The Behavior of Smoke

12/6/2017 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Chesapeake North, 757-465-9700

Following a fire, there are two different types of smoke, wet and dry.  As a result there are different types of soot residue after a fire.

• 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 Franchise Professionals 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 Chesapeake North Franchise Professionals are thoroughly trained in fire cleanup and restoration and know the different types of smoke and their behavior patterns.