Do You Need to Clean After a Fire?
The Importance of Cleaning Smoke Damage and Soot
In the aftermath of a fire, it is not just that visible damage in the property you need to remedy. There are other less visible damages and harmful effects, such as smoke damage and soot which will need a professional clean.
In this article, we will look at the importance of post-fire cleaning, how the damages affect you and your property and why it is a must for your safety and the restoration of your property to have a professional clean.
Understanding the Aftermath of a Fire
When a fire occurs in a property, it will leave behind not only charred debris and remnants, but also a mix of substances which are very harmful if not addressed.
Beyond the flames, there are two culprits responsible for more damages. These are smoke and soot.
Smoke Damage:
Smoke damage is a extensive force during a fire. It will penetrate even the smallest places in your property. Smoke particles themselves are microscopic and can leave residue on surfaces, walls, ceilings and even wall cavities and ceiling voids.
They can stay in the air after a fire and are not only unsightly, but will also have serious health consequences if not cleaned.
Soot Damage:
Soot is the black/grey powdery substances that remains after materials have burnt. It is made up of tiny carbon particles and other chemicals which can be highly toxic. Soot will coat all surfaces, furniture, appliances, electronics, etc, which will make them unsalvageable if left.
Now, let's look at some of the dangers that come from fire damage in more detail and why it's so crucial to have a professional clean.
1. Health Hazards:
Perhaps the biggest reason to clean after a fire, is to remove health hazards. Smoke and soot contain harmful chemicals, particulates and even carcinogens. Inhaling/contact with these substances will cause a large amount of issues, such as respiratory problems, skin irritation and even cancer. Vulnerable people are most at risk, such as children, the elderly or those with preexisting health conditions.
This is why a clean must be conducted, because the environment itself is dangerous if left unchecked.
2. Property Preservation:
After a fire, your property may appear lost with the amount of damages, however this is not true. Prompt cleaning can save items within your property. Soot itself is naturally corrosive, which means it can corrode material and stain various materials.
Cleaning will salvage the items that might otherwise have been lost.
Also, in regards to smell, a clean is always recommended before you have any building works take place. If you merely rip out walls, or plaster over fire damage itself, you will always be left with a residual odour that will never go away, furthermore redecorating over fire damage will still leave the toxic chemicals, residual contaminants and carcinogens in your property!
3. Insurance Requirements:
Insurance polices will require property owners to take reasonable steps to prevent further damage to their property after a fire.
This is why we always recommend getting quotes for cleaning as soon as the fire brigade tell you that you can enter the property after a fire.
Insurance companies will not pay out for the cleaning if you have left the property for a long period of time, as further damages will occur.
Getting cleaning booked in immediately is priority number one and we recommend calling your insurance straight away.
Professional After Fire Cleaning
Now we know the dangers of fire damage, we should look at the cleaning process and what a professional cleaning company will tackle when conducting the clean.
Step 1 - Soot, Ash and Residue Removal
The first step our technicans conduct, is the chemical wash down of walls, ceilings and floors. It removes contaminants from the wall and staining. This is an essential step before redecoration can take place, as it will drastically reduce smell. But it will also ensure that you are not breathing in carcinogens, chemicals and particulates that have bled through your new paint/plaster.
Please ensure this step is not skipped, never redecorate before a professional clean has been carried out.
Step 2 - Air Quality and Smoke Odour Removal
Smoke will naturally leave a unpleasant and persistent odour within your property. The next step our technicians will pursue is to greatly improve the air quality in your home and remove any lingering odours. This is done via ULV fogging and ozone treatment, which will target airborne contaminants with the goal to restore air quality back to an acceptable level.
The great thing about this treatment, is that it penetrates wall cavities and floor/ceiling voids. This means we tackle those inaccesible areas where smell could be permeating into your rooms.
Step 3 - Salvaging Possessions
Fire damage cleaning technicans naturally can assess items which can be restored as well. With the right cleaning techniques, our technicians may be able to save upholstered items, wooden items or even small sentimental items.
Cleaning up after a fire is not just about removing debris and restoring the visible damage.
It involves tackling the hidden dangers of smoke damage and making sure the odour is removed from the property.
Ignoring these aspects can lead to health problems, property deterioration and insurance complications.
Thus, following the steps above are essential to completing the overall recovery process.
Never conduct these cleans on your own, they can only be tackled by trained technicians who have the equipment needed for the job.
They have the knowledge and experience to ensure a thorough and safe cleanup.
Here at Emergency Clean UK, we can help get your life back on track and your property ready to be restored back to it's former glory.
Remember, the sooner you address the damage, the better your chances of minimizing the long-term effects of a fire on your health and home.
If you wish to book a survey for a fire damage clean, please press the button below and have a look at our service.