Do you know the different types of smoke damage?

7/26/2021 (Permalink)

If you are in need of restoration due to fire and smoke damage, you can count on SERVPRO of Paulding/Polk Counties.

Every house fire is unique and causes specific types of damage based on what the initial source was, how long it burned and what was consumed by the flames. One of the ways that fire damage can manifest itself is via smoke residue left behind throughout the house.

The severity of smoke damage depends on several factors, but identifying it quickly and calling in your restoration team to have it handled is always recommended.

The Types of Smoke Damage That May be Present After a Fire

Wet Smoke Damage. Damage from wet smoke is generally a result of fires that burn at a lower temperature. These fires do not have as many flames but will produce an excess of smoke that can thickly coat the surfaces of your home. It can often feel sticky and wet to the touch, hence the name. Because of how it adheres to surfaces and saturates the air with a strong odor, wet smoke is one of the most difficult types to eradicate from a home.

Dry Smoke Damage. A hot, high-temperature fire such as one from a flammable liquid or a large number of open flames will produce a more dry smoke. This will result in smoke residue that is dry and powdery, which can settle into minuscule crevices and impact areas relatively far away from where the flames broke out in the home.

Protein Smoke. Associated with foods or other flammable organic materials catching fire, protein smoke is a unique type that results in a buildup of soot. Soot is quite dangerous, and this type of soot is generally difficult to see because it will be light in color. The residue it leaves behind is typically easy to feel, however, and it will likely cause a lingering odor as well.

Petroleum Smoke. Any time an oil-based material is burned, it will let off petroleum smoke. It produces an extreme odor and is generally quite dark in color, which can permanently discolor upholstery or wood if left untreated.

If you are in need of restoration due to fire and smoke damage, you can count on us. Call us today (770) 505-0555 to learn more.