Know your Smoke

10/4/2016 (Permalink)

A fire loss is very complex because of the unique behavior of smoke. That is why is it important to have trained technicians at your home or business. 

Smoke Characteristics

• Hot smoke migrates to cooler areas
• Smoke migrates to upper levels of a structure
• Smoke flows around plumbing systems, using holes around pipes to go from floor to floor
• The type of smoke will greatly affect the restoration process

Types of Smoke

• Wet Smoke - Plastics and Rubbers
  
  • Low heat, smoldering, pungent odor, sticky, smeary. Smoke webs are more difficult to clean
• Dry Smoke - Paper and Wood
  • Fast burning, high temperatures, heat rises therefore smoke rises
• Protein Fire Residue - Produced by evaporation of material rather than from a fire
  • Virtually invisible, discolors paints and varnishes, extreme pungent odor
• Fuel Oil Soot -  Furnace Puff Backs
  
  • While "puff backs" can create havoc for your insured, SERVPRO Franchise Professionals can in most cases restore the contents and structure
• Other Types - Tear gas, fingerprint powder and fire extinguisher residue
  • Special loss situations require special care. SERVPRO Franchise Professionals are trained to handle your toughest losses!