After a fire incident, there are consequences that result from the damage. One of the aftermaths includes that of damage caused by smoke. If the fire is put out early enough hence the part building is salvaged the building will sustain smoke damage. This damage should be repaired to make the place habitable and get rid of the smell.

Prior to embarking on cleaning the smoke, it is first important to understand the types of smoke in the building. It helps in coming up with the appropriate ways of repairing and replacing what has been damaged.

To make this possible, you will first have to contact the Miami fire damage attorney who will provide an adjuster who is responsible for assessing the extent of the damage. By doing so they are able to provide an estimate of the cost which the insurance company will compensate for the damage.

Get Help From a Legal Specialist

In as much as the insurance company is responsible to cover for the property damage caused, they are likely to find ways in which they can evade the full costs. For instance, the adjuster who works with insurance might look for ways to minimize spending and even redirecting the blame to the owner by naming referring to it as negligence.

A property damage lawyer comes in to help with any legal process as well as providing legal counsel where necessary. Moreover, they ensure that you receive the rightful compensation from the insurance company.

Smoke Damage

There are four main types of smoke damage which include dry smoke, protein residue, fuel/oil residue, and wet smoke. Smoke damage is caused by different circumstances such as the temperature of the fire, fuelling materials, and location. Understanding, in-depth, the types of smoke will help to get the proper materials needed for the repair and replacement of the damaged property.

• Dry Smoke

This is usually the result of fast-burning in high temperatures fuelled by paper or wood. Being a powdery texture, it makes it easy to clean. In addition, it does not smear when being wiped up.

Dry smoke can fall into cracks, tiles, and other porous materials. This means that the cleaning process should be thorough to get rid of all the smoke. Luckily, dry smoke doesn’t have a strong smell. Dry smoke can destroy wiring causing prolonged electrical damage as a result.

• Protein Residue

It is usually caused when organic materials evaporate on a low-heat fire. This smoke damage is invisible but it can, however, cause permanent discolouration of painted, varnished, or other finished surfaces. Though it is hard to identify the protein residue has an intense unpleasant odour.

The best way to clean this mess is using cleaning materials used specifically used for protein-based residue.

• Residue from Oil/Fuel

This is also known as petroleum residue. They are uncommon in ordinary households and businesses unless there is a storage of petroleum products within the premises. Petroleum residue is sticky, dense, and difficult to clean.

Cleaning is done using specialized equipment. Petroleum residue is strong and offensive. It causes damage to carpets and upholstered furniture. Cleaning should therefore happen as fast as possible to prevent further damage from occurring.

• Wet Smoke

This type of smoke damage comes from low-heat smouldering fires. It is fuelled by plastic and rubber materials. Wet smoke is usually dense and hard to clean. The materials produce more thick, black smoke and have fewer flames than their dry counterparts.

The residue is sticky and dense hence making it difficult to clean not to mention that it also smears to other places hence cleaning should be done using specialized equipment for efficiency to remove all the smoke.

Cleaning Smoke Damage

Cleaning smoke damage takes place in phases. First, should be is decluttering the home to keep things that have can be salvaged and throwing away those that are beyond repair.

• Assessment of Damage

Assess the smoke damage and begin the clean-up process. Every room should be thoroughly inspected and the extent of smoke damage taken. The ceiling should as well be checked since the focus is mostly inclined to the walls.

• Cleaning Equipment

After doing the whole assessment, choosing the right cleaning equipment. Ensure that there is good ventilation to allow free flow of air. Equipment includes; rubber gloves, chemical and/or dry-cleaning sponge, hot water, liquid soap and/or degreaser, smoke vacuum, goggles and masks to protect eyes and lungs among others.

• Vacuuming All Soot and Ash Off Ground

This should be the initial step where all soot and smoke particles are cleaned from the surfaces of the affected areas. Soot has detrimental effects on the health of people therefore care should be taken while cleaning.

• Cleaning Smoke Damage While Soot is Removed

This takes place in three stages;

First, the bulk smoke is removed using a soot cleaning sponge. After that using warm water and rag wipe clean the wall. A commercial soot cleaner will also help in removing the remaining soot. Finally, using a degreaser or soap in water scrub off the oil-soluble smoke and soot particles

Cleaning Smoke Damage Walls and Windows

Cleaning also takes place in three similar stages as discussed above. First removing the excess soots from the walls and windows. Next, remove the remaining soot using a commercial soot cleaner. Finally, using a degreaser, remove the smoke left.

Rinse the cleaned area thoroughly after you have finished. For the painted walls, repainting them after the smoke damage will make be completely renovated.

Final shot

Smoke, as one of the main consequences of an inferno, can be frustrating. But with the information presented in this article, you now know what is supposed to be considered smoke damage, which should make it easier for you to have an idea of what you are entitled to when it comes to insurance.

You also know that contacting an insurance lawyer is a no-brainer when faced with property damage of any kind. That way, it becomes possible to avoid situations where insurance companies try to bully you into accepting atrocious offers.

If you live in the Miami Area, you can always get in touch with an insurance claim lawer at Your Insurance Attorney so that we can offer you the legal services that you need to get the most out of your insurance package.