Smoke 101

 

Fire damages are complex due to the unique nature of different types of smoke. Some things you may not know about smoke.

-Hot smoke migrates to cooler areas and upper levels of a structure.

-Smoke flows around plumbing systems, using holes around pipes to go from floor to floor.

-They type of smoke may greatly affect the restoration process.

-Once at a fire scene, a SERVPRO Professional tests the soot to determine which type of smoke damage occurred.

 

Types of Smoke:

Wet Smoke Residues: result from smoldering fires with low heat. Residues are sticky and smeary with a pungent odor. Smoke webs can be difficult to clean.

Dry Smoke Residues: result from fast burning fires at high temperatures. Residues are normally dry, powdery, small, nonsmeary smoke particles.

Protein Residues: are virtually invisible residues that discolor paints and varnishes. They have an extreme pungent odor.

Fuel Oil Soot:  occur when furnances puff back, distributing fuel oil soot.

Other Types of Residue: include tear gas, fingerprint powder and fire extinguisher residues, all requiring cleanup.

For more information: http://www.servprolexingtonsc.com/fire-smoke-damage-restoration

-Denea Duran

Photo Credit: Google Image

What we can do for YOU

So you know that SERVPRO does “fire and water cleanup and restoration,” but do you know what that entails? Don’t miss out on all that we can do for you.

Restoration:

-Fire, Smoke and Soot

-Water Removal and Dehumidication

-Mold Mitigation and Remediation

-Catastrophic Storm Response

-Move out sand Contents Restoration

-Electronics and Equipment

-Document Drying

-Contents Claim Inventory Service

 

Cleaning:

-Air Ducts and HVAC

-Biohazzard, Crime Scene and Vandalism

-Carpet, Upholstery, Drapes and Blinds

-Ceilings, Walls and Hard Floors

-Odor Identification

-Deodorization

 

We’re here to serve you and make it like it never even happened.

Give us a call: (803)755-9774

For more information: http://www.servprolexingtonsc.com/

-Denea Duran

 

 

Who will pick up the pieces?

The leading causes of fire in a home include

 

• Cooking
• Heating Units
• Electrical
• Smoking

No matter how the fire started a rush of emotions and feelings of panic seem to follow. After calling the Fire Department to put out the fire, who do you call to help you clean up the damage caused by the fire?

 

Servpro of Cayce/ West Columbia are trained in the cleanup and care of your home and personal belongings following a fire incident. Before attempting to clean up the fire damage yourself, contact us 803-755-9774

 

 

-Denea Duran

 

Photo Credit: Google Image

 

New Video ‘Like it never even happened”

Limiting Fire Damage

Although kitchen fires generally begin on the stove, the damage can affect the entire kitchen, from the walls to the ceilings and the air ducts to the appliances. Once the fire is out, you may be overwhelmed or devastated by the smoke and soot damage.

First, contact your local SERVPRO (Heyo! 803-755-9774) Franchise Professional. Then, follow these steps to help prevent further damage:

• Limit movement to prevent further damage.
• Place clean towels or old linens on carpeted traffic areas to prevent additional soiling.
• It electricity is off, empty freezer and refrigerator and prop doors open.
• Clean and protect chrome on kitchen and bathroom faucets and appliances with a light coating of petroleum jelly.

Here at SERVPRO, we are trained in the cleanup and care of your customers’ homes and personal belongings following a fire incident. Before you attempt to clean up the fire damage yourself, give us a call.

Sandy Hayden

Photo Credit: http://blog.tvfr.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/05/Kearney-Kitchen-Fire-300×225.jpg

The Right Stuff

Yesterday we talked about mold cleanup and the overwhelming importance of calling a professional. This is mainly because professional equipment does far more extensive cleanup than is possible with household products. We understand that our equipment makes a measurable difference in reducing claims loss expense. When time matters, the right technology and equipment are vital. So not only do we answer your call with fast action and trained, uniformed personnel, but also with the right equipment for the job!

When it comes to fire damage, we train our teams thorougly. For instance, knowing the different types of smoke and their behavior patterns are vital to proper restoration.

Wet Smoke — Plastics and Synthetics; Low heat, smoldering, pungent odor, sticky, smeary.
Dry Smoke — Paper and Wood; Fast burning, high temperatures, dry, powdery, nonsmeary residues.
Protein — Virtually invisible, discolors paints and varnishes, extreme pungent odor.
Fuel Oil Soot — Furnace Puff Backs
Other Types — Tear gas, fingerprint powder and fire extinguisher residue.

Pretesting determines the proper cleaning method and allows us to focus on saving your precious items (what really matters).

Two amazing pieces of deodorization equipment include ultra low volume (ULV) foggers and thermal foggers. ULV foggers will atomize liquid deodorizing agents, producing a fine mist that easily penetrates sites where odor-causing residues accumulate. The device can also be used to apply fungicides and disinfectants. Thermal foggers dispense solvent-based products in large volume, dense fogs suitable for confined areas. The fog consists of tiny particles of deodorant solution that pair with and neutralize odor-causing particles.

We’ve got the right stuff.

Sandy Hayden

Fact:

Even a small fire can cause odors in your home for years to come. Any fire in your home is bad. But when you try to clean it up yourself, it can be a disaster. Especially considering that smoke and soot from even a small fire can cause odors that may resurface for years. So, before you risk doing more damage by attempting to clean it up yourself, call us, your local fire, smoke and soot cleanup and restoration experts at SERVPRO.

Photo Credit: http://nocleaning.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2011/05/32047941.jpg