It’s Not Just the Flames that Do the Damage to Your Home or Business | SERVPRO® of Western Dutchess County

11/19/2019 (Permalink)

The flames from a fire are only one part of the damages that can occur during a residential or commercial fire.

Whether it’s at your Wappingers home or your Poughkeepsie business, a fire is a devastating occurrence. Once the flames are put out, the next step is often confusing at to what the cleanup truly entails and what kind of damage has really been done.

Horrible flames are what most of us think of, but the fire itself isn’t always what causes the most damage. Smoke, soot and water damage go together with a fire no matter the type, and it is important to work with a trusted and reliable restoration company that understands how to handle all these issues. 

The Types of Damage That Fires Can Cause 

Smoke Damage Smoke inhalation is the #1 cause of fire-related deaths, and smoke damage is also one of the most severe ways a structure can be impacted after a fire. Smoke seeps into absolutely everything, damaging furniture, walls, flooring, even the furthest rooms. For areas not physically touched by the flames, paint discoloration, corroded appliances and unbearable odors can all be expected following simply due to the smoke. 

Soot Damage Soot is an inescapable, dangerous substance that WILL 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. Hiring a restoration company that can also remediate your HVAC system and duct work is key to improving the air quality.

Water Damage Whether it is from firefighting efforts or automated sprinkler systems, water damage and fire damage are often intertwined. 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 removed quickly by a professional. In the right humidity and temperatures, mold will start to grow within 48 hours. Though putting out the fire should always be the first concern, it is important that cleanup is done properly and efficiently in order to mitigate as much damage as possible and to avoid secondary issues.

SERVPRO of Western Dutchess County has been the trusted, LOCAL fire and water damage remediation company since 1992. We have the certified professionals who will handle any remediation needed, in either a commercial or residential property and get you back to normal quickly. 

If your home or business has been impacted by a fire, we are here to help! We’re here to help, 24/7 and can make it “Like it never even happened.”