Southeast Michigan Smoke Damage Cleanup Services

Fire to a property can be devastating enough, but the longer-lasting smoke damage is often harder to eliminate. Whatever has been charred by the flames has also been affected by smoke and soot. While smoke usually does not destroy items like fire does, it coats everything with a specific odor, soot, and grime.

Specific protocols are needed for putting out different types of fire; and there are various smoke cleanup methods that should be considered.

When you don’t know the extent of fire damage to your property, it’s best to consult with a damage restoration specialist for a full assessment.

Different types of smoke from a fire

There are different types of fire, and there are also different types of smoke damage. This varies based on the temperature of the fire, where it was located, and what was consumed during the fire. Each type also requires different smoke damage cleanup steps.

Dry smoke – when paper or wood products burn, they usually burn quickly. This fire is also a high-temperature fire, which usually causes dry smoke, which may be easier to clean up, but it also hides in in small cracks and areas throughout the house.

A kitchen fire usually causes protein smoke damage. While this smoke doesn’t produce a lot of soot or streaking, it is very smelly. It can also permeate different areas of the house, causing long-lasting odors elsewhere.

Fuel residue smoke, while not common in a home, can be found in garages, workshops, and sheds. However, depending on the type of furnace you have, you may experience a “puffback” effect when it doesn’t ignite correctly. This type of smoke leaves a very sticky, dense residue, with a strong odor that can completely ruin upholstered furniture.

Wet smoke is common after a fire, from low-heat, smoldering flames. Plastic and rubber products inside your home would emit wet smoke when burned, which is sticky and dense. This smoke is difficult to clean, and often requires special equipment. This is the most common smoke after a house fire.

Smoke damage restoration services

It’s important to begin the smoke cleanup process as soon as possible. It usually involves more than just opening windows to air out the building.

First, get rid of the source. After a fire, all charred and damaged items should be removed or completely cleaned. This includes not only furniture and possessions, but also drywall, counters, grout between tiles, flooring, and carpets.

Next, clean everything left behind. Follow specific steps to thoroughly clean each item, based on what materials that item contains. A butcher-block kitchen countertop requires different cleaning methods than a granite countertop. It’s important to know the right cleaning steps for your items.

Counteract the odors. Your insurance company may also include treatment for lingering odors after a fire. We work with all major property insurance companies and can help consult on the best method that they approve for getting rid of lingering odors.

Seal remaining surfaces. A smoke remediation specialist will know what how to treat framing in the damaged areas and can coordinate services for this with a construction contractor.

Call professional smoke damage restoration experts

Getting rid of smoke might seem easy, until you realize how extensive the different types of smoke affect your property.

ServiceMaster by the Border has team members that are specifically trained in smoke damage. We have the right equipment for safe and effective cleaning and will work with your insurance company to help restore your home or business after a fire.