What is Salvageable after a fire and What Isn’t?

At STOP Restoration we know that a house fire can be a very intimidating experience. After the fire has been extinguished, you may be ready to rush back into the comfort of your home, BUT there is much more work that needs to be done after the fire department leaves. Fire restoration and smoke cleanup is still needed on your property to return your home and belongings to a safe, livable, and usable state.

What is Salvageable after a fire and What Isn’t?

Leftover soot from a fire will settle onto the surfaces of your home. The longer that soot remains on the surface of the walls, the ceiling, your furniture, and everything else in your home, the harder it is to salvage because soot is acidic in nature and can etch surfaces if left untreated for long. Soot can stain things like your carpet, walls, tiles, doorknobs, and other surfaces. Porous materials will often require specialized cleaning. Objects like this include:

  • Rugs and carpet
  • Window draperies
  • Clothing
  • Bedding and linens (blankets, comforters, pillows, and towels)
  • Upholstered furniture
  • Books and anything made of paper.

Solid objects made of metal or other non-porous materials can usually be returned to their normal state if acted on quickly. Some examples include:

  • Mirrors
  • Kitchen utensils, pots and pans, cutlery, drinking glasses and dishware.
  • Glass tables, wooden chairs, and other hard furniture.
  • Metal appliances

Smoke odor latches onto porous materials and can linger in a residence or business long after a fire occurs, unless everything is properly treated and deodorized quickly after the fire is extinguished. Most household sprays that you can purchase yourself will only cover up and not actually remove the strong odor permanently. Smoke will usually also invade your property’s ventilation system and if left untreated, odor may be a reoccurring issue, especially during times of the year when you use your heating or air conditioning or when humidity is higher outside.

How We Can Help with Fire and Smoke Damage Restoration

The experts at STOP Restoration of Winston Salem know that the fire damage restoration and smoke cleanup process need to begin immediately after a fire. Our trained professionals are experts in deodorization and are certified in smoke damage clean up through the IICRC. We are available to help with all your fire damage and smoke restoration needs 24 hours a day, 7 days a week and can be reached at (336) 203-0739.

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