Smoke Damage Cleanup And Repair
There are few home disasters more devastating than a fire. Not only is the initial experience terrifying and destructive, but taking care of the aftermath can be emotionally, physically, and financially draining. Once you remove the debris and non-salvageable belongings from your home, you will need to identify and deal with the leftover damage. Recovering from a fire can cost thousands of dollars, even upwards of $50,000 if the roof or kitchen is destroyed.
When it comes to long-term consequences, smoke can be just as much of an issue as the fire itself. Finding and repairing smoke damage can be especially cumbersome as it is not always visible to the human eye. Tiny particles can settle in hidden spaces and cause harm without you knowing. Moreover, they are often stubborn and challenging to remove. At American Veterans Restoration, we know all the right tricks for finding and repairing smoke damage and fixing up your home.
When wood and other organic materials burn, they produce a mixture of gases and fine particles called smoke. Smoke residues can be physically harmful to building materials as well as your belongings. The thin film left behind contains sulfides, chlorides, and other acid precursors. Burned plastics, such as PVC piping, are particularly corrosive and can permanently damage electronics through corrosion and odor. Even if it does not destroy them, it can still interfere with their functioning.
Smoke can also contaminate HVAC systems by entering heating and cooling ducts, impacting indoor air quality until adequately dealt with. Inhaling smoke long-term or even short-term can cause temporary and permanent health effects, ranging from dizziness and difficulties breathing to increased risk of heart attack, stroke, and cancer. Tiny smoke particles can enter the bloodstream or penetrate deep into sensitive areas of the lung and lodge there, aggravating respiratory illnesses such as bronchitis and asthma.
Dealing With Smoke Odors
One of the most frustrating smoke elements to deal with is odor. It can settle in any number of places and persist for decades if left alone. When it permeates fabrics such as curtains, clothing, and upholstered furniture, a regular washing or cleaning job is typically inadequate. Even after several rounds in the washer, you are still able to smell it. To eliminate the smoke odor completely, items need to be treated with special chemical counteractants that break up smoke particles on a molecular level. Which type of counteractant you should use depends on what materials were burned during the fire. A professional restoration company like American Veterans Restoration can identify the correct counteractant and apply it where needed. Sometimes, more comprehensive measures are necessary. With thermal fogging, a chemical fog is dispersed throughout your home and walls to neutralize smoke odors. Another process, called ozone treatment, utilizes tenting and powerful generators that produce O3, a powerful oxidizer that attacks organic materials.
Professional Smoke Clean Up And Repair
Restoring and repairing a home devastated by smoke can be complicated and time-consuming to do on your own. Moreover, the most hazardous components are often invisible and odorless. Considering the potential health complications caused by residual smoke particles, it is best to consult a professional. American Veterans Restoration technicians have the right tools and know the best techniques for dealing with smoke in obscure places and making your home like new. Contact us today to make all your smoke worries fade away.
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