extent of impact from fire, smoke, heat and moisture on the building materials and contents. The soot will then be tested to determine which type of smoke damage occurred. Pretesting determines the proper cleaning method and allows SERVPRO to focus on saving your precious items. 

SERVPRO knows smoke can penetrate various cavities within the structure causing hidden damage and odor. Their knowledge of building systems helps them investigate how far smoke damage may have spread. The following are additional 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. 

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. 
• Fuel oil soot (furnace puff backs) while "puff backs" can create havoc for homeowners, SERVPRO can restore contents and structures quickly. 
• Other Types (Tear gas, fingerprint powder and fire extinguisher residue) Special loss situations require special care.