If you’ve experienced the devastation of a fire in your commercial or residential building, you know that the impact is not limited to the damage caused by the actual flames. Smoke and soot can cause visible and invisible damage beyond what the fire causes. The damage can be done by wet or dry smoke, protein material, petroleum, synthetic substances, or natural substances.
ATI Restoration understands the destructive impact that fire, smoke, and soot can have on homes and businesses. We have the experience, tools, and knowledge needed to assess the full scope of damage and develop plans to restore properties to their original state – or better.
The first step of recovering from fire, smoke, and soot damage is to fully identify the issues you are dealing with. Below, we explain different types of soot and fire damage and how ATI Restoration treats them.
How to Identify Dry vs. Wet Smoke
Wet smoke is caused by the burning of rubber or plastic. It burns at low heat, has a strong odor, is sticky, and smears. Wet smoke often leaves behind a thick and sticky residue that can make cleaning much more difficult because it smears whenever you try to clean it off surfaces. The odor is hard to deal with, and it is often necessary to use professional cleaning equipment to remove wet smoke.
Dry smoke leaves behind a powdery dry soot. It burns at a high heat caused by paper and wood. It is easier to clean and typically wipes off easily. However, it is a fine soot that can fall easily into cracks and crevices, hiding from view. The smell may even remain after cleaning since it is hidden.
Synthetic Substances After a Fire
Plastic and fabrics burn differently than natural materials. This includes things like furniture, electronics, clothes, drapes, etc. As they burn, they tend to create black smoke that rises quickly. It will cling to objects and walls, leaving behind smudged residue. Do not touch this residue – it will stick to anything it comes in contact with. A professional cleaner is best left to deal with any synthetic soot. They will handle the mess with a vacuum followed by a dry-chem sponge cleaner.
How Does Fire Affect Protein Material?
Fire uniquely affects meat, beans, and any other proteins found in food. It typically leaves behind a yellow-brown residue that looks like grease. Since this residue is extra greasy (think about the inside of an oven or the cooking grate of a grill), it is extremely difficult to clean. Again, professional cleaners can handle this one best by using chemicals specially formulated for protein-based residue.
Understanding Soot and Soot Inhalation
Another thing to consider when dealing with the aftermath of fire damage is soot inhalation. Soot is the result of a fire. It’s a powdery black substance that occurs when the fire doesn’t completely burn the fuel source. Soot ionizes and can get stuck on all different types of surfaces. It also is INCREDIBLY difficult to clean and remove.
It becomes stuck on everything, creating a fine powder that can even get stuck in your HVAC system and get distributed throughout your building. Soot inhalation is a major health risk that can lead to serious health problems if not treated properly. A thorough cleaning of your building by a professional fire restoration specialist immediately after the fire is put out is recommended.
How to Treat Fire, Smoke, and Soot Damage
ATI Restoration has helped property owners recover from catastrophic fires for more than three decades. We employ an array of tools and techniques to customize our restoration efforts based on the unique needs of each situation.
Fire & Smoke Damage
ATI Restoration has the tools, technology, and expert teams necessary to get you back to normal as quickly as possible after a fire. We offer a range of services that address the many needs of property owners after a fire. Some of these services include:
- Structural Cleaning & Decontamination: This includes cleaning concrete, steel, wood, drywall, plaster, and flooring of residential or commercial properties. This service may also involve the safe removal of contaminants such as lead and asbestos that were exposed or disturbed by the fire.
- Dehumidification: This involves the thorough removal of water and moisture left behind by the efforts of firefighters to stop fires in homes and businesses. Left untreated, water can quickly infiltrate structural elements and contents alike, bringing the threat of warped walls, swollen floorboards, and rapid mold growth.
- Air Duct/HVAC Restoration: The smoke and soot produced by a fire can cover the interiors of air ducts and cause ductwork corrosion, unpleasant odors, air quality problems, and restricted airflow. Our Air duct/HVAC restoration services include the extensive cleaning, sanitizing, and deodorizing of air ducts and HVAC systems in residential and commercial properties.
- Contents Cleaning & Restoration: In addition to the structure, flames, smoke, soot, and water can also harm valuable and irreplaceable possessions. We assess damage to contents like artwork, collectibles, furniture, electronics, machinery, heirlooms, and photographs. Whether a fire affects a home or a business, we utilize special cleaning techniques to restore items that are still salvageable.
Soot & Odor Damage
ATI Restoration provides residential soot and odor removal services for homeowners and businesses. We deodorize the entire property while addressing stains and soot damage.
Depending on the unique situation, our soot and odor removal specialists may utilize the following to restore an affected property:
- Nano Filters: These are sophisticated filtration systems that eliminate pollutants and particles from air or liquids. They capture particles at the nanoscale level, including particles that are only a few nanometers in size.
- Air Scrubbers: These play a critical role in removing noxious particles from the air. By drawing in air and passing it through filters, air scrubbers thoroughly remove harmful contaminants.
- Ozone Generators: These devices release artificial ozone gas that chemically alters smoke particles and other pollutants. They typically run for approximately for 3–6 hours, completing their task within a day.
- Hydroxyl Technology: This advanced technology provides a reliable and effective odor-removal process that does not rely on oils, chemicals, or masking agents. Instead, it transforms air contaminants into harmless water and carbon dioxide through the creation of hydroxyl radicals. Able to run seamlessly in conjunction with other restoration efforts, Hydroxyl Technology can effectively remove musty and smoky odors from fabrics and surfaces while structural repairs are addressed.
Has Your Home or Business Been Damaged by Fire? Rely on ATI Restoration to Get Back on Track
When fire, smoke, and soot damage your property, ATI Restoration is ready to help. With our 24-Hour Emergency Response, our IICRC-certified restoration experts are standing by around the clock, every day of the year, ready to respond to your issue immediately.
Founded in 1989, ATI Restoration is the nation’s largest family-operated fire and smoke damage restoration and reconstruction company. We have built our reputation on quality workmanship, thorough communication, and swift responsiveness.
Contact ATI Restoration today to begin the restoration process and discover how we can help your property get back to its pre-disaster condition–or better!