There is no doubt that, even if the fire is small, a fire in your house can be a highly traumatic event. After the fire is put out, it is crucial to begin cleanup. Avoid certain actions at all costs. Here’s our ‘Dos and Don’ts’ guide to recovery from a house fire.
After a fire, Reztor Restoration experts can fully clean and sterilise your property. It will make your home safe for you and your family.
What exactly is smoke damage?
Physical damage caused by smoke instead of fire is smoke damage. Smoke, caused by the remains of the fuel that fed the fire, does not damage anything like fire. It instead coats objects with soot and odour.
The nature of smoke is diverse but often results in a greasy film that is hard to remove. No matter size, smoke will want to go to cooler locations and use any methods. Ducting, wires, pipes, and gaps suggest that smoke often reaches places you cannot see.
While smoke appears to vanish rapidly, the fast cooling of the fumes leaves a coating and odour that can affect the design and layout of a building.
Smoke Exposure from Fires
When carbon-containing materials are incompletely burned, smoke is created. All smoke contains carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, and soot. The kind and amount of particles and compounds in smoke vary based on what is burning, the amount of oxygen present, and the burn temp.
Inhaling tiny particles can have many negative health impacts, including respiratory discomfort and shortness of breath, and can aggravate medical disorders, including asthma and heart disease. Combined with physical effort, carbon monoxide and particulate matter can worsen cardiac effects. When exposed to carbon monoxide or tiny particles, symptoms normally fade but may persist for a few days.
The most effective approach to avoid exposure is to avoid smokey environments. If your age or health status puts you at higher risk of smoke inhalation, talk to your doctor about other steps you can take in smoky surroundings. Anyone who has persistent or regular symptoms that they believe are caused by smoking exposure should contact their doctor.
The Most Common Smoke Damage
We all know that fire is the source of smoke damage, but did you know that the type of fire involved might influence the outcome? The smoke and soot produced will behave differently depending on how the fire started.
Electrical issues, smoking, cooking, and simple mishaps or accidents are the most common causes of fires. However, you may sustain special damage as a result of the following types of fire smoke:
Water-logged Smoke
Fumes from low-heat, smouldering fires, notably burnt rubber or plastic items, are referred to by this phrase. They emit a strongly unpleasant burnt plastic odour.
These plumes are very thick and dark, making them ideal for causing damage to your property. They can also cause metal goods to rust and corrode if left for too long. This variety is also particularly greasy, making cleanup that much more difficult.
Good luck if you try to clean up by yourself. It’s infuriating and obstinate. Please leave it to the professionals.
Smoked Protein
The vapours created by the combustion of organic substances are classified in this category. It is most frequently encountered during careless kitchen operations.
This type is difficult to combat because it is mostly undetectable. There are no large black stains or oily marks on your painted or unpainted walls. The main indicators are paint deterioration and a strong odour.
Burnt Fuel Smoke
The combustion of petroleum, oil or anything similar produces fuel smoke. This kind is less likely to be encountered inside a home or business. Oil fume damage is more likely in garages or warehouses that store petroleum.
It’s the foulest-smelling variety and is difficult to clean. Any item it comes in contact with is likely irreparable. Once settled, the residue is thick and sticky, allowing it to adhere to almost any surface.
Wet Smoke
Dry smoke from high-temperature flames can swiftly travel throughout structures. They are frequently caused by paper or wood, which is why they are frequently associated with house fires. The residue left behind on smoke-damaged things is powdered rather than sticky, making cleanup easier.
It’s a powdery composition, wreaking havoc on your home. It can cause long-term electrical damage. Fortunately, the odour isn’t overpowering, and an experienced team would perform a comprehensive cleanup.
Do Smoke-damaged Homes Pose A Danger?
The health risks of fires are no longer present after the flames are extinguished. However, this needs to be corrected.
Smoke is extremely harmful. Tar and carbon are two of the most prevalent byproducts of smoke, but they can also contain heavy metals and other poisons. These substances can have serious health consequences if inhaled for a long time.
Staying in a smoke-damaged property can make breathing difficult. Lungs and sinuses might be affected. Persistent particles in clothing and furnishings can irritate the skin. These skin irritations might be severe at times.
Even if you can’t see any smoke damage, you must have a fire repair specialist come in and thoroughly clean and decontaminate the entire property. Remember what we stated earlier: even if a minor appliance fire is promptly extinguished and restricted to one room, smoke damage can occur in property regions you cannot see.
Residual carbon monoxide can also prevent oxygen from reaching the heart, brain, and other vital organs.
Summary
Your health is not only at risk from the immediate fire. Whether or not there is visible smoke damage, staying in a fire-damaged property harms one’s health.
Smoke particles can become trapped in porous materials such as drapes, carpets, furniture, and plasterboard. Prolonged exposure to smoke particles can lead to health concerns later in life, such as respiratory disorders and skin irritations.
Specialised cleaning is required for fire and smoke damage. If you have any questions, please contact Reztor Restoration. We advise you as a smoke and fire damage restoration professional.