The damage caused by a fire has some effects. Smoke damage is one of the aftermaths. The building will go through smoke damage even if the fire is extinguished immediately enough to save the structure. You should fix this damage to make the space habitable and eliminate the smell. Let’s talk about the five types of smoke, what triggers them, and how to treat them.
Types of Smoke Damage
Fire is a well-known cause of smoke damage, but did you know there are various types of fire that can have different consequences? Depending on what caused the fire, the smoke and residue will react differently. Electrical defects, smoking, cooking, and accidental fires are the most common sources of fires in homes and businesses. However, the following types of fire smoke may result in particular damage:
Wet Smoke
This term refers to the fumes produced by low-heat, smoldering flames, especially when burning rubber or plastic items. They emit a highly unpleasant, burned plastic smell. These smoke plumes are not just thick and dark but also very destructive. They can also rust and corrode metal items if left for too long. This type is also particularly oily, making cleaning much more difficult. Cleaning it yourself is difficult, so leave it to professional fire damage restoration companies.
Tenant Smoking Residue
Tenants who smoke are one of the most common causes of smoke damage. Specialists and property owners usually deal with smells caused by cigarettes or marijuana in multifamily buildings. Tenants who smoke can cause a lot of damage, from terrible smells to significant surface damage. This type of smoke damage typically necessitates extensive cleaning.
Fuel Smoke
Fuel smoke is produced when petroleum, oil, or a substance similar is burned. This type is less likely to be encountered inside a house or company. Oil fume damage is much more common in garages or warehouses where gas is stored. It has one of the foulest odors and is especially challenging to clean. Any material it touches is most likely irreparable. The settled residue is thick and sticky, sticking to anything it comes into contact with. It’s a real problem without specialist assistance from companies like PuroClean of Green Bay.
Protein Smoke
These are the discharges made when burning organic material. It is most frequently experienced throughout haphazard kitchen endeavors. This type is hard to handle because it is mostly invisible. No huge black or greasy smears are on your painted or unpainted walls. The only indications are paint staining and a strong odor.
Dry Smoke
Dry smoke from high-temperature fires can quickly spread throughout properties. They are triggered mostly by paper or wood, which is why they are often connected with residence fires. Cleaning up smoke-damaged objects is easier because the residue is powdery rather than sticky.
However, its powdery composition is also its major downside. It can sneak into even the smallest spaces in a room, damaging the structural stability of your house. It can also destroy your circuitry, possibly resulting in long-term electrical damage in your home. The good news is the odor isn’t subduing, and an experienced team would have no trouble doing a successful cleanup.
Final Thoughts
Various factors, such as the fire’s temperature, fuel source, and location, can cause five common types of smoke damage. Each remediation procedure is a little different. All objects ruined by smoke and fire would need to be replaced in the worst-case scenario. Because of the high cost, this is the last option; however, it is needed when the damage is serious. The sooner you call an expert after a fire, the less likely you will need to replace everything.
