Smoke Odors and Fire Damage Often Act in Tandem

8/23/2017 (Permalink)

Rely on SERVPRO to Restore Your Fire and Smoke Damaged Property in Southern McHenry County

SERVPRO's Many Proven Techniques Mitigate Smoke Odors and Fire Damage

Following a fire, early deodorization is essential as a follow-up to cleaning and odor removal procedures. Deodorization gives a clear indication of how effective an odor removal process is working. Deodorizing usually requires multiple techniques to produce the proper results. As a multi-step process, this helps to reduce cross-contamination of smoke residue. Odor removal should begin in the area where the fire originated.

Fire odors are caused by different sources such as soot, flames, contaminated materials that become damaged, all of which require different methods of deodorization. For a fire damage event in Southern McHenry County, your home or business may need a water-based deodorant treatment.   The purpose of this method is to counteract gas smells at the floor level and to keep them from becoming airborne. A compression sprayer is used, which is filled with a water-based deodorant and is then applied to the floor along with a safe odor counteractive chemical for the smoke.   Another deodorant process involves a time-release granulated deodorant that is applied to the floor. These specialized granulates release odor counteractants to reduce the intensity of smoke odors. Granule treatment should only be performed by SERVPRO because of the particular care that should be taken on different floor surfaces.   The last emergency deodorization procedure used is an odor counteractive spray or fog. This method is called “thermal fogging,” to recreate the conditions that exist during a fire. Tiny particles become deeply embedded into surfaces, just like smoke particles during a fire. Odor counteractant vapors will continue to work throughout the SERVPRO restoration project.   Of the varied deodorizing techniques, the first step of any odor removal treatment is to remove the source of the odor. The second basic step is to clean the area of residue. Removing odor sources and cleaning residues is perfunctory in every deodorization methods. During a fire, odors can come from some sources, both indoors and outdoors. Of course, HVAC systems must not be activated during these procedures, and quite often a thorough and comprehensive duct cleaning are needed.   SERVPRO of Southern McHenry County technicians are trained to identify and eliminate offensive odors. We have the training, tool and industry approved equipment to deodorize and remove offensive odors from a fire, water damage or mold. Acting fast can save your property even after fire damage. We are available 24 hours a day, give us a call – (847) 516-1600 and let us help restore your property to a preloss condition.