The fire is out but you have a sense that your home is not quite right? Or perhaps no amount of cleaning will put an end to the odd smells. Then there is the concern that what you are seeing is only part of the damage.
It is not in your head. Homeowners in the greater Charlotte area call on United Water Restoration Group to handle the fallout from house fires; we are at (704) 228-8888 whenever you need us.
Once a fire is extinguished, its work is not done. Smoke has a way of making its way into the walls and ductwork, your insulation and even your belongings, well past the burned zone. Much of it is out of sight until it becomes an issue. We put together this post to point out some of the warning signs.
Hidden Smoke Damage: Why It Is Overlooked
During a fire the air is filled with chemicals and minute particles from the smoke. They do not respect a closed door or a wall, settling in porous things and on surfaces one would not normally check, or going right through a vent. With all the focus on the obvious damage from the fire, the smoke damage is apt to be left alone. But there are telltale signs if you are looking for them.
Persistent Odors
A smell that will not be evicted is the first thing most people notice. Clean a room from top to bottom and come back a few days to find the acrid, burnt scent has made a comeback. That is indicative of smoke particles you cannot see.
Some things to watch for:
- An ashy or burnt odor after you have put in the effort to clean
- Smells that intensify with the heat or A/C
- Odours in a closet or cabinet, or coming from the upholstery
- Something chemical or sour in a room distant from the fire
- Mustiness where moisture and smoke residue have combined
Should the odour emanate from your vents, the smoke has probably entered your HVAC system.
Stains and Discoloration
You will not always see heavy soot to let you know of smoke residue. In some cases it is a more understated change in colour.
Examine the following:
- Any yellowing or browning on the ceiling or walls
- Colour changes near light fixtures, outlets and vents
- Windows and glass with a grayish film
- Grout, caulk or trim that has darkened
- Painted surfaces that are fading
When you find such stains in an area remote from the fire, it is a good indication of how far the smoke has gone.
Residue to the Touch
In a room removed from the fire, put your hand to a surface. If you can feel a powdery or greasy film, or a bit of soot, the smoke has been there. Countertops, blinds, the top of a doorframe and shelves are places where a normal cleaning will not get at the residue.
Symptoms of Exposure
Your house is not the only thing being affected by hidden smoke damage, those who live there can be as well. The residue and particles in the air are still off gassing chemicals.
If you are experiencing any of the below, take note:
- Coughing, a scratchy throat or nose, or sneezing
- Eyes that water or itch while in the house
- Headaches that subside once you are out of the home
- Allergies or asthma acting up
When the family is better for being outside than in, there is likely smoke contamination in the air.
What is Inside the Walls and Systems
You will not be looking in the wall cavities or behind the insulation where some of the worst of the smoke damage occurs. There it can corrode metal and wiring and seep odours back into the home. Dealing with that requires a technician with the proper equipment to get to the residue a homeowner can not.
Have an Expert Take a Look
Left to itself, hidden smoke damage will not remedy itself and with time it will take its toll on your health and property. An early assessment by a professional is the way to go.
We are a locally owned and operated company, IICRC Certified and fully licensed and insured. Since 2019 United Water Restoration Group of Charlotte has been in service to North and South Carolina. Our leadership has in excess of 50 years experience between them. We can have a same-day inspection and free estimate for you within an hour of your call, day or night, and we stand behind our work with a 100% satisfaction guarantee.
Any doubts about smoke damage in the wake of a fire? Get in touch with us at (704) 228-8888.