Dealing with fire damage in your home or business is probably something you do not want to do on your own. Luckily, it is actually recommended that you involve a team of Fire and Smoke Damage Restoration professionals, like our crew at Vortex Restoration. No matter the size of the fire or the amount of damage done, fire damage restoration is always a complex job. Many times there is also often water damage and mold damage from the process of extinguishing the fire, as well as damage to your plumbing and water appliances. So one already stressful and complicated restoration job has now turned into three! This creates a lot of work for someone to do alone, especially without the knowledge and proper training necessary to tackle the task at hand. If you are considering taking on the task of fire and smoke damage restoration on your own, here are four great reasons why it is best to put your trust in a professional fire and smoke restoration company, like Vortex Restoration.
Smoke and Soot Damage
Smoke and soot create tiny particles that are an absolute nightmare to clean properly without the right products and equipment. Conventional cleaning methods and products tend to make matters worse, embedding the particles into fabrics and porous surfaces and making them impossible to remove. This often causes the need to throw away personal belongings or replace fixtures that may have been able to be salvaged if handled properly. If smoke damage is not removed in its entirety, there is also a chance that your residential or commercial property will be left with a foul, lingering odor until the damage is eradicated completely.
Health And Safety Risks
It is common knowledge that smoke causes many serious injuries and fatalities during a fire, but did you know it can affect your health even after the fire has been put out? The chemicals and pollutants created by the smoke will remain in the property, making it a hazardous situation for those who are not trained in the proper procedures and don’t have the protective gear needed to keep them safe. Another health hazard is the water that may be in your property. Water spreads rapidly, and comes into contact with many unsavory things like chemicals, allergens, and even raw sewage. These contaminants can present bacteria, germs, and even bloodborne pathogens that can wreak havoc on your health. On top of that, if the areas exposed to water damage are not cleaned and sanitized properly, there is a risk that you can contract the illnesses or be exposed to bacteria long after the home or business has been restored.
The damage that was caused by the fire also presents its own physical risks as well. Drywall, flooring, and other structural components of your property may have been damaged or become weakened during the fire, and could collapse and cause serious injury.
The Risks Of Damage Left Behind
As we mentioned with the smoke and contaminants in the water, any sign of damage left behind can cause extensive damage over time. This is also true with water damage and mold damage, as these can eat away at their hosts without you knowing until the problem is out of control.
Experience And Equipment
Lastly, having the experience and equipment needed to complete the job will save so much time and money. There is no need to learn about the restoration process, or spend time doing jobs twice if they were not done properly the first time, and no need to pay for expensive equipment, tools, and products that you will only need to use during this process.
Get your home or business returned to its original state quicker, and with less stress to you in an already stressful situation. If you find yourself in need of fire and smoke damage restoration, contact Vortex Restoration. We offer 24/7 emergency services and will be there for you right away in your time of need.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I clean smoke damage myself?
You can handle very light smoke residue on hard surfaces, but most smoke damage needs professional cleaning. Household cleaners and regular wiping often smear soot and push it deeper into paint, fabric and grout. Odor also hides in drywall, insulation and ducts where you cannot reach. Professionals use dry sponges, specialty cleaners, HEPA vacuums and deodorizing equipment to remove residue and smell for good.
Why does soot smear when I try to wipe it off?
Soot is oily and very fine, especially from burned plastics, so water and normal cleaners spread it instead of lifting it. The first pass should be a dry chemical sponge or a HEPA vacuum, which removes loose particles without pressing them in. After that, the right cleaner depends on the surface and the type of smoke. Testing a small spot first avoids permanent stains.
Is it safe to stay in a house with smoke damage?
Usually not until it has been cleaned. Smoke residue can contain chemicals and fine particles that irritate the lungs, eyes and skin, and odor often brings on headaches. The structure, wiring and gas lines also need to be checked after a fire. Children, older adults, pets and anyone with asthma are most at risk, so stay somewhere else until the home is cleared.
What protective gear do I need to clean up after a fire?
At minimum, wear an N95 or better respirator, safety goggles, nitrile gloves, long sleeves and sturdy shoes. Soot and ash can contain heavy metals and chemicals, and debris may hide nails or broken glass. Professionals also wear disposable suits so they do not track residue into clean areas. If you are not set up with proper gear, leave the cleanup to trained technicians.
Can I paint over smoke damage on my walls?
Not without cleaning and sealing first. Paint will not stick well to soot, and smoke stains and odor bleed right through regular paint. Walls should be cleaned, then coated with a stain and odor blocking primer made for smoke damage, before the finish coat. If odor has soaked into the drywall or insulation behind it, those materials may need to be replaced.
What gets thrown away after a house fire?
Food, medicine and cosmetics exposed to heat, smoke or firefighting water should be thrown out. Burned items, mattresses and heavily soaked upholstery are often unsalvageable too. Many other things, including clothing, hard furniture, electronics, documents and photos, can often be cleaned or restored. Do not discard anything until your insurance adjuster has documented it, since it may be part of your claim.
Will DIY fire cleanup affect my insurance claim?
It can. If you throw items away before they are documented, or cause more damage with the wrong cleaning method, the insurer may question parts of the claim. Take photos of everything first and keep a written list. Most policies cover professional cleanup, so hiring a restoration company that works directly with insurance companies is usually the smarter move for your claim.
How do professionals get rid of smoke smell?
They remove the source first, cleaning or replacing materials that hold smoke residue, then treat the air and remaining surfaces. Common tools include HEPA air scrubbers, thermal fogging that reaches the same tiny pores smoke did, hydroxyl generators and ozone treatment in unoccupied spaces. HVAC ducts get cleaned too, since they spread odor every time the system runs.
How should I handle wildfire ash around my home?
Wear a respirator, gloves and goggles, and avoid leaf blowers or dry sweeping, which throw fine ash back into the air. Lightly mist ash and use a damp cloth or a HEPA vacuum indoors. Homes across Ventura County and Santa Barbara County can collect ash during wildfire season even far from flames, and heavy indoor deposits or lingering odor are worth a professional cleaning.
What does professional fire damage restoration include?
A full job usually includes board up and roof tarping, water extraction and drying, soot and smoke cleaning, odor removal, contents cleaning and packout, and repairs or rebuilding. Vortex Restoration provides fire and smoke damage restoration across Ventura County and Santa Barbara County with IICRC certified technicians who are licensed, bonded and insured, plus free estimates. Call 805-443-8055 any time, day or night.
