A house fire is not only damaging to your property but is also dangerous to the health of your family. The resulting damage caused by fire, smoke, and soot can have long-lasting effects. For starters, smoke contamination could prevent you from returning home. The air inside is simply unbreathable.

During the fire damage restoration process, local restoration companies will also focus their attention on smoke damage. Why? Because your health matters. The longer smoke and odors sit, the further they seep into the walls, furniture, clothing, and carpeting left inside. With smoke damage restoration, the goal is to avoid tearing down or tossing out everything.

Smoke Damage Restoration

When it comes to smoke damage restoration, it is best to leave the job to the professionals. Restoration technicians are equipped with gloves, eye protection, respirators, and a face mask to reduce smoke contamination. They also have the right tools for the job.

As such, restoration experts can complete the smoke damage restoration process much sooner, and often with better results, too.

Our process for smoke damage restoration is as follows:

• Ventilation – The first step in smoke damage restoration is ventilating and vacuuming the affected areas. Any windows and doors that can be opened, should be opened. The HVAC system will need to be shut down for the time being. Then, a vacuum is used to suck up large deposits of soot and ash.
• Deep Cleaning – Now is the time to throw away any heavily damaged or smoke-contaminated items and begin cleaning the entire home. All hard surfaces – countertops, appliances, and furniture – should be wiped down with a cleaning cloth. The walls and ceilings need to be washed, too, using a dry sponge and paint thinner.
• Preventative Measures – To avoid any long-term illness or recurring damage, it’s time to take preventative measures. First, any food not sealed in an airtight container should be thrown away, as it is unsafe to consume. Then, replace all air filters in the HVAC system. The filter has likely soaked up a lot of soot, ash, and smoke.

Smoke Odors

Along with the noticeable damage left behind, smoke tends to leave a foul odor in the air. This odor can often cause respiratory issues, such as intense coughing, asthma attacks, and respiratory disease. Ideally, smoke odors will be removed during the damage restoration process, though additional measures may need to be taken to ensure all odors are eliminated.

Though professional smoke odor removal is always recommended, you can use the following methods to smoke odors from parts of your home.

• Fabrics – Your home’s fabrics – blankets, curtains, clothing – are likely contaminated by smoke odor. You can wash them, then have each item dry cleaned.
• Window Screens – Your window screens are bound to trap smoke particles during the ventilation process. You can clean these screens with shampoo or dish soap, then dry with fresh air or a fan.
• Painted Surfaces – Often, following a severe fire, it is best to repaint the house for safe, clean walls. However, ask about professional cleaning from the restoration company beforehand.

If you’re dealing with the aftermath of a house fire, including smoke damage and smoke odor, contact Restoration 1 of Central Denver for prompt relief. We offer 24-hour fire damage restoration services when you call 720-524-4680 !