Fire Restoration: Types of Soot

3/23/2022 (Permalink)

A fire at your home or business is devastating and comes with a secondary problem — soot.

Fire Restoration: Types of Soot

Fire damage to your home or business is devastating. And what can make it worse is the soot that follows the flames. Soot is acidic by nature and can cause lots of damage as it continues to degrade metals, finish coatings and electronics until it is removed. Soot continues to spread until it uses up all of its energy, moving toward colder temperatures. A lot of the time, soot will travel to areas not directly affected by the fire.

The problem with soot removal is that it is sometimes hard to see. There are also different types that require different types of cleaning techniques.

Luckily, SERVPRO of Gainesville West/Alachua County West is familiar with all types of soot and have the expertise needed to make it “Like it never even happened.”

Before restoration begins, SERVPRO of Gainesville West/Alachua County West will test the soot to determine which type of damage occurred. The cleaning procedure we use will then be based on the information identified during pretesting.

Wet Soot - Plastic and Rubber

• Low heat, smoldering, pungent odor, sticky, smeary. Creates smoke webs that are more difficult to clean.
• Example: plastics, synthetics, household fires

Dry Soot - Paper and Wood

• Fast burning, high temperatures, heat rises and so smoke rises.
• Example: organic materials, wildfires

Protein Soot - Food products

• Virtually invisible, discolors paints and varnishes, extremely pungent odor. 
• Example: grease or food, kitchen fires

A fire is one of the most devastating events a person will face, whether it be at their home or business. Each fire damage situation is different, and each requires a unique solution for that specific situation. We have the equipment, expertise, and experience to restore fire and smoke damage.

For every type of soot there is, SERVPRO of Gainesville West/Alachua County West has a way to clean or restore you home or business.