Smoke Damage Behavior

2/11/2022 (Permalink)

The behavior of smoke can often complicate damages to your property following a fire. There are two different types of smoke: wet and dry. As a result, there are different types of soot residue after a fire. SERVPRO of Bethesda/Potomac and SERVPRO Chevy Chase/Silver Spring certified professionals have the experience and training in fire cleanup and restoration. Our certified technicians know the different types of smoke and their behavior patterns.

Our certified technicians will survey the loss to determine the extent of the damage due to the fire, smoke, heat, and moisture on the building materials and contents. Our certified technician will test the soot on the building materials to determine which type of smoke damage occurred. The following are types of smoke that can affect the restoration process.

Dry Smoke

Fast-burning, high-temperature fires caused by paper or wood are called dry smoke. Dry smoke can easily fall into the cracks or porous materials in your home or business. This smoke makes it relatively easy to clean compared to more dense smoke and soot residue.

Wet Smoke

Wet smoke damage comes from low heat and smoldering fires. Both plastic and rubber produce wet smoke when burned. These smelly blazes usually have fewer flames but much more thick, black smoke than their dry counterparts. Wet smoke residue is sticky and smeary.

Protein Residue 

Protein residue is produced by evaporation of material rather than from a fire. This residue is often caused by cooking fire incidents in the kitchen. This type of smoke is virtually invisible. However, this type of smoke can permanently discolor painted, varnished, or other finished surfaces. Protein residue damage has an extremely pungent odor, and if not treated, the unpleasant smell can permeate your entire home or business if left untreated.

Fuel Oil Soot

Fuel oil residue is not often seen in home and business fires unless petroleum products are in the space. Fuel oil residue is sticky, dense, and especially difficult to clean. Its odor is strong and offensive, which can ruin upholstered pieces of furniture when not cleaned properly. Furnace puff backs can create havoc for homeowners SERVPRO of Bethesda/Potomac & SERVPRO of Chevy Chase/Silver Spring professionals can, in most cases, restore the contents and structure quickly.

Other Types

Other types of smoke include tear gas, fingerprint powder, and fire extinguisher residue. Special loss situations require special care.

SERVPRO of Bethesda/Potomac and SERVPRO of Chevy Chase/Silver Spring professionals handle even the toughest losses. If your home or business suffers fire or smoke damage, contact us at 301-530-7400 or 301-588-2240 to make it “Like it never even happened.”