Smoke and Soot Damage/exposure

You don’t have to have a fire to experience smoke and or soot damage/exposure. In neighboring properties, an old or faulty heating system can provide enough smoke or soot to be damaging to your property and your health.

Smoke and Soot can be extremely damaging to your home. It is equally as damaging to people’s and pet’s health

Smoke damage can affect many parts of a home or business, including walls, floors, and contents:

    • Hardwood floors

Smoke can seep into hardwood floors and weaken their structural integrity. They may need to be refinished or replaced.

    • Porous materials

Smoke can discolor porous materials like drywall, plaster, wallpaper, and paint, and the stains can become permanent if left untreated.

    • Appliances

Surfaces on appliances, porcelain, and fiberglass can yellow within hours if not addressed.

    • Carpet

Carpet that has soaked up smoke, water, or chemicals may need to be replaced.

    • Furniture

Furniture can discolor and yellow, and the finish on wood furniture can be destroyed.

    • Glass

Heat from a fire can weaken glass, making it potentially dangerous even if it appears intact.

    • Electrical wiring

Damaged electrical wiring can be a fire hazard, so it should be inspected and any melted or damaged wiring replaced.

Smoke damage to your HVAC system, Smoke can:

  • Get trapped in air ducts
  • Stick to ductwork
  • Damage air ducts
  • Spread throughout you home or building
  • Clog air filters
  • Contaminate the system
  • Leave a soot coating that can be a health hazard
  • other chemicals that can cause cancer and carbon monoxide poisoning.

Soot from a heater, also known as a soot puff back, can cause permanent damage to surfaces and your health if not cleaned up properly and in a timely manner:

  • Soot damage

    • Soot can etch and tarnish surfaces, and damage can worsen over time as particles settle into materials. Soot can also damage heater components.

  • Health damage

    • Soot particles can be toxic and inhaled into the lungs, causing respiratory problems like asthma, bronchitis, and COPD. Soot can also contain other chemicals that can cause cancer and carbon monoxide poisoning.