Building fires destroy or damage many homes and businesses each year. These fires may burn a structure down to the ground, but many others are saved with varying degrees of damage.
Structure fires can be devastating and cause property damage even to neighboring buildings not directly touched by flames. These building fires often produce a tremendous amount of smoke that can be carried some distance by the prevalent winds. The smoke is made up of a number of combustion by-products that may include ash, soot, char and other materials. These materials can often easily infiltrate a building and leave behind odors and residues while causing corrosion, etching and discoloration within the property.
This damage can cause indoor air and environmental quality concerns that could impact people’s health and even lower property values. While homeowners or property insurance may cover smoke damage, it is sometimes left to the property owner to provide proof of damages. Although the presence of visible damage can be obvious, other times it may require the services of a professional to prove the presence of residues, odors and other damage to such things as electronic devices that may not be readily apparent. These smoke damage professionals rely on their expertise and often turn to laboratory testing for proof of damages.
When smoke damage has occurred, it is important to begin restoration services sooner than later to prevent additional damage. The corrosive effect of smoke residues can begin to cause extensive etching, corrosion and discoloration as time passes. Preventing additional damage and removing odors and residues can be a significant challenge for most property owners as it must be done very thoroughly so professional help is often warranted.
Fire and smoke damaged buildings may also have mold issues due to the water used in fire suppression efforts and older buildings could have lead and asbestos that could become an issue, especially during demolition and repair activities.
These are just a few things to know about smoke damage to a property following a fire. To learn more about this or other indoor air quality, environmental, occupational, health, safety or property issues, please visit the websites shown below.
Clark Seif Clark [ Ссылка ]
EMSL Analytical, Inc. [ Ссылка ]
LA Testing [ Ссылка ]
Zimmetry Environmental [ Ссылка ]
Healthy Indoors Magazine [ Ссылка ]
Hudson Douglas Public Adjusters [ Ссылка ]
VOETS - Verification, Operations and Environmental Testing Services, LLC [ Ссылка ]
