What is smoke damage?

1/6/2023 (Permalink)

Fire against a dark backdrop

Smoke damage is a type of property damage that can occur when a structure has been exposed to fire or excessive smoke. This type of damage can cause long-term issues if not addressed right away, including corrosion, discoloration, and even permanent loss of items. Understanding what smoke damage is, how it occurs, and the steps to take for fixing it can help you protect your property from further harm. 

What is Smoke Damage? 

Smoke damage occurs when there is a fire or smoke exposure in an enclosed space. The smoke from the fire combines with the oxygen in the air and produces soot particles that settle on surfaces throughout the area. These particles contain harmful chemicals like carbon monoxide, hydrogen cyanide, and other toxic materials that can cause further damage when left untreated. The longer these particles are allowed to remain on surfaces, the more likely they are to cause corrosion or discoloration over time. 

How Can You Identify Smoke Damage? 

Identifying smoke damage isn't always easy because it can appear differently depending on the type of surface affected. You may be able to see dark stains or discoloration on walls and ceilings caused by soot particles settling into porous surfaces like wood or fabric. On non-porous surfaces like metal or glass, you may notice a hazy film caused by the oxidation of these materials due to contact with heat from the fire or smoke exposure. Additionally, some items may have an unpleasant smell associated with them due to contact with smoke particles that lingers even after cleaning efforts have been made. 

Types of Smoke Damage 

Smoke damage is typically divided into two main categories – wet smoke and dry smoke. Wet smoke comes from smoldering fires that burn at lower temperatures for longer periods of time. This type of smoke has a sticky texture that tends to adhere to surfaces more easily than dry smoke does. Dry smoke comes from high-temperature, fast-burning fires. It has a more powdery texture that disperses quickly in the air. Both types can cause significant fire damage if not properly contained and removed.  

Cleaning Up Smoke Damage 

The first step in cleaning up any kind of fire or smoke damage is to assess the extent of the damage and determine how much needs to be repaired or replaced. If there is significant structural or aesthetic damage, then it may be necessary to call in professional help for repairs or restoration services. Homeowners should also take steps to limit their exposure to airborne particles that are often present after fires or other incidents involving smoke.  

Smoke Odor Removal 

In addition to physical damage, many homeowners also have to deal with lingering odors left behind by smoke residue. These odors can linger long after the visible signs of fire have been removed, making them difficult—but not impossible—to remove completely. Professional odor removal services use powerful machines that generate ozone gas which breaks down particles in the air and neutralizes odors at their source (while leaving no residue behind on surfaces or fabrics).      

Smoke damage is a type of property damage that can result from fires or excessive exposure to smoke in an enclosed space. Understanding how to identify the types of smoke damage can help you understand what’s required to repair any existing damages. Taking proper steps for removing soot particles from affected surfaces (followed by deodorizing any lingering smells) will ensure your home or business location looks as good as new after being exposed to smoke-related issues!