Common Types of Smoke Damage That Can Happen in Your Home

12/9/2021 (Permalink)

In the aftermath of a fire, smoke can damage structures and even mar the appearance of walls, ceilings, textiles, and even floors.

In 2019, nearly 1.3 million fires happened in the US. One can only imagine the damage that has occurred to the various commercial and residential properties involved in this statistic. And we’re not just talking about the fire itself.

Smoke can be just as damaging as a fire. In the aftermath of a fire, smoke can damage structures and even mar the appearance of walls, ceilings, textiles, and even floors. 

For this reason alone, it’s crucial that you learn about the different types of smoke damage that occur after the fire is out. And when you learn about them, make sure to call SERVPRO for our Dallas fire damage restoration services.

The Most Common Types of Smoke Damage

There are four common types of smoke damage. They include:

Protein Residue

This sort of smoke damage takes place when organic material evaporates during a fire — it typically happens after a cooking accident.

Unfortunately, protein residue is practically invisible as it has no noticeable signs. In due time, however, it can permanently discolor certain surfaces.

On the flip side, protein residue is not hard to smell. This type of smoke damage has an unpleasant stench that can cover an entire home or business.

Dry Smoke

Dry smoke spawns from burning paper or wood that causes high-temp fires. Compared to dense smoke and soot, dry smoke damage is much easier to clean since it leaves behind a powdery texture. So, it won’t smear when it’s wiped away. 

The issue with a dry smoke, however, is that it can seep its way into cracks and porous materials. Even though surfaces are clean, a smoky odor will linger. Fortunately, companies like SERVPRO can eliminate the odor with their Dallas fire damage restoration services.

Fuel and Oil Residue

Also known as petroleum residue, this type of damage isn’t all too common in the aftermath of fires unless petroleum products were stored in your home or business.

The problem with fuel or oil residue smoke damage is that it can occur even when a fire hasn’t taken place. If your building’s furnace has a “puffback” where it doesn’t ignite accordingly, it will release smoke and soot into the surrounding area. This will happen in the form of a small explosion or even a minor leak.

This sort of smoke damage is difficult to clean due to its density. It also has a powerful smell and can ruin furniture when not cleaned properly.

Wet Smoke

A low-heat fire can cause wet smoke damage when both plastic and rubber products are burned. The damage from these fires is typically minimal, but the smoke produced is much denser.

Because of its high density, wet smoke damage can completely cover every surface of your home or business’s surfaces. It can easily smear during the cleaning process, which is why you should always hire Dallas fire damage restoration services to get the job done.

SERVPRO Can Clean Your Smoke Damage

SERVPRO has been providing its Dallas fire damage restoration services for 35+ years. When you’re ready to receive professional help, call us at (972) 986-7677. Or visit our contact page.