Different Types of Smoke/Soot

2/21/2019 (Permalink)

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, SERVPRO of Kirksville 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. 

When soot remains on an object, even if the soot is not visible, there will still be an odor associated with the soot. Often after a customer believes they have removed the source of a smell; the smell will remain.

Leave it to our professionals to come in and inspect your home for soot damage after a fire. We will be able to use our advanced cleaning techniques, combined with our deodorization tools to return your home to a preloss condition.

If you have any questions about the process of removing smoke odor from your home or business, please give us a call at 660-665-3390 today!