Smoke Residue Can Accumulate after Fire Damage to Your Texas Home

1/15/2021 (Permalink)

Rely on SERVPRO for Professional Fire Damage Restoration

An incidence of fire damage can cost you a ton of money and time to restore. The ability to restore after such damage depends on the extent of damage caused by the flames as well as the smoke and soot residue as well.

Smoke and soot particles are one of the most significant contributors when it comes to fire damage to your Texas home. Not all fires produce identical residue and the time and effort required to clean these different types of residue determines the success of the restoration process. IICRC certified SERVPRO technicians use their extensive knowledge about different types of residue during the restoration process. While some residues have a minor impact, some others can cause deeper damage.

The Dry and Wet Residue

Wet and dry residues are most frequently encountered after a fire incident. All fires produce both these residues, but their relative proportion can vary greatly. For instance, a rapid burning fire that has an abundant supply of oxygen usually produces dry residues. On the other hand, if the fire was slow-burning with less than optimal oxygen supply, the majority of residue formed is wet residue.  

Another thing affecting the type of residue generated is the type of material burning. While natural materials such as wood and cotton result in drier smoke residue, synthetic materials such as rubber and plastic produce wetter smoke.

As it turns out, drier residues are easier to clean compared to wetter residues. SERVPRO technicians can use less harsh techniques such as cleaning with a sponge to clean the damage due to drier smoke, but wet residues often require more intense cleaning processes.

Protein Residue

Protein residue is quite common if a fire breaks out in the kitchen. The burning of meat, poultry, or fish usually generates this type of residue. It is pale yellow and can stain surfaces quite easily. It is also accompanied by the characteristic odor that can linger on for a long time. The odor cannot be eliminated without a thorough cleaning process followed by an efficient deodorization. Protein residue can be quite difficult to eliminate, and the restoration process may require additional time.