How to Get Rid of Smoke Damage

We think we’re safe and sound after the fire dies down, but there can still be underlying dangers left behind from the fire that will eventually result in smoke damage. If you’ve had fire damage to your home, you’ve also likely inherited smoke damage. If smoke damage is ignored, it can cause extensive corrosion, etching and discolouration, not to mention lingering powerful odours. There are many helpful online DIY tips on how to get rid of smoke damage, but to stop the problem once and for all, you should consult a professional company.

Smoke damage must be treated immediately. Ash is acidic, so plastic and fibreglass  materials will change colours very quickly. Given a few days, smoke damage will cause walls, furniture, and clothing to be marked permanently. Metals will tarnish and even start to corrode. Smoke from the fire will permeate walls and fall into cracks. If it isn’t treated properly, the odours will periodically reappear at higher temperatures, causing more smoke damage. The perfect solution for smoke damage is thermal fogging. It’s a process that neutralizes smoke odours with a warm chemical fog. As for smoke residue left in ducts, many professionals choose to use a chemical sealer to permanently lock them inside to prevent further smoke damage.

Before the professional fire restorer arrives, you can minimize smoke damage by allowing fresh air to circulate. Open your windows for better ventilation. When the professionals arrive, the first things they must identify are affected materials and the source of odours. They will then remove any soot, a black powdery substance that also results in smoke damage, using heavy duty vacuums. After a thorough cleanse, they will typically cover the carpets to keep them decontaminated. One of the major challenges that come with smoke damage is to get rid of the odours that have been caused by the smoke. Smoke odour may remain in clothing, upholstered furniture, carpets and draperies for extended periods of time. Most of the drugstore deodorizing sprays only work temporarily, and may combine to form a new odour.

The only way to completely remove all ash, odours and smoke is to be very meticulous when getting rid of smoke damage. Ash residue can easily spread throughout your home, and will build up in layers overtime. After sorting through objects that may or may not have been affected by the smoke damage, experts will treat the source of the odour with specialized detergents that are formulated to neutralize the after-effects of smoke damage. Sometimes ozone treatments are used to break up smoke molecules and get rid of odours. Never overlook smoke damage after a fire hazard. Call Matrix Remediation for a FREE smoke damage inspection with a detailed report and specific description of all work required to restore the damages in your home. At Matrix Remediation, we personalize the work required for each client to treat the fire and smoke damage in their home in the best way possible. You can reach us at  1-888-885-8683, or by email at info@matrixremediation.com.