Understanding the Different Types of Smoke and their Effects

10/30/2017 (Permalink)

The unique behavior of smoke can leave damage on your belongings that is complicated to repair. There are two different types of smoke, wet and dry. SERVPRO of DeRidder, Leesville, and Vinton professionals are excellently trained in fire/smoke clean up and restoration. They are experts in the different types of smoke and their behavior patterns. This information is vital to properly remediate the damage left behind. The SERVPRO of DeRidder, Leesville, and Vinton team will begin by surveying the severity of the damages from moisture, fire, smoke, and heat on the building materials and its contents. The soot is then tested to determine the type of smoke damage left behind. The results of this test helps our professionals determine the proper cleaning method, in order to focus on saving your precious belongings.

The professionals at SERVPRO of DeRidder, Leesville, and Vinton know smoke can seep into the various holes and cracks within the structure, causing unseen damage and a lingering odor. Their knowledge of building ventilation and structural systems helps them investigate just how far smoke damage may have spread within the structure. The following are some lesser known facts about smoke you may not be aware of:

• Hot smoke generally moves to cooler areas and the higher levels of a structure.
• Smoke flows around plumbing systems, penetrating each floor using the holes made for the pipes.
• The type of smoke can greatly affect the remediation process.

Different types of Smoke

• Fuel Oil Soot (Furnace Puff Backs)—While “puff backs” can potentially create havoc for homeowners, our franchise professionals can, in most cases, restore the contents and structure quickly.
• Wet Smoke (Rubber and Plastic)—Low heat, smoldering, pungent odor, sticky, smeary. Smoke webs can be more difficult to clean.
• Dry smoke (Paper and Wood)—Fast burning, high temperatures, heat rises before smoke.
• Protein fire residue (Evaporation of material rather than from a fire)—Essentially invisible, damages colors and varnishes, extreme lingering odors.
• Other types (Tear gas, fingerprint powder, and fire extinguisher residue)—Special damage situations require special treatment.

Here at SERVPRO of DeRidder, Leesville, and Vinton, our professionals are excellently trained to tackle even the most challenging damages.