5 min read

A structural fire leaves plenty of visible damage: charred wood, blackened concrete walls and flooring, collapsed roofing, and ash and soot on every inch of the property. However, smoke damage can be less obvious. When a fire is quickly extinguished, the floors and rooms untouched by fire or water appear perfect. It’s important to keep in mind that they can conceal issues that will inevitably emerge in the succeeding days, weeks, or months.

What Is Smoke Damage?

Smoke damage refers to the lingering effects of a structural fire. It is the physical or structural damage caused by the smoke, not the fire itself. Smoke doesn’t destroy materials the way flames do, but its effects can still be just as permanently damaging.

Smoke damage encompasses the following:

• Visible char fire left on burnt wood, insulation, and other construction materials.
• Soot penetrating crevices and sticks on porous materials like wood, insulation foam, fabrics, and upholstery.
• A pungent odor.
• A greasy residue on all surfaces in rooms that had been filled with smoke.

The good news is that smoke damage can be fixed, but only if professionals are on the job as quickly as possible. Smoke damage restoration can be an extensive project, and an early start will prevent the damage from becoming irreversible. Moreover, hiring professionals offer benefits beyond construction expertise.

Reasons to Call Smoke Damage Restoration Professionals

Here are five excellent reasons to contact smoke damage cleaning and restoration professionals:

• They Have the Necessary Equipment for Repairs and Cleanup

Smoke damage restoration companies have appropriate equipment and machines for cleaning up after a fire, removing debris, and clearing the area to make way for reconstructions and repairs.

Restoration companies have access to heavy equipment to perform minor demolitions and trucks for hauling away concrete blocks, charred timber, broken glass, etc. They also ensure their workers wear proper protective gear like masks, suits, gloves, boots, and respirators.

• Smoke Damage Cleaning Professionals Can Address Soot and Odor

Fine soot is difficult to handle. Wiping it off carelessly, for example, can create a permanent blemish or discoloration. But removing odors is more challenging, especially if you don’t have the experience or the right equipment.

Fortunately, smoke damage repair companies use modern equipment and industry-grade products to effectively neutralize odors and remove foul, smoky smells from furniture, fabrics, pillows, curtains, and other materials.

• Smoke Damage Restoration eEperts Identify Different Types of Smoke Residue and Can Correct Ways to Address Them

Many are unaware that there are four types of structural fire smoke: wet smoke, dry smoke, fuel smoke, and protein smoke. They have different sources and smells and react differently to cleaning methods. For example, wiping wet smoke with a damp rag can accelerate corrosion on metal surfaces. On the other hand, dry smoke is powdery and requires a combination of dry and wet cleaning techniques.

Professionals know about these types of smoke and the best ways to remove their residue. Being well-equipped and having superior cleaning products on hand, they’ll do a more thorough job cleaning smoke residue than your attempts at DIY.

• Professionals Observe Health and Safety Regulations

Property restoration companies observe workplace safety and health regulations as violations can result in a cancellation of their license to operate. This is why it’s safer to trust the professionals to handle smoke damage restoration: they ensure all safety protocols are followed to ensure workers, residents, and visitors to the property are safe while in the vicinity.

Fire and smoke restoration sometimes call for a full-scale construction set up. Vehicles bringing construction materials will be in and out, and workers in full gear carrying heavy equipment and power tools will be everywhere. Ensuring that safety protocols are observed is necessary for everyone’s safety and well-being.

• Property Restoration Companies Work with Insurance Companies

Thousands of dollars can go up in smoke due to structural fires. For most property owners, the financial blow of a property fire will make spending more money out-of-pocket for reconstruction very difficult.

Hiring a reputable fire and smoke damage restoration company helps solve this problem. Restoration companies, especially established ones like Restoration 1 of New Rochelle, typically work with the country’s biggest insurance companies. They check with insurers to ensure that a client’s insurance policy can cover the repairs and restorations before the work starts. This spares everyone the grief of stopping repairs midway because of a lack of funds.

Restore Properties Beautifully with the Industry’s Best

Structural fire and smoke can devastate a property, but a professional restoration team can reverse the damage. Their expertise is invaluable in rebuilding homes and buildings with extensive smoke and fire damage. Trusting the professionals, therefore, is not a choice but a necessity.

If you have a property with smoke damage, call Restoration 1 of New Rochelle. Let us address smoke odor, residue, and other issues plaguing your property. Contact us today.