Smoke and soot and how the SERVPRO fire restoration process works

5/18/2021 (Permalink)

Blog summary: Details on the impact of smoke and soot after a fire damage event and SERVPRO’s restoration process and services.

The aftermath of a fire

Once the fire is extinguished, smoke and soot residue settles into the property. Soot is a very fine, black powder substance (0.25 µm in size), which binds to walls and fabric. Smoke is a visible collection of a variety of solid, liquid, and gas particles left unburned during the combustion process. Soot and smoke spread incredibly quickly throughout a fire-damaged property, causing discoloration of walls and leaving a lingering odor. 

A fire restoration company must be able to ascertain the various kinds of smoke and their behavior patterns. This is crucial to help decide the most effective cleaning method:

1. Wet Smoke – Plastics and Synthetics; Low heat, smoldering, pungent odor, sticky, smeary. 
2. Dry Smoke – Paper and Wood; Fast burning, high temperatures, dry, powdery, non-smeary residues. 
3. Protein – Virtually invisible, discolors paints and varnishes, extreme pungent odor. 
4. Fuel Oil Soot – Furnace Puff Backs. 
5. Other Types – Tear gas, fingerprint powder, and fire extinguisher residue.

Soot and smoke have the following impact, if not addressed within a day or two or some hours, in some cases, of the fire damage:

1. May cause health effects
2. Painted walls and wood furniture can become permanently stained if not addressed quickly. 
3. Metal surfaces can rust and corrode when smoke and soot particles are left sitting too long. 
4. The odor will settle into contents and if not cleaned effectively and swiftly, the damage may be irreversible.
5. The longer the delay, the more extensive the damage and the higher the cost to arrest further damage and restoration.

One must follow the emergency fire tips until the professional help arrives. A fire restoration company like SERVPRO follows the following steps to bring the property back to pre-fire condition:

Step 1: Emergency Contact

Once a call is made to SERVPRO, the restoration process begins. The representative will ask questions regarding the fire damage event that will help determine the appropriate equipment and resources. 

Step 2: Inspection and Fire Damage Assessment

• Surveying: Inspect the property with the client to determine the areas that have been affected. 
• Pretesting: The cleanability of surfaces is pretested as per the SERVPRO® Franchise System process designed to identify those items that will be restorable. 
• Assessment: Finally, a summary of the findings and explanation of the best steps for restoration is shared with the client. 

Step 3: Immediate Board-Up and Roof-Tarp Service

Fire damage can often compromise windows, walls, and roofs. To maintain security and to protect against further damage, SERVPRO can board up missing windows and walls and place tarps on damaged roofs. 

Step 4: Water Removal and Drying (if water damage is present)

The water removal process begins almost immediately and removes the majority of the water. SERVPRO uses dehumidifiers and air movers to remove the remaining water and complete the drying process. 

Step 5: Removal of Smoke and Soot from All Surfaces

Specialized equipment and techniques are utilized to remove smoke and soot from ceilings, walls, and other surfaces. 

Step 6: Cleaning and Sanitizing

SERVPRO cleans, sanitizes, and disinfects all of the restorable items and structures that are damaged by fire. A variety of cleaning techniques are used to restore belongings to pre-fire conditions. Removing odors using industrial air scrubbers and fogging equipment is also a specialized service that is available.

Step 7: Restoration

Restoration is the final step—getting the home or business to its pre-fire condition. Restoration may involve minor repairs, such as replacing drywall, painting, and installing new carpet; or it may entail major repairs such as the reconstruction of various areas or rooms in a home or business.

Other services that SERVPRO can provide:

1. Clothing, carpets, and upholstery cleaning
2. Cleaning, buffing, and polishing of metals such as silver and brass
3. Floor finishing hard surface floors can be mop cleaned, stripped, sealed, and refinished if conditions warrant them
4. Document/photograph restoration for valuable keepsakes that are irreplaceable
5. Electronics cleaning removes the residues, which may cause corrosion leading to electronic failure in the device
6. Artworks may be cleaned of soot or smoke by technicians or further subcontracted to a professional art restorer
7. Ductwork may be needed if smoke is detected
8. Additional cleaning may be needed to remove heavy soot and prepare walls and ceiling for sealer and paint
9. Move-outs may be needed to prevent further damage to the contents during the restoration process
10. Contents Claim Inventory Service helps in the creation of a comprehensive room-by-room inventory, enabling easier content settlement

Why SERVPRO?

• SERVPRO uses state-of-the-art equipment to bring the damaged property back to its original state. SERVPRO of Lakeway / Westlake is always updating its fleet and equipment so clients in Lakeway, Westlake, or anywhere else can quickly access the services. 

• With over 1,700 US and Canadian Franchise locations, SERVPRO is strategically positioned to respond faster to an emergency of any magnitude.

• The SERVPRO staff is highly trained in property damage restoration. They receive initial in-house training and constant skill up-gradation at the corporate training facility and also acquire the regular IICRC-industry certification.

For fire damage restoration services, call SERVPRO of Lakeway / Westlake today at (512) 261-4790