Regardless of which type of smoke damage you’re facing, handling and removing it is crucial. Smoke lingers on and clings to your home and contents. It doesn’t just smell bad; it can also harm your health.
Types of Smoke Damage
Smoke damage can differ from one another due to different factors involved. Although the primary reason for various types of smoke damage can be attributed to the fuel source, these different fuel sources can produce different kinds of smoke that behave differently from one another.
Wet Smoke Damage
When fire is burning something like plastic or rubber in low heat, the smoke produced is dense, black, and foul-smelling. This is wet smoke.
Due to the fuel source burning, the smoke produced holds certain residues that make this type of smoke “wet.” This is also apparent when cleaning up wet smoke damage because wiping wet smoke damage tends to leave smears since the residues are transferred to the surface.
Due to the residue sticking to the damaged surfaces, the smell can linger for quite some time until it is professionally cleaned.
Protein Residue Smoke Damage
Protein residue smoke damage might be one of the most common types of smoke damage found in residential homes. This type of smoke damage arises from the burning of organic material, typically from burning food in kitchens.
When organic materials burn in low heat, the damage done by the smoke produced can be quite inconspicuous. Protein smoke damage does not leave any distinctive residue or soot.
However, kitchens that experience protein smoke often would have damaged or discolored paint or varnish.
Dry Smoke Damage
Unlike wet smoke damage that typically comes from volatile materials melting, dry smoke damage arises from the burning of dry materials that produce fast-burning, high-temperature flames such as paper and wood.
Dry smoke damage is the most common type arising from house fires that can cause tremendous loss and damage. Quickly controlling and extinguishing the fire will help the cleanup be much more manageable.
While wet smoke damage leaves a sticky residue on the affected surfaces, dry smoke damage leaves affected surfaces with a powdery texture from the burnt fuel source.
Unlike wet smoke damage, dry smoke damage can be easier to clean since the residues do not stick to surfaces. However, the powder and ash from this type of smoke damage can find their way to the smallest nooks and crannies.
It is vital to ensure that all of it is collected when cleaning up – or the smell will linger.
Oil Residue Damage
Oil residue damage is quite rare in residential homes because this is damage caused by smoke produced from burning oil or petroleum. It is very similar to wet smoke damage because the smoke produced by burning oil or petroleum can be very dark and dense.
The cleanup process is also very similar because this type of smoke damage leaves a very sticky residue that smears when being wiped.
Unfortunately, cleanup must be done immediately because the smell from this type of damage is strong and foul. Plus, the residue can eventually continue damaging the surfaces of furniture and upholstery if left unchecked.
Cigarette Smoke Damage
Cigarettes leave behind harmful and toxic particles and odors that linger in your home, on your furniture and contents. The smoke from the tobacco can also affect your HVAC as it spreads the residue throughout your home.
Unfortunately, cigarette smoke damage is not easy to remove. The smoke is toxic and acidic, containing gas and particles that are absorbed by surfaces.
The burning of different materials causes different types of smoke damage. It is essential to note the differences because the approach to cleaning them up can differ as well.
While dry smoke damage can easily be wiped off, cleaning wet smoke damage and oil residue damage is not as simple. The best thing you can do to alleviate the effects of smoke damage quickly is to call us as soon as possible. As smoke damage restoration experts, we can help to evaluate the smoke damage and restore your home once again.
Get Your Smoke Damage Removed by Premiere Restoration
We can remove the smoke damage, repair your building, and restore your contents. Premiere Restoration is certified by the Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration (IICRC) for Fire and Smoke Damage Restoration, Odor Control, and Water Damage Restoration.
Premiere Restoration is also a licensed Building Contractor in Minnesota, #BC760377