MORE ABOUT THE FIRE / SMOKE RESTORATION PROCESS
Everyone understands the destruction a fire can do. Diamond Restoration understands the damage that can be done after the fire is out. Much of the material found in furniture, flooring and appliances is synthetic. When burned, synthetics create a variety of complex chemical reactions. After a few days, these items go from cleanable to unsalvageable.
The professionals of Diamond Restoration are experts in understanding the chemical combinations that can effectively clean and salvage belongings. They can even remove soot from fabrics in upholstery, carpets and clothes, thus helping to avoid additional expenses.
We use the latest equipment and supplies in our four-step fire and smoke damage restoration process:
- Emergency pre-cleaning
- Content cleaning
- Content pack-out
- Wall and ceiling cleaning deodorization
- Understanding the Chemistry of Fire
The chemistry of fire is a series of complex reactions, sometimes involving well over 100 chemical elements. The many different substances that can fuel a fire and the different resulting chemical reactions that take place mean that fires may be very different in their cause, their composition and their waste. Mitigation professionals must understand the chemistry of each fire in order to react appropriately and to effectively restore the area.
Fires are classified into two groups: simple and complex. Simple fires result in complete combustion and are usually fueled by relatively pure fuel, producing no soot and only small amounts of gasses, fumes and smoke. Complex fires, on the other hand, are the result of incomplete combustion and are fueled by synthetic materials, including those found in many toys, carpets, furniture, clothing, plumbing and bathroom equipment. As complex fires cause the most damage and leave the most waste, they are usually those handled by disaster restoration professionals like Diamond Restoration.
Acids Cause Permanent Damage
In a complex fire, the acid gases combine with heat and water vapour and penetrate cracks and crevices. When the surfaces cool, the gases condense and form high corrosive solutions.
These solutions can permanently etch and stain many sensitive surfaces, including machinery and tools, precision instruments, household appliances, and marble, glass and aluminum surfaces. In addition, salts produced when acids mix with metal can cause further damage to a metal surface. An example of this is the corrosion on cars from salty snow and ice treatments.
Another common product of a fire is soot, which is comprised of carbon and other materials that are incompletely burned or oxidized. Some soot particles are dry and can be vacuumed effectively, but most are combined with grease and oils and can not be vacuumed. These situations require an alkaline solution that reacts with the oil or grease and releases carbon particles, creating a water-soluble product that can be washed away with water.
Other soot deposits, depending on their chemical make-up and the surface on which they rest, may demand physical removal with a putty knife or similar instrument.
Even though the chemistry of each fire may be different, the most important thing is to dry out the area as soon as possible to avoid further damage caused by acids and contaminants. A careful consideration of the materials and surfaces affected will then provide an understanding of the fire’s chemistry and allow for a targeted and informed restoration effort.
Fire Prevention Tactics
Fires can begin anywhere, but two areas in your home pose the biggest fire threat; the kitchen and the garage. You can reduce your risk of fire in these vulnerable places with the following precautions:
- Use only Underwriters’ Laboratory (UL) or Factory Mutual (FM) approved appliances and tools.
- Check regularly for frayed or worn power cords or plugs, and replace them immediately.
- Do not operate appliances, switches or outlets with wet hands.
- Never plug in more appliances than a socket is designed to handle.
- Do not store flammable items over the stove.
- Turn pot handles inward so children can not pull them down.
- Keep a fire extinguisher on a wall near the stove.
- Keep areas around stoves, refrigerators and dishwashers clean to prevent dust particles from igniting.
- Keep trash and other items away from the furnace or water heater, preferably stored in sealed containers.
- Check heating equipment annually.
- Store gasoline and flammables in tight metal containers, away from the house, never near heating equipment or pilot light.
Smoke and Fire Damage
In the event that smoke and fire do invade your home, it is important to take the appropriate action to prevent further damage. Here are some helpful dos and don’ts to aid in the restoration process. |
