fire & smoke restoration

BEHAVIOR OF SMOKE

A fire loss is very complex because of the unique behavior of smoke. It is important to have trained technicians at the loss location. SERVPRO franchisees know their smoke!

• Hot smoke migrates to cooler areas and upper levels of a structure
• Smoke flows through 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

The first step at a fire scene is to calm the fears of those affected. Next, SERVPRO tests the smoke to see which of the following types of fire took place.

• Wet Smoke - Low heat, smoldering, pungent odor, sticky, smeary. Smoke webs are more difficult to clean
• Dry Smoke - Fast burning at high temperatures.
• Protein - Virtually invisible, discolors paints and varnishes. Extreme pungent odor
• Fuel Oil Soot - Furnace puff backs cause fuel oil soot.
• Other Types - Tear gas, fingerprint powder, and fire extinguisher residue are other types

PRETESTING

After the type of smoke is known, pretesting on the property is performed to determine the following:

• What can be restored versus what can be replaced
• The most effective cleaning method
• Conditions to the property before the damage occurred
• The full extent of the loss
• Eliminate needless replacements

Pretesting also allows the SERVPRO Professional to focus on saving precious items for you, and that is what really matters!