More Than Just Flames: All The Ways Fire Can Damage Your Home or Business | SERVPRO® of Kingston/New Paltz

11/19/2019 (Permalink)

Looks can be deceiving! Fire, smoke and soot WILL travel anywhere in the home, even the furthest areas from the fire itself.

Whether they occur at your Saugerties home or your Kingston business, fires are a devastating occurrence. Despite how often house fires occur, there is often a lack of knowledge regarding what their cleanup entails and what exactly is damaged when a fire breaks out. 

Though rampant flames are what most thoughts of fire bring to mind, flames are not always what causes the most damage. Smoke, soot and water damage go hand-in-hand with fires, and it is important to work with a restoration company that understands how to handle all of these things when seeking fire restoration. 

The Multiple Types of Damage That Fires Can Cause-

1. Smoke Damage Smoke inhalation is the No. 1 cause of fire-related deaths, and smoke damage is also one of the most severe ways a building can be impacted after a fire. Smoke can seep into everything, damaging furniture, walls, flooring and even jewelry. Even for areas not physically touched by the flames, paint discoloration, corroded appliances and unbearable odors are all common following a fire due to the impact the smoke can have. 

2. Soot Damage Soot is a pervasive, dangerous substance that can cover nearly any material in a layer of extremely hazardous film. Soot is the deposit that smoke leaves behind, which often contains many dangerous chemicals as a result of the burning of plastics and other materials. Not only can soot linger on items, but it can also infiltrate the ducts of the HVAC system in a home or business, leading to contaminated air quality that results in health issues. Because of this, getting professional remediation and restoration after a fire is highly recommended in order to remove any harmful soot deposits from the building. 

3. Water Damage Whether it is from firefighting efforts or automated sprinkler systems, water damage and fire damage are often intertwined quite closely. Not only can water damage result in more damage to susceptible items such as electronics, but it can also result in mold growth if it is not thoroughly and professionally removed. Though putting out the fire by any means necessary should always be the #1 concern, it is important that cleanup is done properly in order to mitigate as much damage as possible after the fact. 

If your home or business has been impacted by a fire, we are here to help! Contact us 24/7 for residential or commercial fire restoration.