The Behavior of Smoke

6/15/2016 (Permalink)

A fire loss can result in complex damages because of the unique behavior of smoke.  A trained professional should survey the loss site to determine the extent to which fire, smoke, heat, and moisture impacted building materials and contents.  

SERVPRO of Muskegon and Holland/W. Ottawa Co.  professionals know smoke can penetrate various cavities within the structure, causing hidden damage and odor.  Our knowledge of building systems helps us investigate how far smoke may have spread.  Here are some facts you may not know about smoke: 

• Hot smoke migrates to cooler areas and upper levels of a structure.
• Smoke flows around plumbing systems, seeping through the holes used by pipes to go from floor to floor.
• The type of smoke may greatly affect the restoration process.

The Different Types of Smoke

There are two different types of smoke, wet and dry.  As a result, there are different types of soot residue after a fire. Before restoration begins, a professional from SERVPRO of Muskegon and Holland/W. Ottawa Co. will test the soot to determine which type of smoke damage occurred.  The cleaning procedure will then be based on the information identified during pretesting.  Here is some additional information regarding the various types of smoke.  

Wet Smoke (Plastic and Rubber)
Low heat, smoldering, pungent odor, sticky, smeary.  Smoke webs are more difficult to clean.  

Dry Smoke (Paper and Wood)
Fast burning, high temperatures, heat rises therefore smoke rises. 

Protein Fire Residue (Produced by evaporation of material rather than from fire) 
Virtually invisible, discolors paints and varnishes, extreme pungent odor. 

Fuel Oil Soot (Furnace Puff Backs)
While "puff backs" can create havoc for homeowners, SERVPRO professionals can, in most cases, restore the contents and structure quickly.

Other Types (Tear gas, fingerprint powder, and fire extinguisher) Special situation that requires special care.

Our professionals are trained to handle even the toughest losses.  If your home or business sustains fire or smoke damage, contact SERVPRO Muskegon and Holland/W. Ottawa Co.  Professionals to help make it "Like it never even happened".