Burn Marks and Stains In Your Home

6/2/2017 (Permalink)

Fire Burn Marks and Stains

Even if burns are not very deep, fire can leave obvious visual blemishes across a home. Stains and burn marks can happen to any material, from wallpaper to wood to glass to laminate, and each of these materials and types of burns can require a different approach to clean up properly. This complicated burning result is why many companies fail to adequately solve the problem: they simply lack the training or equipment necessary to handle a broad array of situations. SERVPRO technicians are trained extensively and have access to a franchise supply of tools to ensure that every job gets done right the first time. We are also part of a national network for disaster mitigation.

Superficial Burn Marks
Many burns from fire damage  are, aside from their visual appearance, virtually harmless for the building in question. Aside from discoloration and perhaps a layer of smoke residue, these burns have done very little to degrade the material they coat. Typically, these are easy for our technicians to deal with, requiring only a thorough cleaning with professional grade detergents, hand tools, sponges, and repainting. Another issue, for a future article, explores the problems associated with smoke odors and how to eliminate their pervasiveness.
 
Smoke Staining
Some types of smoke may leave stains on various materials, especially when mixed with water. Here is where SERVPRO’s flexibility comes into play: smoke can be tough to remove without damaging many materials. To name a few materials, upholstery, wood, carpet, fabric, and tile grout all require careful attention to adequately and safely clean away the smoke. Smoke and soot can dig deep into a material, sometimes requiring thorough washing or dry cleaning to remove effectively. The nature of the smoke, whether it is wet or dry, is a key factor in utilizing correct IICRC best practices for restoration. We realize the acidic nature of this combusted residue and how pitting can harm many surfaces.

Deeper Burns
When a fire has burned around an object or surface, it usually causes both visual and structural damage. Materials are often heavily degraded or deformed, and discoloration is typically pervasive. Again, different materials can require different approaches, with flammables such as wood, fabric, and upholstery requiring especially extensive restorations or perhaps replacement.
 
SERVPRO of Limestone and Lawrence Counties is a local fire damage restoration company with national backing and resources. Call us as soon as possible after a fire at 256 233 4033.