The Different Types of Smoke

1/27/2017 (Permalink)

A fire loss can result in complex damages because of the unique behavior of smoke. A trained professional should survey the loss site to determine th

Your local SERVPRO of Orange County knows smoke can penetrate various cavities within the structure, causing hidden damage and odor.  Our knowledge of building systems helps us investigate how far smoke damage may have spread. 

Here are some facts you may not know about smoke:

Hot smoke migrates to cooler areas and upper levels of a structure.

Smoke flows around plumbing systems, seeping through the holes used by pipes to go from floor to floor.

The type of smoke may greatly affect the restoration process.

The Different Types of Smoke:

There are two different types of smoke- wet and dry.  As a result, there are different types of soot residue after a fire.  Before restoration begins, a SERVPRO of Orange County will test the soot to determine which type of smoke damage occurred. The cleaning procedures will then be based on the information identified during pretesting. 

Here is some additional information:

Wet Smoke – Plastic and Rubber

Low heat, smoldering, pungent odor, sticky, smeary.  Smoke webs are more difficult to clean.

Dry Smoke - Paper and Wood
Fast burning, high temperatures, heat rises, therefore smoke rises.

Protein Fire Residue

Produced by evaporation of material rather than from a fire

Virtually invisible, discolors paints and varnishes, extreme pungent odor.

Fuel Oil Soot – Furnace Puff Backs

While “puff backs” can create havoc for homeowners, SERVPRO of Orange County can, in most cases, restore the contents and structure quickly.

Other Types – Tear gas, fingerprint powder and fire extinguisher residue

Special loss situations require special care.  SERVPRO of Orange County are trained to handle even the toughest losses.