Resolving Dallas Fire Damage Includes Eliminating Smoke Odors

4/13/2023 (Permalink)

Smoke Cleanup After Fires in Dallas Properties Takes Professional Help--Contact SERVPRO

SERVPRO's In-Depth Cleaning and Testing of Dallas Homes Offers Adequate Fire Restoration

Apart from flames and heat, smoke is the other highly destructive aspect of property fires. Coincidentally it is also the most widespread problem since it reaches rooms, cavities, and crevices where the other fire aspects may not be present. Ensuring all smoke issues are addressed requires widespread cleaning and testing. 

There are smoke issues beyond what you see in your Dallas home after fire damage. Soot layers on contents and structural areas like wall and ceiling surfaces are the most visible problem, so most restoration effort is to clean those areas. Clean surfaces can fool you into thinking all smoke issues are over. When SERVPRO handles restoration, we evaluate other aspects to judge whether the process is complete. 

What to focus on:

• Changes like yellowing or staining
• Lingering smoky odors
• Accessing confined areas

Smoke deposits residues on surfaces soiling the fast. The residues have different characteristics, including acidity. So as they sit on the surfaces, they cause further deterioration. You may notice yellowing or browning, especially on brightly colored surfaces which worsens over time. Our SERVPRO technicians counter this by using different approaches when cleaning any surface soiled by fires. Vacuuming helps lift off any soot particles deeply embedded in a material through pores, cracks, or crevices. Dry cleaning with a medium like a chemical sponge lifts residues from surfaces without leaving streaks. Where necessary, we also wet clean by wiping surfaces with a material soaked in a solution containing a degreaser. 

Neutralizing Odors After a Fire

Unusual smells make a house uncomfortable. Smoky odors can linger in your home, whether the fire is big or small. In most cases, odor fails to dissipate because of hidden smoke residues. Our SERVPRO technicians rely on their IICRC certified training and experience to pinpoint any areas in the house where smoke residues might remain hidden after cleaning. The insides of closets and wall cavities tend to be colder as the fire burns, thus collecting more soot deposits. It's a unique phenomenon caused by convection currents whereby hot air moves towards colder areas, thus forcing most residues to settle there. We also understand that physical barriers rarely stop smoke movement, which is how residues end up in enclosed spaces. Therefore opening up enclosed areas and removing materials like insulation is essential in odor management.

Specialized Deodorization

• Fogging
• Sealing surfaces
• Air purification

Although cleaning takes care of a significant percentage of smoke odor issues, it is rarely sufficient on its own. Deodorization helps remove trace odors by modifying or neutralizing molecules. Our SERVPRO technicians use a method like dry fogging entire rooms with solvents. The technique is highly effective in modifying odors since the thick fog replicates conditions during a fire, thus penetrating all areas where smoke molecules reach. We use a thermal fogger that vaporizes the deodorizers producing molecules as little as half a micron to as big as 25 microns that penetrate deep into materials.

Some residues and aerosols remain in the air and must be removed to eliminate odors or restore standard indoor air quality. Our SERVPRO crews use air filtration devices fitted with special filters to collect particles, gases, and aerosols. HEPA filters or activated carbon and potassium permanganate filters are typical options that help when dealing with smoke odors. 

SERVPRO of Southeast Dallas County provides comprehensive services to resolve all aspects of fire damage "Like it never even happened." You can reach us at (972) 227-0800.