The damage caused by a fire has some consequences. Smoke damage is one of the aftermaths. The structure will suffer smoke damage even if the fire is extinguished quickly enough to save the structure. You must fix this damage to make the space habitable and eliminate the smell. Let’s discuss the five types of smoke, what triggers them, and how to treat them.
Types of Smoke Damage
Fire is the proven cause of smoke damage, but did you know there are different types of fire that can have different consequences? The smoke and residue will react differently depending on what triggered the fire. Electrical faults, smoking, cooking, and unintentional fires are the most common sources of fires in homes and companies. However, the following types of fire smoke may result in specific damage:
Wet Smoke
This term refers to the fumes created by low-heat, smoldering flames, especially when rubber or plastic products are burned. They emit a strongly unpleasant, burned plastic odor. These smoke plumes are not just thick and dark but also highly destructive. They can also rust and wear away metal objects if left for too long. This type is also very greasy, making cleaning even more difficult. Cleaning it on your own is frustrating and obstinate, so leave it to the professional property restoration company.
Fuel Smoke
Fuel smoke is produced when petroleum, oil, or a substance similar is burned. This type is less likely to be encountered inside a house or company. Oil fume damage is more prevalent in garages or storehouses where gas is kept. It has one of the foulest odors and is specifically hard to clean. Any fabric it touches is possibly irreparable. The settled residue is thick and sticky, sticking to anything it comes into contact with. It’s a real nightmare without professional help.
Tenant Smoking Residue
Tenants that smoke is the most common root cause of smoke damage. Contractors and landlords often deal with smells caused by cigarettes or marijuana in multifamily structures. Tenants who smoke can trigger a lot of damage, from nasty smells to significant surface damage. This type of smoke damage often requires thorough cleaning.
Protein Smoke
These are the exhausts made when burning organic material. It is most frequently experienced throughout haphazard kitchen tasks. This type is hard to deal with because it is usually unseen. No big black or greasy smears are on your painted or unpainted walls. The only indicators are paint discoloration and a strong smell.
Dry Smoke
Dry smoke from high-temperature fires can immediately spread throughout properties. They are caused mostly by paper or wood, which is why they are frequently related to residence fires. Cleaning up smoke-damaged things is easier because the residue is grainy instead of sticky.
However, its powdery composition is also its main drawback. It can sneak into even the smallest spaces in an area, wreaking havoc on the building stability of your house. It can also damage your electrical wiring, possibly causing long-term electric damage in your house. Luckily, the smell isn’t overpowering, and an experienced team from a smoke damage restoration company would have no trouble carrying out a successful cleanup.
Bottom Line
Different factors, such as the fire’s temperature, fuel source, and location, can result in 5 common types of smoke damage. Each restoration process is slightly different. All objects ruined by smoke and fire would need to be replaced in the worst-case scenario. Because of the high cost, this is the last resort remedy, but it is needed when the damage is severe. The faster you call an expert after a fire, the less likely you will need to replace everything.