Understanding the Aftermath of Fire in Your Phila. PA Home

4/20/2024 (Permalink)

The aftermath of fire in your Phila. PA home is not limited to damage only inflicted by flames. Smoke and soot may cause both visible and hidden damage far beyond the original fire.

Smoke damage can be categorized in 2 ways: Wet Smoke and Dry Smoke.

Dry smoke is created by high temperature burning of paper and wood materials.   Dry smoke residue is powdery and fine. This fine, dry powder is generally easier to clean-up since it can be wiped, but unfortunately it will find any porous surface, crack or crevice. Your home may look perfectly clean, however soot such as this, hidden from view may retain a smell.

Wet smoke is a product of low temperature, smoldering fires.  It creates thick, black sticky residue which clings to surfaces and has a strong, pungent odor.  This smoke smears when wiped due to the oily consistency creating a challenging clean-up.  Plastics, rubber are the primary causes of Wet smoke.

Other causes of damage after a fire are synthetic materials, protein material, petroleum or natural substances.

Synthetic materials such as fabrics, (draperies, carpets. bedding) furniture, electronics, and plastics when burned create a thick, billowy, black smoke that rises quickly and coats walls and anything in its path.  Oftentimes these synthetics are products of oil- based substances thus a sticky, oil residue will be left by the smoke.  Leave this clean-up to the professionals.

Protein fire residue is left behind due to evaporation of material.  Virtually invisible, protein fire residue discolors paints and varnishes and has an extreme pungent odor.

Petroleum residue is the remains of oil burning.  This smoke is dark in appearance and will discolor and stain anything it touches.

Natural residue is left behind when natural elements are burned. Ash in color, It is the easiest to clean due to its dry, powdery nature.

We hope you never have to experience the trauma of a fire, but if you do, SERVPRO of Pennypack/Bustleton are here to restore your home, Like it never even happened™

Our team of professionals are trained to clean-up and restore your home. Give us a call 24/7 at 215-671-7777 for all your fire, water and mold remediation needs.