Understanding the Fire Damage to Your Largo Home

5/2/2022 (Permalink)

Don't deal with fire damage on your own. Contact SERVPRO for remediation services right after the fire fighters leave for best results.

SERVPRO Technicians are Fully Certified in Remediating Fire Damage

Fire damage is a devastating event for any homeowner. However, understanding the effects of fire, smoke and heat can help you prepare better for the restoration process. 

After the professionals arrive at your Largo home after a fire damage incidence, they assess the damage due to smoke and the heat. It is essential to understand the difference between the damage caused by the actual burning of the contents and the smoke residue. SERVPRO technicians use different approaches to tackle the damage depending on the source of that damage. 

Damage Caused Due to Combustion 

Combustion is burning or material due to excessive heat. Technically, this ignition is the same as burning. The three components required for burning are fuel (the component that burns), oxygen, and heat. If these three components are in perfect balance, all the fuel is burnt, and no residue remains. Unfortunately, these components are not always in equilibrium during a house fire. In such a situation, the energy burns inefficiently, leaving a ton of residue in the form of charred surface and smoke. SERVPRO professionals use some of the best equipment and techniques to remove this type of damage. 

If the extent of combustion is extensive, there is a lot of structural damage, and the ability to restore a property takes a hit. 

Damage Caused by Smoke 

Smoke is generated by inefficient combustion, a hallmark of a house fire. It contains suspended particles, gasses, and aerosols. Gasses such as oxides of nitrogen and sulfur are also quite common in smoke. 

The particles in the smoke can be as small as 0.1 to 4 microns and can penetrate surfaces easily. Once the smoke particles settle on surfaces, it is often called soot. Once deposited on the exterior areas, the soot causes discoloration and blackening, which is typical of a fire. 

The soot particles often react with the moisture present in the air and generate acidic residues that are incredibly harmful to the surfaces. It often causes discoloration and corrosion of the exterior areas if not promptly removed. 

Seeking professional help as soon as possible is the best option to limit the damage caused by a fire. Call SERVPRO of Largo today at (727) 586-0060 to schedule an appointment.