Why Is Demolition a Necessary Treatment for Smoke Damage?

3/29/2021 (Permalink)

There’s no questioning the destructive nature of fires in both homes and businesses. All the while, we often forget fire’s often invisible accomplice, smoke, which can do just as much damage. Even though we may not be able to see the effects of smoke damage, it is important to understand that smoke is an invasive substance that merits more restoration efforts than what initially meets the eye. By learning more about smoke’s invasive nature, you can better understand the dangers it poses to homes and commercial business.

Why Is Smoke Invasive?

Seeping into cracks and crevices, smoke has many hiding places. For that reason, attempts at cleaning surfaces will only cause soot particles to smear. The porous quality of drywall also makes for another place in which smoke can hide. When smoke makes its way into drywall, it can also infiltrate insulation, which often results in a need for demolition work in order to eradicate smoke odor in the affected areas. Based on the nature of the affected contents, as well as their proximity to the fire’s source, the intensity of smoke damage may vary.

Surprising Effects of Smoke Damage

After a fire, you may discover shapes resembling spider webs on the walls and ceilings of your home or commercial business. These are not spider webs, but smoke and soot residue left behind by the fire. In this case, smoke damage is visible. However, this is not always the case. For example, the aftermath of protein fires is characteristically invisible, as they do not leave a trail of smoke or soot. This does not mean that they do not leave behind damage. Instead, there is still a lingering smoke odor and soot, which is acidic, can corrode metal objects over time, risking long-term damage.

Why Is Demolition Necessary?

While smoke damage is sometimes invisible, it is important to consider that areas of homes or commercial businesses that have endured smoke damage may still require demolition for a thorough restoration. Demolition work is frequently necessary because scrubbing surfaces does not combat the hidden aspects of smoke damage. Smoke, soot, and smoke odor often take refuge in small cracks and crevices. Additionally, these substances can also sneak into the gaps separating drywall and interior firewalls in homes and businesses. Specifically, smoke odor may infiltrate insulation and hot, humid weather can cause the smell to re-emerge. Scrubbing only scratches at the surface of the much larger issue of invasive smoke damage.

How Do We Combat Invasive Smoke Damage at SERVPRO?

As soon as we arrive onsite at the scene of the fire, we immediately get to work removing charred or burned materials. Additionally, we “chase” the smoke through open areas in an effort to identify every room of the home or business to which the smoke has spread. In this way, we can take thorough inventory of every area requiring smoke damage restoration services. Because water frequently accompanies smoke damage, we also prioritize extracting water and drying the affected area. Continuing the restoration process, we utilize our specialized equipment in order to eliminate the smoke odor. The final step of our process involves sealing off small, difficult-to-reach cracks and crevices that contain lingering smoke odor, using a sealant.

Trust SERVPRO with Smoke Damage

If your home or business has endured a fire that has resulted in smoke damage, be sure to call SERVPRO of Metro Pittsburgh East right away at (412) 672-5400. Our 24/7 Emergency Services can guarantee that your smoke damage will be addressed immediately in order to reduce the spread and invasion of smoke. Our professional team or smoke damage specialists will arrive onsite quickly and get to work combating the issue, using our tried and trusted restoration techniques. From deodorizing affected areas to cleaning contents, we are capable of handling the entire job from start to finish. This means that, in addition to our renowned Fire Damage Restoration Services, we also offer our customers Building Services that range from drywall installation and roofing services to painting and hardwood floor repair. You can trust SERVPRO to have you covered throughout the restoration, demolition, and rebuild processes.