Betanix® Xperts Fire & Smoke Damage

Fire and Smoke Damage

Having a fire damage your home is one of the most distressing events that can happen to a person. The loss of so many possessions and memories that you hold dear can be psychologically scarring. It may be a hard to face, but getting in there and cleaning up as quickly as possible is the best way to get some semblance of normalcy back in your life.

Of course, there is only so much that you can and should do on your own. Not only can it be harrowing to go through your damaged possessions but you also run the risk of doing more harm than good because of a lack of knowledge. It’s better to let an experienced fire damage restoration company handle the task. They’ll know what to do to eradicate all signs of fire and smoke damage.

We are happy to customize a cleaning program to suit your needs and your budget. Betanix® Professional Services handles all of the problems listed below, which are caused by fire and smoke damage. We utilize our exclusive mold resistant EPA approved products, EPA Reg: BETANIX® Jobsite 82971-1 and BETANIX® Pre-Moistened Wipes 72468-5. In addition, homeowner’s and businesses can minimize damage by using some of these guidelines:

Handling Smoke Damage after a Fire – Getting Soot and Smoke Out

Betanix® Xperts Professional Services will help determine which items can or cannot be refurbished, and provide estimates and services for thoroughly cleaning and deodorizing your home. Our services can save you money in the long run by eliminating the substantial expense of replacing damaged furnishings and floors. Most insurance policies will pay for our services.

Smoke odor may remain in clothing, upholstered furniture, carpets and draperies unless they are properly deodorized before cleaning. Floors underneath may be quickly damaged beyond repair by mold and mildew. During a fire, smoke can permeate walls and other surfaces and drift through household ducts, where it becomes trapped. If not properly removed, smoke odor reoccurs from time to time, especially during warm or damp weather.

Betanix® Xperts Professional Services use a process known as "thermal fogging." This warm chemical fog penetrates your home and walls just as the fire did, neutralizing the smoke odor as it goes. Consult restorers about smoke removal from ducts. They may use a chemical sealer to secure smoke permanently to the sides of ducts since these areas, with their joints and crevices, may be difficult to clean with conventional vacuum-and-brush methods. Consider replacement of attic insulation. Insulation may retain odors.

Preventing Further Damage

Be sure you have permission from your fire marshal to safely re-enter your home before doing so. Get the air moving. Open windows to ventilate areas. Install a fan to circulate air. Note: if there has been substantial water damage and the weather is warm, you will probably need to keep the windows shut and run a dehumidifier. In cold weather, your heating system is operating and the cold air will usually help remove the moisture. In this case, change your furnace filter daily until it shows no soot. Dry wet items as soon as possible. Use fans and dehumidifiers to dry carpets and draperies. Remember, Betanix® Xperts Professional Services, uses products that kill mold and prevent its re-growth. While minimizing cost in doing the work yourself, many problems associated with fire and water damage will not be eliminated and may cause more damage in the future.

Removing Soot from Household Textiles

Soot is oily and easily stains carpets, draperies and other household textiles. For this reason you must remove it before you attempt to clean or deodorize items. Betanix® Xperts Professional Services remove soot with a heavy-duty vacuum. We cover carpets after removing the soot to keep other soil from being tracked in during clean-up.

Cleaning Soot Stains from Walls

If possible, use a chemical sponge available from a cleaning supply company or some other non-water-based cleaner to clean soot from walls. Paint thinner or rubbing alcohol may work, but use with caution because of toxicity and fumes. Wear rubber gloves, open all windows and use an electric fan to increase ventilation while working. Wallpaper and wall coverings should never be exposed to moisture and may need to be removed entirely.