Is your home still filled with the persisting smell of smoke? Are you worried about the hidden dangers of soot and ash affecting your health and your property?
Smoke damage can cause long-lasting effects on both, the property and the residents within. The smoke damage restoration process by Green Planet Restoration of LA brings about the thorough removal of harmful residues, improves air quality, and restores a safe living environment. Today, we look at the details of this process and how it is being implemented by Green Planet Restoration team for the houses damaged in California Wildfires.
Overview
Smoke damage refers to the harm caused by smoke rather than the fire itself. It can result in discoloration, structural damage to the property, and persistent odors. Common sources of smoke damage include fires caused by cooking accidents, candles, cigarettes, or wildfire aftereffects.
In the recent event of the California Wildfires, the burning structures left behind extensive smoke damage to many homes in the affected areas. The authorities are preventing residents from returning to their homes even after 90% containment of the fires. And the reason is the residual smoke, soot, and ash that lingers in the area and on surfaces that can cause harm to every living soul.
Types of Smoke Damage to Property After a Fire
Smoke damage varies based on the materials burned and the nature of the fire. Understanding these types can help in determining the appropriate restoration strategy.
- Wet Smoke Damage: This type occurs from low-heat, smoldering fires. It produces a sticky, thick residue that clings to surfaces and is difficult to clean.
- Dry Smoke Damage: As was observed in recent LA Wildfires, results from high-temperature fires that burn quickly. This type of smoke leaves behind a fine, powdery residue that can easily settle into porous materials.
- Protein Smoke Damage: Typically occurs in kitchen fires when food or organic materials burn. It leaves behind a nearly invisible residue with a strong, unpleasant odor.
- Fuel/Oil Smoke Damage: Less common in residential fires, this type of smoke comes from burning petroleum products. It leaves behind a sticky and odorous residue that is challenging to clean.
Initial Steps in Smoke Damage Restoration
When a restoration team arrives at a property affected by smoke damage, the first priority is to establish a safe zone. The structure for hazards such as weakened floors, electrical issues, or lingering embers is marked or patched up. Once the area is cordoned off, the technicians begin documenting the damage with detailed photographs for insurance purposes, including the images of the affected areas.
Process of Smoke Damage Restoration
After the initial steps, the technicians begin the restoration process. The following steps are undertaken:
Testing
Air quality tests are performed to check for airborne contaminants, including soot and ash particles. These tests make sure that the cleanup process effectively removes harmful residues. Additionally, surfaces are tested for embedded soot to determine the level of cleaning required.
Power Washing the Exterior
Ash and soot can settle on the exterior of a building and later be reintroduced into the home through windows and doors. Power washing removes these contaminants from walls, roofs, driveways, and other surfaces, preventing future contamination.
Air Duct and HVAC System Cleaning
It is possible for smoke particles to enter the HVAC system and disperse pollutants throughout the house. A thorough cleaning of air ducts, vents, and HVAC components is necessary to remove ash, soot, and other harmful chemicals. This step improves indoor air quality and prevents further circulation of smoke-related pollutants.
Interior House Cleaning
A complete interior cleaning is vitalto remove ash, soot, and smoke residue from surfaces. This includes walls, ceilings, floors, and other affected areas. Special cleaning solutions and techniques are used to eliminate stubborn soot stains and lingering odors.
Content Cleaning
Smoke damage affects not only the structure but also personal belongings. Furniture, curtains, sofas, carpets, clothes, and other items require specialized cleaning to remove smoke odors and soot deposits. Some items may need professional restoration services to restore their condition.
Health Risks from Fire Smoke Damage
Fire smoke damage poses many health risks. Those returning to a fire-damaged premises can face burning eyes, a runny nose, a scratchy throat, coughing, stinging eyes, and headaches. The smoke is not an ordinary contaminant and should not be taken lightly.
- Respiratory irritation
- Eye irritation
- Headaches
- Nausea
- Aggravation of lung conditions like asthma
- Cardiovascular issues
- Carbon monoxide poisoning
- Acute respiratory distress syndrome
People with pre-existing respiratory conditions, older adults, young children, pregnant women, and those with heart disease are most at risk. Lung complications may include bronchitis, asthma exacerbation, reduced lung function, and difficulty breathing. Cardiovascular issues include increased risk of heart attacks and irregular heart rhythms.
To address smoke exposure, leave the area immediately, wear a respirator mask, and monitor symptoms for severe respiratory issues.
Other Steps in the Restoration Process
After the restoration process is complete, remove damaged insulation. The insulation may have been contaminated with soot or moisture; it should be replaced to prevent health hazards and maintain indoor air quality.
Once the restoration process is complete, air quality tests should be conducted again before handing the premises of the property back to the owners. This final step confirms that all harmful residues have been removed.
What are the Benefits of Hiring a Professional Damage Restoration Company in LA?
Hiring a professional Los Angeles damage restoration company offers several benefits, including expertise, faster restoration, thorough cleaning, advanced equipment, insurance assistance, and health and safety compliance.
They handle smoke damage effectively, use industrial-grade air scrubbers, dehumidifiers, and cleaning solutions, and make sure the property is safe for occupants, minimizing disruption and preventing further damage.
The smoke damage restoration process is complicated and delicate at the same time. Handing it over to a reputed damage restoration company guarantees you won’t be paying for costly mistakes or oversights that could compound the damage.
Partnering with Green Planet Restoration of LA
Green Planet Restoration of LA specializes in residential and commercial fire damage cleanup and restoration. Serving Los Angeles, LA County, Ventura County, and surrounding areas, their certified team of technicians understands the complexities of fire restoration, addressing both fire and water damage.
Green Planet Restoration is available 24/7 to help homeowners and business owners recover quickly after a fire. Their expertise and commitment to quality restoration is the guarantor for safe restoration of the property with habitable conditions.
